metabolizable energy
Quick Summary
In agriculture, metabolizable energy (ME) is a measure of the energy available to an animal from its feed after accounting for losses during digestion and metabolism. Chemical analyses of feed provide information on its components, including protein, fat, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, as well as various energy values like ME.12
The gross energy (GE) of a feed is the total heat released when burned, but this doesn't reflect nutritional value as some energy is undigested or lost as heat and gas. ME is a more accurate reflection of the energy an animal can actually use for bodily functions, growth, reproduction, or milk production. These energy values can differ based on the animal species.1
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