(a) Write short notes on the following: (i) maintenance ration (ii) production ration; (iii) balanced ration; (iv) malnutrition. (b) Mention four factors no...

Answer Details

(a) Short notes

(i) Maintenance ration: The quantity of feed given to an animal that supplies only enough nutrients to keep its body functions going and its body weight constant, with no production (no growth, milk, eggs or work).

(ii) Production ration: The extra feed given, over and above the maintenance ration, to enable an animal to carry out production such as growth, fattening, milk, eggs, wool, work or reproduction.

(iii) Balanced ration: A feed (ration) that contains all the essential nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water) in the correct proportions required by the animal for maintenance and production.

(iv) Malnutrition: A disorder or poor state of health that results when an animal is fed on a ration that lacks one or more essential nutrients, or has them in wrong proportions (either deficiency or excess).

(b) Four factors considered when deciding the type of feed for an animal

1. The age of the animal.
2. The physiological state/purpose (growth, pregnancy, lactation, work, egg-laying).
3. The type/species and body weight/size of the animal.
4. The health condition of the animal and the availability/cost of the feed.