Introduction to Ruminant Production and Nutrition

Animal Husbandry

Management science of livestock production.

Ruminant

Even-toed, hoofed animals with four stomach compartments.

Rumen

First stomach compartment for fermentation.

Reticulum

Second stomach compartment, honeycomb structure.

Omasum

Third stomach compartment, absorbs nutrients.

Abomasum

Fourth stomach compartment, true stomach.

Domestication

Process of taming wild animals for human use.

Traditional Pastoral Systems

Livestock farming in arid areas with low rainfall.

Agropastoral Systems

Combination of crop farming and livestock in semi-arid areas.

Ranch System

Modern livestock production across various zones.

Selection

Choosing animals for breeding based on traits.

Phenotypic Merit

External physical features used in animal selection.

Progeny Test

Evaluating offspring to assess breeding quality.

Inbreeding

Mating closely related animals, reducing vigor.

Crossbreeding

Mating different purebreeds for hybrid vigor.

Upgrading

Improving native stock with purebred sires.

Terminal Crossing

Crosses produced are sold for slaughter.

Single Cross

Simplest form of crossbreeding between two breeds.

Three-way Cross

F1 crossbred with a third breed.

Food Security

Ruminants provide protein from milk and meat.

Source of Manure

Ruminants contribute to soil enrichment and biogas.

Draught Power

Ruminants used for transport and field tilling.

Source of Wool

Ruminants provide materials for clothing and fabric.

Rotational Crossing

Retention of selected crosses for future breeding.

Crisscrossing

Alternating two purebreeds in breeding generations.

3-Breed Rotation

Involves a third breed in rotational breeding.

Basic Nutrients

Chemical compounds for animal maintenance and production.

Water

Basic nutrient, 50-70% of animal body composition.

Sources of Water

Drinking, feed, and metabolic water sources.

Functions of Water

Saliva formation, temperature regulation, metabolic reactions.

Carbohydrates

Primary energy source composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen.

Simple Sugars

Basic form of carbohydrates, includes glucose and fructose.

Fiber

Plant material affecting digestibility and energy availability.

Volatile Fatty Acids

Produced during rumen fermentation; includes acetic, propionic, butyric acids.

Protein

Essential for tissue building; most expensive nutrient.

Amino Acids

Subunits of proteins, crucial for tissue repair.

Microbial Protein

Protein synthesized by rumen microbes from dietary protein.

Fat

Energy source, solvent for fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamins

Organic substances vital for animal health in small amounts.

Fat-soluble Vitamins

Includes A, D, E, K; important for physiological functions.

Vitamin A

Essential for vision; derived from carotene in plants.

Vitamin D

Synthesized from sunlight; important for calcium absorption.

Macrominerals

Inorganic elements needed in larger amounts for health.

Calcium

Essential for bone health; absorbed with Vitamin D.

Phosphorus

Important for bone formation; needs calcium ratio.

Magnesium

Co-factor for enzymes; prevents metabolic disorders.

Sodium

Regulates body fluid and osmotic pressure.

Chlorine

Major anion, maintains water balance.

Potassium

Essential for muscle contraction and cell volume.

Sulfur

Component of proteins, enzymes, and vitamins.

Micromineral

Required in trace amounts for health.

Iron

Transports CO2; stored in liver and spleen.

Copper

Key for enzyme synthesis and pigmentation.

Iodine

Regulates metabolism and reproductive function.

Cobalt

Essential for vitamin B12 synthesis.

Zinc

Supports immune system and skin growth.

Selenium

Antioxidant; protects cell membranes.

Roughages

Cheapest nutrient source; supports rumen health.

Grasses

Fibrous plants; includes Napier and Guinea.

Legumes

Higher protein; includes Calopo and Peanut.

Browse

High protein feed for goats.

Concentrates

Nutrient-dense feeds for high-producing animals.

Energy Feeds

Cereal grains high in energy, low in fiber.

Rice Bran

Feeding value linked to rice hull content.

Corn Bran

Lower fat content than rice bran.

Copra Meal

Good energy and protein source for goats.

Cane Molasses

Highly palatable energy source, low in protein.

Protein Feeds

Includes animal and plant sources for nutrition.