Theory question 107
Animal Nutrition(a) Write short notes on the following: (i) maintenance ration; (ii) production ration; (iii) balanced ration; (iv) malnutrition.
(b) Mention four factors normally considered when deciding the type of feed an animal should be placed on.
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(a)(i) Maintenance ration: feed just enough to keep the animal alive and healthy at constant weight, with no production
(ii) Production ration: extra feed above maintenance for growth, milk, eggs, meat, work or pregnancy
(iii) Balanced ration: feed with all nutrients in the right amounts and proportions for the animal's needs in 24 hours
(iv) Malnutrition: poor health due to an unbalanced diet – too little, too much or lack of a particular nutrient; shows as poor growth, deficiency diseases and low production
(b) Any four: type/species of animal (ruminant or non-ruminant); age and size; purpose of production (eggs, meat, milk, work); physiological state (pregnancy, lactation); cost and availability of feed; palatability; health of animal
Note each term in one or two sentences.