What is the impact of stress on livestock nutrient requirements?

When livestock experience stress, whether it be due to environmental conditions, handling, or social changes, their physiological responses demand higher nutrient intake to meet increased metabolic needs. This increased requirement is necessary for several reasons, including supporting immune function, managing energy expenditure, and aiding in recovery from the stressor.

During periods of stress, the animal’s body enters a state of heightened activity in various systems, particularly those related to stress responses such as hormones like cortisol. This elevated hormonal activity can lead to greater energy and nutrient use, thus needing an increase in dietary intake to sustain normal physiological and health functions. Moreover, stress can negatively impact feed efficiency, often leading to changes in eating patterns which further exacerbates the need for more nutrients in order to maintain health and productivity.

The option that states stress decreases nutrient requirements inaccurately reflects the adjustments an animal must make during stressful periods. Similarly, the notion that stress has no impact on nutrient needs overlooks the physiological changes that occur, which require additional nutritional support. Finally, while water intake is crucial during stress, asserting that stress only affects water intake does not encompass the broader scope of nutritional needs related to energy, vitamins, and minerals that increase under stress. Thus, recognizing that stress necessitates an increase in nutrient requirements for recovery