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Farm animals are fed diets for maintenance and production - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2022
Question 5
Farm animals are fed diets for maintenance and production. Explain the underlined terms. Maintenance: Production: A concentrate ration fed to beef animals has the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Farm animals are fed diets for maintenance and production - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2022
Step 1
Maintenance:
Answer
The maintenance diet refers to the amount of feed provided to an animal to maintain its overall health and well-being without any significant gain or loss in weight. This diet ensures that the animal's basic energy needs are met for vital bodily functions, allowing it to sustain its current physiological state.
Step 2
Production:
Answer
The production diet is the additional feed required beyond maintenance. It is used to support growth or the production of milk, wool, or offspring. For example, an animal may require an extra 1 kg of feed for every liter of milk it produces, ensuring the animal has sufficient nutrients to support these activities.
Step 3
State the function of protein in the diet of a beef animal.
Answer
Protein plays a crucial role in the growth and repair of tissues in beef animals. It is fundamental for muscle development and is also necessary for milk production in lactating females. Furthermore, proteins provide amino acids that are essential for various metabolic functions and support microbial growth in the digestive tract.
Step 4
State the function of fibre in the diet of a beef animal.
Answer
Fibre aids in stimulating rumination and the chewing of the cud, which is vital for maintaining the pH levels in the rumen. It helps promote healthy digestion and efficient feed utilization, reduces the occurrence of acidosis, and supports the maintenance of beneficial microbial populations in the gut, ultimately preventing constipation.