(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) physiological status of animal;
(ii) age of animal; (iii) purpose of production; (iv) availability of feed ingredients.
(c) Describe the process of preparing palm kernel cake.
(d) Give two differences between broiler starter mash and broiler finisher mash.
Explanation
(a) Explanation of Ration
Ration is the amount of feed/ diet that is given to animals daily / 24 hour period.
(b) Explanation of how factors affect feed formulation
(i) Physiological status of animal Animals of different physiological state will require different types of diet, e.g.
- Healthy animals need balanced, production or maintenance ration.
- Poor slate of an animal requires a fortified feed.
- Pregnant animals - Lactating animal.,
(ii) Age of animal
- Animals at different stages of growth will require different formulas ion of diet.
- Older animals require lower nutrients.
- Younger animals require higher nutrients.
(iii) Purpose of production
- Different breeds require different nutrient composition in the feed.
- Feed content will depend on the purpose of production which might be for lactation, egg production or wool production.
- Fattening/beef/broiler/growth will require higher energy and protein in the feed for efficient production.
- Higher energy and protein are required in the feed for traction, draught, work and transportation of animals.
(iv) Availability of feed
- Determines which ingredient
- Determines the nutrient
- Determines level of
- Determines the cost
- Determines the quantity
(c) Preparation of palm
- Seeds of palm kernel
- The seeds are roasted.
- The seeds are crushed
- The ground seeds are
- The residue is pressed
(d) Differences between Broiler Starter Mash and Broiler Finisher Mash
| Broiler Starter Mash | Broiler finisher Mash |
| Fed from day old to four weeks | Fed to broiler above four weeks |
| Higher protein content | Lower protein content |
| Small fine particle sized feed | big coarse particle sized feed |
| High energy content | High energy |
| High Protein | Low protein |