Why Is Feeding Small Ruminant Important?

Animals receiving inadequate diets are more prone to disease and will fail to reach their genetic potential. Small ruminants require energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water in their dets. ... Fiber (bulk) is necessary to maintain a healthy rumen environment and prevent digestive upsets.

Why is small ruminant production important?

The small ruminants contribute significantly to the Indian economy by providing sustenance to rural resource poor especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. The contribution of goat and sheep to the national economy has been estimated and presented in Table 4.

Why is the ruminant important?

Role in food and nutrition security: Ruminants play a dominant role in food security. They supply 51 percent of all protein from the livestock sector; of which 67 and 33 percent is from milk and meat, respectively. For many populations, livestock is a primary source of nutrition, and not simply a source of calories.