Theory question 108
Animal Nutrition(a) What is a balanced ration?
(b) If birds at point of lay were fed a ration/feed containing: maize meal - 65%, groundnut cake - 25%, fish meal - 5% and brewers' grain - 5%. Name the other feed ingredients that are essential which are not listed. State the importance of the ingredients you have listed.
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(a) A balanced ration is feed that contains all the nutrients an animal needs (carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, vitamins, water) in the right amounts and proportions for its needs
(b) Missing ingredients and importance: bone meal/oyster shell or limestone – calcium and phosphorus for eggshell and bones; salt – sodium and chlorine for appetite and body fluids; vitamin/mineral premix – prevents deficiency diseases, aids egg production; lysine/methionine (amino acids) – balance protein for growth and egg formation; water – digestion and body functions; (coccidiostat/antibiotic additives optional)
The ration listed lacks minerals, salt and vitamins.