Final answer:
Vitamins are essential organic compounds in animal diets that support normal metabolic functions, cannot be synthesized sufficiently by the body, and prevent deficiency diseases. Animals require a balanced diet including both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins for health and reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vitamins are organic compounds crucial for maintaining normal metabolic functions in animals, including growth, repair, and overall health. In the context of animal management and feeding, vitamins must be provided through the diet because animals typically cannot synthesize these nutrients in sufficient amounts. There are two main classes of vitamins: (1) water-soluble vitamins and (2) fat-soluble vitamins. The animal diet should be well-balanced to provide these necessary vitamins, along with minerals and other nutrients required for bodily function and the maintenance of structure and regulation. Furthermore, the appropriate intake of vitamins ensures good health and reproductive capability, preventing vitamin-deficiency diseases.
Historically, the term 'vitamin' was derived from 'vital amine', under the mistaken belief that these substances contained an amine group; the term has since evolved but the misnomer remains. To ensure adequate vitamin intake, animal diets should include a variety of foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots, and lean meats, as these provide the necessary vitamins and minerals.