(a) Explain each of the following terms as used in animal nutrition: (i) balanced diet;...
(a) Explain each of the following terms as used in animal nutrition: (i) balanced diet; (ii) maintenance ration; (iii) production ration; (iv) malnutrition.
(b) State six effects of malnutrition on farm animals.
(c) Mention four nursery practices in the production of tomatoes.
Explanation
(a)(i) Balanced diet -A balanced diet is a diet that contains all the essential nutrients in the right quantity and quality for livestock feeding.
-The essential nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
(ii) Maintenance ration -This is the ration fed to farm animals in order to maintain the normal functioning of the body system.
- Maintains animals' body weight.
- Supplied to non-productive animals
(ii) Production ration - This refers to the ration fed to farm animals to enable them to produce animal products e.g meat, milk, and eggs.
- Supplies nutrients above maintenance ration.
(iv) Malnutrition - Malnutrition is a condition in which an animal shows evidence of nutritional deficiency.
- Malnutrition occurs when a ration does not Supply all the essential nutrients in the right proportion and quality.
(b) Effects of malnutrition on farm animals -Reduces productivity - Reduction in quality of animal products - Causes diseases e.g. ketosis - Reduces resistance to diseases - Loss of appetite/poor appetite Slow growth - Fatigue Could lead to death - Reproductive failure - Anaemia - Haemorrhage - Poor appearance - Dullness - Physical deformity - Loss of weight/emaciation - Nervousness - Stunted growth
(c) Nursery practices in tomato production -Watering/irrigation - Shading - Disease control - Pest control - Fertilizer application/manuring -Sowing of seeds Preparation of nursery seedbeds - seed trays/ seedboxes - Rogueing - Thinning Weeding - Pricking-out