Theory question 103
Animal Nutrition(a) Mention five ways of preventing malnutrition in farm animals. (b) Discuss rickets in farm animals stating two points each under the following headings: (i) causes; (ii) symptoms; (iii) control measures; (iv) animals which could be affected. (c) Explain the term additive as used in animal nutrition. (d) State five reasons why additives are included in animal feed.
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(a) Any five: feed a balanced ration; feed according to age and purpose; give enough feed/avoid overcrowding at the trough; give clean water; give mineral licks and vitamin supplements; deworm regularly; supplement in the dry season; store feed properly
(b)(i) Causes, any two: deficiency of vitamin D; deficiency of calcium; deficiency of phosphorus; wrong calcium–phosphorus ratio; lack of sunlight
(ii) Symptoms, any two: soft, bent or bowed legs; swollen joints; lameness/stiff gait; retarded growth; soft beak in chicks
(iii) Control, any two: add bone meal/oyster shell/limestone to feed; give vitamin D supplements; allow animals sunlight; balance calcium and phosphorus in the ration
(iv) Any two: young chicks/poultry; pigs; calves; lambs and kids
(c) An additive is a non-nutritive substance added in small amounts to feed to improve its use, the animal's growth or health
(d) Any five: promote growth; improve feed conversion; prevent or control diseases (antibiotics, coccidiostats); deworm; improve palatability/flavour; preserve feed (antioxidants, mould inhibitors); bind pellets; improve colour of yolk/carcass
Two points under each heading in (b).