Explain the term Ration as used in animal production
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Answer:
Because feed costs are the major cost of producing beef, making the most efficient use of feeds is of prime importance in determining profits. Rations must be properly balanced for cattle to use feeds most efficiently. Ration balancing is another management tool the efficient producer can use to maximize profits.
To begin ration balancing, some basic information about frequently used terms is needed. A ration is the amount of feed an animal receives in a 24-hour period. A balanced ration is the amount of feed that will supply the proper amount and proportions of nutrients needed for an animal to perform a specific purpose such as growth, maintenance, lactation or gestation.
Nutrients are any feed component or group of feed components that are similar in chemical composition and that aid in the support of animal life. Examples of nutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. Nutrient requirements are the amount of nutrients the animal needs for a specific purpose. They are influenced by many factors, such as weight of animal, sex, desired rate of growth, stage of lactation, environment and others. For beef cattle, nutrient requirements may be found in published tables, such as the "Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle" published by the National Research Council.