Animal Requirements
Requirements Tables should be thought of as a guide Minimum requirement for an “average” animal Many factors affect requirements
What Affects Requirements? Species Breed Weight Body condition Age Sex Growth Stage of gestation Milk production Physical activity Environment Others (disease, stress)
Requirements Tables don’t include: Breed Genetic potential Body condition Environment, stress, disease, parasites Feed additives, etc.
Requirements By understanding these other factors Can make adjustments Month of cold weather Moving to a hilly pasture Excess body condition
Requirements Have four major components: Maintenance Reproduction Lactation Growth
Maintenance No productive functions Breath, move, digest, keep warm, etc. Weight
Maintenance What livestock animal is truly at maintenance? Mature gelding, no activity Mature ewe, after weaning
Maintenance
Reproduction Stage of gestation – last third Expected birth weight, number Includes development of maternal tissue and fetus Fetus has priority over maternal Body reserves may be depleted Deficiencies affect fertility, puberty
Reproduction
Lactation Greatest nutrient demands Amount of milk
Lactation
Growth Actual weight ADG (growth rate) Mature weight
Growth
Tables DM intake is not a requirement Used as a guideline Requirements both as: Concentration Amount per day ***