a) Explain the term ration. (b) Name four classes of livestock feed and list two characteristics of each class. Distinguish between maintenance and production rations
Explanation
(a) Ration is the total supply of feed given to an animal in a twenty-four hour period i.e. the amount of food taken an animal per day.
(b) Classes of livestock feeds and their characteristics are:
(1) Basal /Energy feeds or Carbohydrate concentrates: (i) high in carbohydrates or fats (energy). (ii) low in protein. (iii) low in fibre. (iv). low in miner (v) highly digestible (vi) it essentially provides high energy.
(2) Protein concentrates: (i) high in protein (ii) low 13 carbohydrates or fats (iii) low in fibre (iv) highly digestible (v) low in minerals.
(3) Roughages: (i) very high in fibre( low in digestible carbohydrates and energy (iii) low in protein (iv) poor or low digestibility.
(4) Minerals/ Vitamins Supplements: (i) low in energy (ii) for growth and development (iii) low in protein (iv) largely aids food digestion ( low in fibre (vi) largely aids resistance to diseases. (viii) high in vitamins/minerals. (c) Maintenance ration is a type of ration given to animals just - to maintain normal functioning of the body system, the animal is neither gaining n losing body weigh. Such ration is usually supplied to breeding animals when they are not breeding. Usually it is supplied to dry or non-lactating animals when they are not lactating. Production ration is a type of rationgiven to animals - for purpose of production. Usually they are supplied in excess of maintenance requirements to produce meat, eggs, milk, wool, work, etc.