a) What is balanced ration ? (b) If birds at point of lay were fed a ration/feed containing: maize meal - 65°/ , groundnut cake - 25%, fish meal - 5% and br...

Answer Details

a) A balanced ration is a type of animal feed that provides all the necessary nutrients, in the right proportions, to support the growth, reproduction, and maintenance of an animal's health. It contains a mix of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water in the right amounts that are needed to meet the animal's nutritional requirements.

b) The other feed ingredients that are essential for birds at the point of lay are as follows:

• Calcium: This is an essential nutrient for the formation of eggshells. Birds at the point of lay require high levels of calcium in their diet to ensure they produce strong, well-formed eggs.
• Phosphorus: This mineral is essential for bone growth and maintenance, as well as for energy metabolism and other cellular processes.
• Salt: This is an important mineral that helps maintain fluid balance in the body, and is also necessary for proper nerve and muscle function.

The maize meal, groundnut cake, fish meal, and brewers' grain in the given ration already provide a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. However, the ration is lacking in essential minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for the formation of strong eggshells and bone growth. Salt is also needed to ensure proper fluid balance in the body.

In summary, a balanced ration is essential to ensure that animals receive all the necessary nutrients for optimal growth, reproduction, and maintenance of their health. The specific ingredients required in a balanced ration may vary depending on the species of animal and their nutritional requirements.