Determine the biologic value of protein. Compare the protein requirements of carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. Some amino acids also contain Sulfur and Phosphorus Protein digestion Protein in feeds must be hydrolyzed to dipeptides or amino acids before absorption across the small intestinal tract. Common functional proteins include muscle, enzymes, hormones, immunoglobulins Body protein is constantly being synthesized and catabolized.
Visceral protein provides protein in acute starvation, somatic protein in prolonged starvation.
Protein quality or biologic value is usually related to the supply of essential amino acids in the feed relative to the animal's requirement. A high biologic value protein source has a high ratio of essential amino acids to non-essential. Less protein needs to be included in the ration and less nitrogen waste is excreted with a high biologic value protein. Protein in feed may be unavailable. Overheating is a common cause of reduced protein availability in feeds because the protein is bound to fiber.