(a) Explain each of the following terms as used in animal nutrition (i) ration (ii) balanced diet (iii) maintenance ration (iv) production ration (v) malnut...

Answer Details

(a) Explanation of terms

• (i) Ration: the total amount of feed given to an animal within 24 hours.
• (ii) Balanced diet: feed that contains all the essential nutrients (carbohydrate, protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and water) in the correct proportions required by the animal.
• (iii) Maintenance ration: the feed given to keep an animal alive and healthy without any gain or loss in body weight.
• (iv) Production ration: the feed given in addition to the maintenance ration to enable the animal produce (growth, milk, eggs, meat, wool or work).
• (v) Malnutrition: a disorder caused by feeding an animal on a diet deficient in, or having a wrong proportion of, one or more essential nutrients.

(b) Two uses of each animal product

• Honey: used as food/sweetener; used in medicine.
• Wool: used for making clothing/textiles; used for blankets and carpets.
• Horn: used for making combs and buttons; used for ornaments/decorations.
• Milk: used as human food/drink; used for making butter, cheese and yoghurt.
• Egg: used as food; used for hatching/incubation (and in confectionery and vaccine production).