Feeding animals is not a chore livestock producers take lightly. The financial, health, and production gains from a good feeding program are essential to the long-term viability of an animal operation. Yet balancing a ration, or providing animals with all the nutrients each animal needs in the right proportions and amounts, can be an intimidating task. It is difficult to balance a ration by trial and error and can be costly if not done correctly.
Objectives:
- List the steps in balancing a ration.
- Use the Pearson Square to balance a ration using two feedstuffs.
- Use the Pearson Square to balance a ration using multiple feed stuffs.
- Develop a balanced ration for their Producer’s Management Guide.
Anticipated Length:
Three 50-minute class periods