ANSC Feeds Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer highlights that anti-nutritional factors are compounds found in animal feed that can have adverse effects on growth and the absorption of essential nutrients. These factors can interfere with digestion, reduce nutrient availability, or even lead to health issues in animals.

For instance, certain anti-nutritional factors include tannins, phytates, and oxalates, which can bind to nutrients and prevent their absorption in the digestive system. This can ultimately contribute to deficiencies and hinder the overall growth and productivity of the animals consuming these feeds. Understanding anti-nutritional factors is crucial for formulating balanced diets that maximize nutrient utilization and animal health.

The other options, while related to nutrition, do not accurately describe what anti-nutritional factors are. Vitamins, for example, are beneficial and essential for growth, while natural preservatives enhance shelf life rather than negatively impacting nutrient absorption. Furthermore, byproducts that enhance protein quality are not classified as anti-nutritional factors. This distinction is essential for anyone involved in animal nutrition or feed formulation.