Theory question 105
Animal Nutrition(a) Explain each of the following terms as used in animal nutrition: (i) balanced diet; (ii) maintenance ration; (iii) production ration; (iv) malnutrition.
(b) State six effects of malnutrition on farm animals.
(c) Mention four nursery practices in the production of tomato.
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(a)(i) Balanced diet: feed containing all the nutrients (carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, water) in the right proportions and quantity for the animal's needs.
(ii) Maintenance ration: feed just enough to keep the animal alive and its weight steady, without production.
(iii) Production ration: extra feed above maintenance for growth, milk, eggs, work or reproduction.
(iv) Malnutrition: a condition caused by lack, excess or imbalance of nutrients in the diet.
(b) Any six: stunted/slow growth; weight loss; low production of milk, eggs, meat; poor fertility/reproduction; deficiency diseases (rickets, anaemia, milk fever); weakness and low resistance to diseases; death; poor quality products.
(c) Any four: preparing and sterilising the nursery soil; sowing seeds in drills; mulching; watering; shading; thinning/pricking out; pest and disease control; hardening off before transplanting.
Four separate nursery practices.