This question was well attempted by the candidates.  In 2 (a – b), most of the candidates could neither explain the term malnutrition nor distinguish between maintenance and production rations.  However in 2(c), most of the candidates were able to state the factors to be considered when formulating diet for farm animals.  Also, majority of them were able to state the disadvantages of extensive system of keeping poultry and mention the advantages of the battery cage system for keeping layers as required in 2(d)(i – ii).
The expected answers include:

2   (a)               Explanation of the term malnutrition in farm animals
A state caused by feeding farm animals with inadequate or excess/imbalance nutrients
                  OR
It may also occur when an animal is unable to use available nutrients due to ill health or there is an imbalance in the nutrients
                                                          OR
                        Feeding animals with diets that do not contain all necessary nutrients in the right
                        proportion

       (b)             Difference between maintenance and production rations
-           Maintenance ration is given to farm animals just sufficient/enough to maintain/sustain the basic/basal metabolic functions of the body
                                                OR
-           The type of ration given to a farm animal to maintain a constant live weight
            while/but/on the other hand/whereas         
-           Production ration is given to farm animals to enable them produce either egg, meat, milk, offspring, hair/fur/wool/work
-           The amount of feed given to a growing, working or producing animal over/above its maintenance needs.