What is the primary purpose of vitamins in animal nutrition?

The primary purpose of vitamins in animal nutrition is to facilitate metabolic processes. Vitamins are essential organic compounds that play crucial roles in various biochemical reactions within the body. They act as coenzymes or precursors for enzymes, which are necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

For example, B vitamins are involved in energy metabolism, while Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and maintaining healthy bones. By supporting these metabolic pathways, vitamins help ensure that animals can properly utilize nutrients from their diet, maintain overall health, and support growth and reproduction.

Other choices, while they may have some connections to vitamins, do not capture their primary role as effectively. Vitamins do not directly provide energy, nor are they primarily responsible for building bones or servicing digestive health, although certain vitamins can influence these areas indirectly.