Agricultural Science Notes Grade 9-2

Feed or Feedstuff

Any material fed to livestock, whether natural or artificial.

Categories of Feed

Feed may be classified as Basal feeds, Supplements, Concentrates, Forages, and Additives.

Basal Feeds

Energy feeds that are a source of carbohydrates and/or fats, making up 60% - 90% of livestock ration.

Supplements

Feeds given to animals to supply deficient nutrients, usually rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Concentrates

Feeds that supply primary nutrients, either energy rich or protein rich.

Forages

Crops grown specifically for feeding livestock, including pasture grasses and legumes.

Roughages

Feeds high in fiber and low in moisture, aiding digestion; grass is a good example.

Additives

Synthetic materials added to feeds to enhance productivity and feed conversion efficiency.

Balanced Ration

A ration that contains all necessary nutrients in the right proportion for the animal.

Maintenance Ration

A balanced ration that supplies energy and protein for physiological processes without weight change.

Production Ration

A balanced ration that meets both maintenance and production needs of livestock.

Characteristics of a Ration

Include bulk, palatability, familiarity, binding effect, laxative effect, and flavour transfer.

Important Pasture Grasses

Grasses cultivated for feeding livestock, such as Bermuda grass and Guinea grass.

Bermuda Grass

A common pasture grass scientifically known as Cynodon dactylon.

Guinea Grass

A pasture grass known scientifically as Panicum maximum.

Water Grass

Known as Paspulum rupers, it is cultivated for livestock feed.

Elephant Grass

A type of pasture grass known scientifically as Pennisetum purpureum.

Binding Effect

The effect of high crude fiber feeds that can facilitate digestion.

Laxative Effect

The opposite of binding; excessive laxatives can cause diarrhea in animals.