(a) Explain the term ration as used in animal production. (b) Explain how each of the following factors influence feed formulation for farm animals: (i) phy...

(a) Meaning of ration

A ration is the total amount of feed given to an animal within a period of 24 hours (one day) to meet its nutritional requirements.

(b) How the following factors influence feed formulation

• Physiological status of the animal: pregnant, lactating or laying animals have higher nutrient demands, so the ration is enriched with more protein, energy and minerals (e.g. calcium for layers).
• Age of the animal: young/growing animals need a high-protein ration for growth, while mature animals need mainly a maintenance/energy ration.
• Purpose of production: animals kept for meat (broilers) are given high-energy fattening rations, layers are given calcium-rich rations, and work animals are given energy-rich feed.
• Availability of feed ingredients: locally available and cheaper ingredients are used, while scarce or expensive ones are substituted to reduce the cost of the ration.

(c) Process of preparing palm kernel cake

The palm kernel nuts are cracked to release the kernels. The kernels are dried and the oil is extracted from them by pressing (expelling) or by solvent extraction. The solid residue left behind after the oil has been removed is the palm kernel cake, which is then dried and milled/ground for use as a feed ingredient.

(d) Two differences between broiler starter mash and broiler finisher mash