Observe & Gather Get started
Feeding and digestion are central to the production cycle. Record how rations are produced, what is fed and how the feeding system supports health, welfare and performance.
- Note whether feeds are bought in, grown on farm or mixed.
- Record who formulates the rations and how they change by age, stage or season.
- Observe how feed is checked, delivered and offered to livestock.
What to Include Know this
- Different rations and feedstuffs used on the unit.
- The analysis of feed and the feeding regime for each stage of production.
- How water is provided and how feeding behaviour or intake is monitored.
- How technology and equipment support the feed system.
Workplace Activities Do these
- Observe the feeding system and record the feed types used.
- Compare the ration used for breeding, growing, finishing or milking animals.
- Check how feed quality, water and intake are managed.
- Use your findings to complete your written analysis for OneFile.
Nutrition Record Record details
Use this section to record the feeding system and its effect on livestock performance.
- Rations and feedstuffs used
- Ration analysis / feed quality
- Feeding regime by stage of production
- Water provision and delivery method
- Observed response in condition or growth
Observe & Gather Table Fill in
Use this table to record the feeding information you observe on the unit. After completing it, turn your notes into a short summary of your findings for OneFile using the sentence starters below.
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| What rations and feedstuffs are used? | |
| What is the analysis of these rations? | |
| How is the feeding regime managed for each stage of production? | |
| Mating / pregnancy / lactation / newborn / growing / finishing | |
| How is water provided? | |
| How is feed delivered and monitored? | |
| How is technology used in feeding? |
Remember to upload your evidence to OneFile.
Evidence Ideas Portfolio proof
- Feed charts, ration sheets or feed invoices
- Photos of feed storage and feeding equipment
- Body condition scoring notes or growth records
- Employer discussion notes on ration decisions
- Short written reflections on feed quality and performance
Employer Discussion Mentor input
Discuss how the feeding system is designed, delivered and monitored and explain how it affects animal health, welfare and performance.
Livestock Nutrition Record: Analyse Understand Report Write up
Project Brief
Using what you have learnt and the data you have gathered about nutrition, write a summary that gives an overview of the feeding system on the livestock unit. Use the information you collected about rations, feed quality, water, delivery and stage-specific feeding to evaluate productivity, welfare and sustainability. Your summary should reflect both current practices and any historical context, with attention to health, safety and environmental impact.
Checklist of what to include
- An overview of the feeding system and the main ration approach
- Details of feedstuffs used and how rations are analysed
- Information about feeding by stage of production
- Evidence of water provision, feed delivery and monitoring
- Any strengths, weaknesses or improvements identified
- Reference to welfare, efficiency and sustainability
Sentence starters
- “The farm produces its own silage and hay, which are combined with…”
- “Rations are formulated by…”
- “The diet is adjusted throughout the year to reflect…”
- “Feed quality is checked by…”
- “Livestock are fed using…”
Remember to upload your evidence to OneFile.