Calculation should include
- consideration of animal condition, health, age, stage, lactation, or gestation requirements
- amount of feed required for maximum production and efficiency
- recommendations from feed manufacturers and government agencies.
Teacher Resource: Feeding and Nutritional Management of Beef Cattle, Merck Manual Veterinary Manual
Process/Skill Questions:
- What informational resources can be used to gauge feeding programs?
- How are feed volumes calculated from National Research Council (NRC) tables or on the feed packaging instructions?
- How is stage of growth addressed by feed ingredients?
- What ingredients influence the amount of energy in the feed?
- How do physiological, dietary, and environmental factors affect feed intake?