Malnutrition In Farm Animals, Causes, Symptoms, Corrections

Hi, welcome to this hall on malnutrition in farm animals.

“Learn about malnutrition in farm animals, its causes, symptoms, and effective corrections. Ensure livestock health and productivity with proper nutrition and care.”

Table Of Contents

1. Meaning of Malnutrition in farm animals
2. Malnutritional diseases
3. Causes of malnutrition
4. Symptoms of malnutrition
5. Corrections of malnutrition
6. Revision Questions

See Also

• Routine management practices in farm animals
• Animal health management, signs and causes

Malnutrition In Farm Animals

Malnutrition is a condition in which an animal shows evidence of nutritional deficiency. It occurs when a ration does not supply all the Essential nutrients in the right proportion and quantities. In other words, it results when an animal takes in insufficient food or diet which is deficient in one or more nutrients like protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. This eventually results in nutritional diseases.

Malnutritional disease, their causes, symptoms and corrections are here below.

Malnutritional Diseases: Ricket and Osteomalacia

• Causes: Lack of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.
• Symptoms: Flexible and curve bones, soft-shell eggs.
• Correction: Add fish meal, bone or oyster shell to feed.

Malnutritional disease: (Perosis slipped tendon)

• Causes: Lack of chlorine, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus in diet.
• Symptoms: Chicken lie down on their kneels.
• Correction: Add vitamin B complex and Bone meal.

Malnutritional disease: Pregnancy toxemia

• Causes: Lack of sufficient energy ketosis.
• Symptoms: Loss of appetite intake by farm animals.
• Correction: Feed carbohydrate to animals.

Malnutritional disease: Milk fever

• Causes: Low blood sugar constipation
• Symptoms: Loss of appetite, bone meal and nervousness.
• Correction: Feed oyster shell or carbohydrates.

Malnutritional disease: Grass tetany

• Causes: Low blood magnesium
• Symptoms: Nervousness, galloping and convulsion.
• Correction: Feed quality grasses and legumes to animals.

Malnutritional disease: Baby pig Anaemia

• Causes: Low iron in blood
• Symptoms: Loss of appetite and nervousness
• Correction: Inject iron dextran into the blood.

Malnutritional disease: Night blindness

• Causes: Lack of vitamin A
• Symptoms: Inability to see clearly in dim lights.
• Correction: Feed with yellow Maize

Malnutritional disease: Scurvy

• Causes: Lack of vitamin C
• Symptoms: Lesion around connective tissues.
• Correction: Feed vegetable and fruits to animals.

Malnutritional disease: Beri-Beri

• Causes: Lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Symptoms: Lack of appetite, fatigue and loss of weights
• Correction: Feed with yeast, cereals and vegetables.

General Causes of malnutrition in farm animals

1. Poor quality feed
2. Improper diet formulation
3. Insufficient forage availability
4. Disease and parasites
5. Competition for feed
6. Environmental stress.

General symptoms of malnutrition

1. Weight loss
2. Reduced growth rates
3. Poor reproductive performance
4. Weakness and lethargy
5. Coat and skin issues
6. Weakened immunity
7. Decreased production
8. Abnormal behavior (e.g.,

   pica)

General corrections for malnutrition in farm animal

1. Provide balanced diets
2. Supplement with minerals and vitamins
3. Improve feed quality
4. Control parasites
5. Ensure adequate forage availability
6. Proper feeding practices
7. Monitor animal health
8. Training and education.

READ ALSO – Types of Fertilization in Animals: Meaning and Advantages

Conclusion on malnutrition in farm animals

Malnutrition in farm animals is a multifaceted issue that requires a proactive, informed approach. By understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms early, and implementing effective corrective measures, farmers can ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.

Proper nutrition not only benefits animals but also contributes to the overall sustainability and profitability of farming operations. Investing in quality feed, regular health monitoring, and modern technologies can help farmers strike the right balance, promoting both animal welfare and farm success.

READ ALSO – Types and classification of farm animals and their uses

In a world where sustainable and ethical farming practices are increasingly valued, addressing malnutrition is not just a necessity, it’s an opportunity to build a better future for agriculture.

READ ALSO – Types Of Mating And Gestation Period In Farm Animals

Revision Questions

1. What is malnutrition in farm animals?
2. List five malnutritional diseases of farm animals.
3. What are the symptoms, causes and correction of night blindness of malnutrition disease?