By the end of this unit, students will be able to...-         Define each of the following: a. Feeding Ration    b.  Balanced Ration    c.  Nutrient Composition   d.  Total Digestible Nutrients-         Describe how nutrients in a ration are measured.-         Summarize how crude protein is measured in a ration.-         Explain the roles and purposes of each of the following kinds of protein/nitrogen in a ration: a.       Crude Protein    b.  DIP    c.  UIP    d.  NPN   e.  All of the above-         Identify the source of most of the fiber in a cattle ration and summarize the roles played by fiber in a ruminant.-         Define scratch factor and explain its importance to a ration and to ruminant health.-         Explain how minerals are measured in a ration.-         Identify concerns related to meeting vitamin requirements of a ration.-         Summarize how to ensure that an animal is receiving an adequate amount of water and identify its importance to the ration of a ruminant.-         Determine the minimum amount of water needed for a given animal per day.-         Summarize the unique nutritional needs and demands of each of the following groups of cattle: a. Growing weaned calves   b.  First-calf heifers   c.  Mature Cows   d.  Mature bulls  e.  Newborn Calves-         Summarize how the nutrient needs of an animal are best determined.-         Summarize the options available for determining the nutrient content of a feeding ration.-         Explain the significance and role played by land grant universities and extension offices in regards to animal nutrition.-         Summarize the role played by ionophores and implants in cattle rations.-         Explain how and why acidosis occurs and how it can be prevented.-         Use a Pearson Square in order to balance a ration for a variety of groups of cattle and for different rations.-         Show how a Pearson Square can be used to determine both TDN ratios as well as Crude Protein ratios of ration ingredients.-         Use a Pearson Square to determine if the minimum requirements of an animal are met for a ration in regards to crude protein and determine how much, if any, additional protein is needed for a ration.