Page 119 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

level, physiological status of animal as well as environmental conditions. For
example, a lactating dairy cow must be given nutrients that will be sufficient to
satisfy maintenance needs and the needs to support production of an estimated
amount of milk yield. The same can be said when requirements are estimated for
animals kept for eggs and meat production. The requirements for different classes
for growth, maintenance and production are available in literatures and are used to
aid in selection of what to feed from the available feed materials.

The type of animal to be fed: When selecting material to use, one needs to know if
the animal has ability to consume and effectively benefit from that type of material.
For example, a pig is not expected to benefit from a diet of forages only. Likewise, a
cow could be harmed if given large amount of concentrate diet for a long time. This
is because too much fermentable carbohydrates in ruminant’s stomach can cause
ruminal acidosis. Ruminal acidosis is the condition associated with feedlot as well
as dairy cattle due to ingestion of large amounts of highly fermentable carbohydrate-
rich feeds which result into excessive production and accumulation of acids in the
rumen.
Nutritional value: Feedstuffs to be selected for use by the farmers must have good
nutritional values.

Cost of feedstuff: In livestock enterprises, feeding may constitute as much as 70%
of total running costs. It is therefore important to make a careful consideration of
cost when selecting the type of feedstuff to use. Prices of feedstuff may be compared
on the basis of their nutrient concentration and their effects on the animal when used
in the animal rationing.
Availability, handling and storage: Feeds selected should be available in an adequate
quantity and consistent quality. In some cases, the farmer has to store feeds, thus
storage of selected feed material is necessary. This helps in feed budgeting and
reduces the cost of feeding.

Palatability and physical form of the feed: Palatability is a sensory parameter and
can be best judged by the animals feeding on the material. It is a factor that will
enable your animal to take up sufficient feed. A palatable feed to a cow may not be
judged palatable by a pig. Taste, smell, form of feed and colour are among the factors
that may inhibit intake of the feed. Bitter taste and pungent smell could discourage
intake. Feedstuffs presented in colours that animals can recognise are consumed
more readily. Feeds presented as pellets to chicken are eaten more readily. For cattle
and other grazing animals, chopping helps in encouraging feed intake.
Anti-nutritional factors: Some feed stuffs contain anti nutritional factors that limit
their utilisation or demand some treatments before being used, for example, cotton

Student’s Book Form Three
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10/01/2025 12:31
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 108
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 108 10/01/2025 12:31