Feed

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Feed

Feed (/fi:d/), from the Old English fēdan, is a term used in the medical and veterinary fields to refer to the provision of nutrients to both humans and animals. It is a crucial aspect of nutrition and healthcare, as it directly impacts the overall health and well-being of the individual or animal.

Etymology

The term "feed" originates from the Old English fēdan, which means to nourish or sustain. It has been used in the English language since the 9th century and has since evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings in various fields.

Medical Usage

In the medical field, "feed" is often used to refer to the process of providing nutrients to patients who are unable to eat normally. This can be done through various methods, such as enteral feeding, where nutrients are provided directly to the stomach or small intestine, or parenteral feeding, where nutrients are provided intravenously.

Veterinary Usage

In veterinary medicine, "feed" refers to the food given to animals, particularly livestock. The quality and type of feed can significantly impact the health and productivity of the animals. Various types of feed include forage, which is plant material (mainly plant leaves and stems) eaten by grazing livestock, and concentrate, which is a dense form of feed that is high in energy.

Related Terms

  • Feeding tube: A medical device used to provide nutrition to patients who cannot obtain nutrition by mouth, are unable to swallow safely, or need nutritional supplementation.
  • Feed conversion ratio: An animal's ability to convert feed into weight gain. It is used in livestock management to measure the efficiency of an animal's conversion of feed into increased body mass.
  • Total parenteral nutrition: The feeding of a person intravenously, bypassing the usual process of eating and digestion.

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