Fats have how many times the energy value of carbohydrates?

Fats provide approximately 2.25 times the energy value of carbohydrates. This is largely due to the chemical composition of fats; they are more energy-dense because they contain more carbon and hydrogen atoms and fewer oxygen atoms compared to carbohydrates. Specifically, fats contain about 9 calories per gram, whereas carbohydrates yield about 4 calories per gram.

This substantial difference in energy content is crucial for understanding nutrition, as it affects feeding strategies in animal husbandry and dietary formulations. Recognizing the energy value of fats compared to carbohydrates informs decisions on energy requirements for animals, especially in various production systems. Thus, the correct understanding of the energy density of these macronutrients is fundamental for optimizing animal health and performance.