Animal Nutrition | Jamb(UTME) Agriculture

Feed Nutrients and Functions:

1. Carbohydrates provide energy to animals.
2. Proteins are essential for growth, tissue repair, and milk production.
3. Fats supply concentrated energy and help in vitamin absorption.
4. Vitamins regulate metabolism and contribute to immune function.
5. Minerals support bone health and enzymatic processes.
6. Water is vital for digestion, temperature regulation, and metabolism.
7. Fiber is essential for gut health and digestion.
8. Macronutrients are needed in large amounts by animals.
9. Micronutrients, though needed in smaller amounts, are critical for health.
10. Water-soluble vitamins include Vitamin C and B-complex.
11. Fat-soluble vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
12. Calcium is necessary for bone formation and muscle function.
13. Phosphorus supports energy metabolism and bone health.
14. Magnesium aids in muscle function and enzyme activation.
15. Sodium and chloride maintain fluid balance and nerve function.
16. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.
17. Zinc supports immune function and growth.
18. Manganese is involved in bone development and enzyme function.
19. Copper is essential for blood formation and antioxidant defense.
20. Selenium works with Vitamin E to protect cells from oxidative damage.
21. Iodine is critical for thyroid function and metabolism.
22. Cobalt is important for Vitamin B12 synthesis in ruminants.
23. Potassium helps in nerve transmission and muscle function.
24. The amino acids, lysine and methionine, are critical for protein synthesis.
25. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism.
26. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) supports energy production and cellular growth.
27. Niacin (Vitamin B3) is involved in energy metabolism and skin health.
28. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is essential for metabolic functions.
29. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) aids in amino acid metabolism and nervous system function.
30. Biotin supports healthy skin, hooves, and coat in animals.
31. Folate is important for DNA synthesis and cell division.
32. Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell formation in ruminants.
33. Vitamin A contributes to vision, immune function, and skin health.
34. Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption and bone health.
35. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and supports muscle function.
36. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting.
37. Excessive fat intake can lead to obesity in animals.
38. Inadequate protein intake can cause growth retardation and weight loss.
39. Too much calcium in the diet can cause kidney stones or impaired bone health.
40. Mineral imbalances can affect reproductive performance.
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Feeds and Feeding:

41. Concentrates include grains and protein-rich feeds.
42. Roughages are fibrous feeds, such as hay and silage.
43. Legumes are an excellent source of protein for livestock.
44. Grasses are primary roughage sources in animal diets.
45. Silage is fermented feed stored in airtight conditions to preserve nutrients.
46. Hay is dried forage, typically grass or legumes.
47. By-products like wheat bran, rice husks, and molasses can be used as feeds.
48. Animal by-products such as blood meal and fishmeal are rich in protein.
49. Oilseed meals are good sources of protein and energy.
50. Cereal grains like maize, sorghum, and barley are energy-rich concentrates.
51. Protein supplements such as soybean meal provide essential amino acids.
52. Livestock should be fed based on their specific nutrient needs.
53. Feeding management involves providing the right feed at the right time.
54. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and metabolic disorders.
55. Underfeeding can lead to poor growth and reduced productivity.
56. Providing access to clean water is essential for efficient feed utilization.
57. Feeding animals based on their age and production stage is crucial for health.
58. Balanced feeding involves supplying the right amount of nutrients.
59. Feed additives may improve feed efficiency or provide health benefits.
60. Mineral supplementation is necessary when pasture or forage is deficient in minerals.
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Simple Ration Formulation:

61. A simple ration consists of a blend of roughages and concentrates.
62. To formulate a ration, consider the animal's age, weight, and production goal.
63. Protein sources include soybean meal, alfalfa, and fishmeal.
64. Energy sources like grains should make up a large portion of the diet.
65. Fiber sources help to ensure proper digestion and gut health.
66. Water should always be available alongside the ration.
67. A good ratio of protein to energy is essential for growth and milk production.
68. Vitamins and minerals should be included in the ration for overall health.
69. Supplementing the diet with essential amino acids improves protein quality.
70. Avoid sudden changes in the ration to prevent digestive upset.
71. Use a feed analysis to ensure nutrient levels match the animal’s needs.
72. A simple ration should be designed to meet the animal’s maintenance and production requirements.
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Balanced Ration:

73. A balanced ration meets all the nutritional requirements of the animal.
74. Energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, and water must be present in the correct proportions.
75. A balanced ration improves growth rate and productivity.
76. A well-balanced diet ensures healthy reproduction in livestock.
77. Deficient or excessive nutrients can lead to malnutrition or poor performance.
78. Adjust the ration based on the animal’s changing needs (e.g., pregnancy, lactation).
79. Balance forages with concentrates to ensure adequate fiber and energy intake.
80. Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus should be in proper balance.
81. An ideal balanced ration supports immune function and disease resistance.
82. Fiber should be included to stimulate rumination in ruminants.
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Common Pasture/Forage Crops:

83. Guinea grass is high in fiber and commonly used for grazing.
84. Elephant grass is a high-yield forage crop for livestock.
85. Giant star grass is suitable for tropical climates and provides good nutrition.
86. Andropogon sp. (e.g., napier grass) is a drought-resistant grass often used for fodder.
87. Calopogonium sp. is a legume that improves soil quality and provides protein-rich forage.
88. Grass-based pastures are a sustainable feed source for grazing animals.
89. Leguminous forage crops like Calopogonium enhance the protein content of the diet.
90. Forage crops need to be managed for quality and to avoid overgrazing.
91. Pasture rotation helps to prevent soil degradation and maintain forage quality.
92. Grazing animals should have access to a variety of pasture species for balanced nutrition.
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Hay and Silage Preparation:

93. Hay is made by drying forage to preserve nutrients and prevent spoilage.
94. Silage is made by fermenting moist forage under anaerobic conditions.
95. The moisture content for good hay is around 15-20%.
96. Silage should be stored in airtight conditions to prevent oxygen exposure.
97. Ensuring proper curing is important in haymaking to prevent mold growth.
98. Silage fermentation should last for 3 to 4 weeks for optimal quality.
99. Ensiling high-quality forage ensures better nutrient retention.
100. Additives like inoculants can improve silage fermentation.
101. Hay should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent spoilage.
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Different Types of Rations:

102. Maintenance rations are designed to sustain the animal's normal body functions.
103. Production rations are designed to meet the needs of growing, lactating, or pregnant animals.
104. Maintenance rations provide only enough nutrients to maintain weight and health.
105. Production rations must provide extra nutrients for growth, lactation, or egg production.
106. High-protein rations are often needed for growing animals or high-producing animals.
107. Lactating animals require additional energy and protein for milk production.
108. Pregnant animals need increased calcium and phosphorus for fetal development.
109. A growing animal requires a high-energy and high-protein diet for muscle development.
110. A balanced ration for high-producing animals requires careful formulation of protein and energy.
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Maintenance Ration:

111. A maintenance ration is designed to provide just enough nutrients to maintain body condition.
112. Maintenance rations prevent weight loss but do not support growth or high production.
113. Livestock on maintenance rations should have sufficient fiber and water.
114. Maintenance rations should be adjusted based on activity levels and environmental conditions.
115. Older animals may require a modified maintenance ration to meet their reduced energy needs.
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Production Ration:

116. Production rations should supply extra nutrients for growth, reproduction, or milk production.
117. High-energy grains like maize are often included in production rations.
118. Protein levels in production rations should support tissue growth or lactation.
119. Production rations are often higher in vitamins and minerals to support metabolic processes.
120. The composition of production rations must be adjusted based on the specific type of production (e.g., meat, milk, eggs).
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Nutrient Deficiencies: Causes and Symptoms:

121. Vitamin A deficiency causes poor vision and immune dysfunction.
122. Calcium deficiency results in weakened bones and poor egg production.
123. Iron deficiency causes anemia, pale mucous membranes, and lethargy.
124. Zinc deficiency results in poor growth, skin lesions, and reproductive problems.
125. Phosphorus deficiency leads to poor bone development and weight loss.
126. Protein deficiency results in poor growth, weight loss, and reduced milk production.
127. Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and thyroid dysfunction.
128. Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in young animals and osteomalacia in adults.
129. Selenium deficiency can lead to white muscle disease and reduced fertility.
130. Potassium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, heart arrhythmias, and poor growth.
131. Sodium deficiency can lead to dehydration, loss of appetite, and poor growth.
132. Magnesium deficiency causes muscle twitching and tetany.
133. Malnutrition may arise from an inadequate or unbalanced diet.
134. Malnutrition in farm animals can be caused by poor feed quality or insufficient intake.
135. Malnutrition can lead to reduced fertility, stunted growth, and increased susceptibility to disease.
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Correcting Nutrient Deficiencies:

136. Supplementing the diet with specific nutrients can correct deficiencies.
137. Providing mineral and vitamin supplements can restore optimal health.
138. Increasing the quality and quantity of forage can address protein and energy deficiencies.
139. Adjusting the animal’s diet to meet its specific stage of production is key.
140. Forage analysis can help identify specific nutrient deficiencies.
141. Feeding a balanced diet with adequate protein and energy will correct growth deficiencies.
142. Vitamin and mineral injections can help treat deficiencies more rapidly.
143. Changing to a more nutritious pasture or supplementing feed may improve nutrient intake.
144. Offering salt licks or mineral blocks can address mineral deficiencies in grazing animals.
145. Folic acid or Vitamin B12 supplementation can address deficiencies causing anemia.
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Identifying Various Feed Nutrients, Their Sources, and Functions:

146. Proteins come from legumes, animal by-products, and oilseed meals.
147. Carbohydrates are found in grains, roots, and tubers.
148. Fats are sourced from vegetable oils and animal fats.
149. Fiber is provided by hay, silage, and pasture grasses.
150. Minerals are found in salt, bone meal, and mineral supplements.
151. Vitamins are found in forage, grains, and oilseed meals.
152. Water-soluble vitamins are found in fresh forage, and fat-soluble vitamins in liver and fish oils.
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Differentiating Between Types of Animal Feeds and Their Formulation:

153. Concentrates are rich in energy and protein but low in fiber.
154. Roughages are high in fiber and low in energy.
155. Legumes provide high-quality protein and are high in calcium.
156. Grains are energy-dense but lack sufficient fiber.
157. Oilseeds like soybeans and sunflower seeds provide both protein and fat.
158. Animal by-products are protein-rich but should be used cautiously due to contamination risks.
159. Complete feeds are balanced mixtures of roughages and concentrates formulated for specific livestock needs.
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Relating Various Types of Rations to Different Classes of Livestock:

160. Maintenance rations are suitable for mature, non-producing animals.
161. Production rations are formulated for growing animals, pregnant females, or lactating animals.
162. High-producing dairy cows require a high-energy, high-protein diet.
163. Beef cattle on a growth ration need protein and energy to gain weight efficiently.
164. Broilers need high-protein rations for rapid growth and muscle development.
165. Layers require calcium-rich rations for egg production and shell strength.
166. Lambs and kids need high-protein diets for optimal growth.
167. Horses require a well-balanced ration to support energy needs for work or reproduction.
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Tracing Symptoms to Nutrient Deficiencies in Farm Animals:

168. Poor coat condition can be a sign of Vitamin A, zinc, or essential fatty acid deficiency.
169. Weight loss without a reduction in appetite could indicate protein or energy deficiencies.
170. Diarrhea in young animals might signal a deficiency in protein, energy, or minerals.
171. Reduced milk yield can be a sign of a protein or energy deficiency.
172. Decreased fertility may be caused by mineral deficiencies like phosphorus or calcium.
173. Lameness may result from deficiencies in calcium, phosphorus, or magnesium.
174. Poor growth and stunting can be traced back to inadequate protein or energy.
175. Reproductive failure in sows can be a result of insufficient energy and protein intake.

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