A routine is a fixed/regular way of doing something.

done repeatedly after a certain period of time

Feeding Practice

Animals are fed to cater for both maintenance and production requirements.

These are special types of feeding carried out on certain animals to cater for specific needs.

These include:

Flushing

The practice of giv ing extra quality feed to an animal around service time. In sheep it is done 2-3 weeks before tupping and 3 weeks after tupping.

In pigs it is done 3-4 weeks before service.

Importance of Flushing

It increases conception rates. It enhances implantation of the zygote.

In sheep it increases twinning percentage by 15-20%.

Steaming Up

Giving extra quality feed to an animal during the last weeks of gestation. In cattle it is done 6-8 weeks before calving.

Importance Steaming Up

It provides nutrients for maximum foetal growth.

It helps in the build up of energy for parturition.

It ensures the birth of a healthy animal.

It promotes good health of the mother.

It increases and maintains high milk yield after birth.

Creep Feeding

Feeding of young animals from birth to weaning.

Piglets

10 days old - introduced to creep pellets.

5 weeks old - creep pellets mixed with sow and weaner meals. 8 weeks old - weaning.

Lambs

Run with their mothers for natural suckling.

Bucks - introduced to succulent feeds and concentrates.

Kids

Meat goats kids suckle naturally.

Dairy goats, fed on milk artificially,

Given 0.5-1.25 litres up to the third week.

Introduced to concentrates at 3-4 months.

Weaned at 6-8 weeks of age.