The most
common limiting factor in small ruminant production in nutrition requirement is
energy. An energy shortage will result in noticeable decreased in production,
reproductive failure, increased mortality, and increased susceptibility to
disease attack as well as parasites. The most plentiful feeds which are available
are the best sources of energy.
However, sheep and goats are often underfed.
Poor-quality pastures and roughages or inadequate amounts of feed are the primary
causes of energy deficiency in sheep and goat production. The major sources of
energy for small ruminants are usually pastures and browses, hay, and grains. A
total digestible nutrient is a broad term which is used to express the energy
value of a feed ration. As the amount of total digestible nutrient increases in
the ration, the rate of gain normally increases. Therefore, feed efficiency and
the overall performance are determined to a large extent by the level of total
digestible nutrient or energy in the ration. The percentage of the total
digestible nutrient still remains the most widely used method of evaluating
feed for energy to animals.
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