Overview of Non-Ruminant Nutrition

If you raise animals like pigs, horses, rabbits, or poultry that have a simple single-chambered stomach, you know feeding them can be tricky business. As a non-ruminant pet owner, you need to understand your critters’ nutritional needs and know how to meet them through proper diet formulation. In this article, we’ll dive into the basics of non-ruminant digestion and nutrition so you can optimize your animals’ health, growth rates, and production.

What Are Non-Ruminant Animals?

Non-ruminants are animals that lack a rumen, the first of four chambers in ruminant stomachs. Unlike cows, goats, and sheep, non-ruminant animals only have a single stomach chamber. Pigs, chickens, turkeys, horses, rabbits, humans, and fish are all examples of non-ruminant animals.

Since non-ruminants have simpler digestive systems, they require more concentrated, digestible diets. They can’t break down the complex carbohydrates found in grasses and hays that ruminants consume. Instead, non-ruminants need diets high in grains, protein sources, vitamins, and minerals.

Non-ruminants tend to eat more frequently than ruminants. Pigs and chickens eat many small meals throughout the day to meet their high-energy needs. In contrast, ruminants like cattle graze for long periods and then rest while digesting and ruminating. Non-ruminants also tend to eat more quickly since they have only one stomach chamber. Their fast eating, combined with fewer chewing repetitions, means non-ruminant diets must be carefully balanced and nutrients highly digestible.

What is Non-Ruminant Nutrition?

Non-ruminant nutrition refers to the digestive process of animals that lack a rumen, the first chamber of ruminant animals like cattle and sheep. Non-ruminants, such as pigs and poultry, have a simple stomach and a shorter digestive tract.

The dietary needs of non-ruminants differ from ruminants. Pigs and poultry require a diet higher in protein, amino acids, and certain minerals. Since their digestive system processes food more rapidly, non-ruminants need a diet with more concentrated nutrients. They also need a precise balance of amino acids, as their shorter digestive tract provides less opportunity for their microbes to synthesize certain amino acids.

To keep your non-ruminants healthy and productive, provide them with a nutritionally complete diet formulated for their needs. With the proper diet and feeding schedule, non-ruminants can thrive and support food production around the globe.

Unique Digestive System of Non-Ruminants

Non-ruminants like pigs and chickens have a digestive system quite different from ruminants like cattle. Their stomach only has one compartment, so they can’t regurgitate and re-chew their food like cows can.

Simple stomach

Since non-ruminants have a simple stomach, food passes through quickly in just a few hours. This means they can’t extract as many nutrients from their feed as ruminants. To make up for this, non-ruminants need a diet with highly digestible ingredients and supplements.

Dependence on exogenous enzymes

Non-ruminants also lack some of the enzymes that ruminants produce to break down feed, so they rely on supplements called exogenous enzymes. These enzymes, usually derived from bacteria or fungi, help break down starch, fiber, and protein in the diet so the animal can absorb more nutrients.

Higher protein needs

Because food passes through their gut so quickly, non-ruminants need a diet higher in protein, often 14-16% for pigs and 20% or more for poultry. Ruminants, on the other hand, can thrive on a diet of just 10-12% crude protein thanks to their unique digestive system.

Sensitive to toxins

Since a non-ruminant’s stomach is simple, toxins and anti-nutrients can pass through largely undigested. Their feed must be very clean, with controlled levels of compounds like mycotoxins, gossypol from cottonseed, and glucosinolates from canola meal. Ruminants, with their multi-chambered stomach, are better able to neutralize many of these harmful substances.

Non-ruminant animals cannot digest cellulose

Unlike ruminants such as cattle and sheep, non-ruminant animals like swine and poultry lack a rumen and cannot digest cellulose, a type of fiber found in plants. Instead, they require a concentrated diet high in nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Non-ruminants may have a less complex digestive system than cows, but with the right diet and supplements, pigs, and poultry can still be highly efficient producers of meat and eggs. Understanding how they digest feed differently than ruminants is key to formulating a proper nutrition plan.

Feeding and Nutrition Requirements for Non-Ruminant Animals

Feeding Requirements

Non-ruminants like pigs and chickens have different nutritional requirements than ruminants such as cattle and sheep. Unlike ruminants that can digest plant materials like grass, non-ruminants are unable to break down the cellulose in plants. They require more concentrated, digestible sources of nutrients in their diet. For pigs and chickens, the bulk of their diet should consist of grains like corn, wheat, and barley, which provide carbohydrates and protein. Soybean meals, fish meals, and dried whey are also good sources of protein for non-ruminants.

Protein Requirements

Protein is essential for growth, reproduction, and health in non-ruminants. Pigs and chickens require diets with higher amounts of protein, especially when they are young. For example, starter diets for young pigs contain 18-20% protein, while finisher diets for market hogs contain 15-16% protein. Laying hens also require diets with 16% protein or more to sustain egg production. Without adequate protein, non-ruminants will experience slow growth, decreased feed efficiency, and health issues.

Energy Requirements

Non-ruminants have higher energy demands than ruminants due to their rapid growth and production. Energy is provided by carbohydrates and fats in the diet. For pigs and chickens, the majority of energy should come from carbohydrates like grains, which contain starch. Fats can also be added to increase the energy density of the diet. If energy needs are not met, non-ruminants will not reach their full growth or production potential. They may also mobilize their own body fat and protein stores to meet energy demands, which is undesirable.

Vitamin and Mineral Requirements

In addition to protein and energy, non-ruminants require certain vitamins and minerals in their diet for health, growth, and reproduction. Common nutritional deficiencies in non-ruminants include calcium, phosphorus, salt, and various B vitamins. Commercial diets for non-ruminants are usually fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiencies. Providing the proper nutrition and balanced diet is key to raising healthy and productive non-ruminants.

Types of Non-Ruminant Animals & their Nutritional Requirements

Non-ruminant animals have a simple stomach with different nutritional requirements than ruminants. They need concentrated, protein-rich diets tailored to their species and production stage. Careful diet formulation and feeding management are needed to meet the nutritional needs.

Pigs

Pigs, also known as swine, are non-ruminant omnivores that require a diet high in energy and protein. The majority of commercial pig feed consists of grains like corn and soybean meal, along with supplements of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Pigs require diets higher in protein, especially the amino acids lysine and methionine, than ruminants. They also need more B vitamins and certain minerals like phosphorus.

Poultry

Chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other types of poultry are non-ruminant birds that consume protein- and energy-dense diets. The primary ingredients in poultry feed are grains like corn and wheat, along with soybean meal. Poultry requires higher levels of certain amino acids like methionine, as well as calcium for egg-laying hens. They also need more vitamin B12, biotin, and niacin than ruminants.

Aquaculture

Fish and other aquatic livestock like shrimp are non-ruminant species with very specific nutritional requirements. Diets for carnivorous fish contain high amounts of fish meal and fish oil, providing protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Herbivorous fish like tilapia require more plant-based ingredients and fiber. All fish need certain B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals added to their feed. The nutritional needs of fish vary greatly depending on the species, life stage, and environment.

Horses

Horses are non-ruminant herbivores with a simple stomach. They require high-quality forage and a balanced diet of grains, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Horses should be fed based on their age, size, and activity level. Their diet typically contains grass hays, legume hays, and grain mixes.

Companion Animals

Dogs and cats are popular companion animals and are classified as non-ruminants. They require a balanced diet of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to maintain health. Commercial pet foods are commonly made from ingredients like corn, wheat, rice, and soybean meal, along with animal byproducts. Cats, being obligate carnivores, require higher levels of animal-based protein in their diet. Both dogs and cats should be provided with constant access to fresh, clean water.

As you can see, while non-ruminant animals have some similarities in their nutritional requirements, each species has a unique set of needs that must be met to support health, growth, and productivity. By providing the proper balance of energy, protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for the specific type of animal, producers can maximize the success and efficiency of their operations.

Formulating Optimal Non-Ruminant Diets

To formulate the best diet for non-ruminants like pigs and poultry, you need to consider their nutritional requirements and balance the right ingredients. Unlike ruminants, non-ruminants have a simple stomach and limited ability to synthesize certain nutrients on their own.

Provide protein sources

The primary component in any non-ruminant diet is a good source of protein. Common protein sources include:

• Soybean meal: A plant-based protein high in lysine, an essential amino acid for non-ruminants.
• Fish meal: A highly digestible animal-based protein that provides omega-3 fatty acids.
• Meat and bone meal: Provides a balance of protein, fat, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

For most non-ruminants, plant-based proteins should make up the majority of the diet. You’ll want to use a variety of protein sources to ensure all essential amino acid requirements are met.

Add carbohydrate and fat

In addition to protein, non-ruminant diets require carbohydrates and fats for energy. Grains like corn, barley, and wheat are excellent sources of carbohydrates. Vegetable oils, animal fats, and flaxseed provide dietary fat. The amount of each will depend on the animal and its stage of growth.

Provide essential minerals and vitamins

Unlike ruminants, non-ruminants cannot synthesize certain vitamins and minerals on their own and require dietary supplementation. Provide a premix that includes essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and chloride, as well as vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins. You may also need to add specific minerals like zinc or copper, depending on your local environment.

Consider growth stage and needs

The nutritional needs of non-ruminants vary based on age and stage of growth. Adjust protein, energy, mineral, and vitamin levels according to whether the animal is a young, growing piglet or chick, a breeding female, or an adult. Meeting these changing needs at each stage of life will support optimal health, growth, and reproduction.

Following these guidelines will help you formulate a complete diet for your non-ruminant livestock. Be sure to also consider the local availability of ingredients and always follow the recommendation of a qualified nutritionist. By providing the right mix of high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and supplements, you’ll keep your pigs, poultry, and other non-ruminants healthy and productive.

Difference Between Ruminant and Non-ruminant Animals

Digestive system

The major difference between ruminants and non-ruminants lies in their digestive system. Ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to digest plant material. Their stomach has chambers called the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen contains bacteria and protozoa that help break down plant fiber through fermentation. Non-ruminants, such as pigs and chickens, have a simpler single-chambered stomach and a shorter digestive tract. They are unable to break down cellulose and must eat a diet higher in nutrients.

Diet

Due to their different digestive systems, ruminants and non-ruminants have different dietary requirements. Ruminants can survive on a diet of grasses, hays, and plant materials. Non-ruminants require more concentrated, nutrient-dense feeds like grains to meet their nutritional needs. Pigs and chickens need diets high in grains, protein meals, fats, and supplemental vitamins and minerals. If fed a primarily plant-based diet, non-ruminants would not get enough nutrients.

Metabolism

The digestive processes of ruminants and non-ruminants also lead to differences in their metabolism. Ruminants break down plant fibers into volatile fatty acids that they can use as an energy source. This allows ruminants to gain energy and nutrients from fibrous feeds. Non-ruminants lack this ability, so they must get their energy from more digestible carbohydrates and fats. Non-ruminants also tend to deposit more fat, as they are less efficient at converting feed into muscle.

In summary, while all animals require essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, how they obtain those nutrients differs significantly between ruminants and non-ruminants based on their digestive anatomy and physiology. Providing the appropriate diet for each type of animal is key to their health, productivity, and well-being.

Conclusion

This is an overview of non-ruminant nutrition to help you better understand the dietary needs of your pigs, chickens, ducks, and other monogastric livestock. As we’ve discussed, the digestive system and nutritional requirements of non-ruminants differ quite a bit from those of ruminants like cows and sheep. Knowing what feeds provide the right balance of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals is key to raising healthy and productive animals. The right nutrition also impacts meat quality. So, now that you’re armed with the basics, you can fine-tune your feeding program. Just remember, variety is important, feed quality matters and changes should be gradual. Monitor your animals and adjust as needed. With a good nutritional foundation, your non-ruminants will thrive.