Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

The total protein contained in a feed is referred to as what type of protein?

1. Feed protein

2. Crude protein

3. Digestible protein

4. Metabolizable protein

The correct answer is: Crude protein

The total protein contained in a feed is referred to as crude protein. This measurement is important because it provides an estimate of the overall protein content in the feed, which is derived from both true protein (the actual protein content) and non-protein nitrogen sources. The crude protein figure is typically calculated based on the nitrogen content of the feed, using a standard conversion factor, allowing nutritionists to assess the protein value of various feedstuffs effectively. Understanding crude protein is crucial for livestock management because it helps producers formulate diets that meet the nutritional needs of the animals, ensuring they receive adequate protein for growth, reproduction, and overall health. Unlike other types of protein, such as digestible protein or metabolizable protein, which focus on the protein's availability and utilization in the animal's body, crude protein gives a generally good starting point for evaluating the nutritional profile of feed.