Contributions of animal nutrition to nutrition science

Animal nutrition has advanced remarkably over the past 50 years. In this review, the contributions of animal nutrition to the broader understanding of the science of nutrition are highlighted with an emphasis on research undertaken by Australian scientists to celebrate the founding of the Nutrition Society of Australia in 1975. Coverage is confined to selected topics that should be of interest to human nutritionists as well as those whose primary interest is in the nutrition of livestock and other non-human animal species. Experiments with animals have been crucial for determining and quantifying nutrient requirements and identifying the impacts of nutrient deficiencies for humans. All species have microbiota throughout their gastrointestinal tract, and fermentation by the microbiota plays an important role in health, welfare and productivity. Pioneering studies of the rumen microflora have been central to our understanding of ruminant nutrition and have led the way in unravelling the role of the gut microflora in other species including man. Formulating pig and poultry diets using digestible amino acid concentrations has produced considerable benefits when coupled with the ideal protein concept. The success of this approach has informed the adoption of the digestible indispensable amino acid score in human nutrition. These advances in animal nutrition have been largely facilitated by developments in quantitative nutrition and ensure the sustainability of animal agriculture in the production of nutritious human food.