Fat and oils provide how many times more energy than carbohydrates?

Fat and oils provide approximately 2.25 times more energy than carbohydrates. This high energy yield is primarily due to the chemical structure of fats, which are composed of long chains of hydrocarbons. These chains are more energy-dense than the simpler sugar molecules found in carbohydrates. While carbohydrates provide about 4 calories per gram, fats yield around 9 calories per gram. Therefore, when comparing the energy content, fats and oils deliver significantly more energy, making them an essential energy source in both animal and human nutrition. This difference is crucial for understanding dietary needs and how various nutrients contribute to energy balance in livestock management and animal production.