In a feed digestibility trial, two ruminant animals were each given 15 of dry feed. The dry mass of the manure was determined. The results are shown below. 2.5.1 Determine the digestibility coefficient of the feed in ANIMAL B.

$$\text{Dry mass of feed digested} = \text{Dry mass of feed consumed} - \text{Dry mass of manure}$$ $$\text{Dry mass of feed digested} = 15 \text{ kg} - 9 \text{ kg} = 6 \text{ kg}$$

$$\text{Digestibility Coefficient} (\%) = \frac{\text{Dry mass of feed digested}}{\text{Dry mass of feed consumed}} \times 100$$ $$\text{Digestibility Coefficient} (\%) = \frac{6 \text{ kg}}{15 \text{ kg}} \times 100$$ $$\text{Digestibility Coefficient} (\%) = 0.4 \times 100$$ \text{Digestibility Coefficient} (\%) = \boxed{\text{40%}}

2.5.2 Suggest the implication of the feed in QUESTION 2.5.1.

The digestibility coefficient of 40% for Animal B indicates that the feed is of low digestibility or poor quality for this animal. This means a large portion of the feed's nutrients is not absorbed by the animal and is instead excreted as manure, leading to inefficient nutrient utilization.

2.5.3 Deduce TWO animal related factors that might have influenced the digestibility of the feed given to ANIMAL A and ANIMAL B.

Two animal-related factors that might have influenced digestibility are:

• Age of the animal: Younger or older animals may have different digestive efficiencies compared to mature animals.
• Health status of the animal: An animal suffering from illness or parasitic infections may have impaired digestive function.