In animal nutrition, a ration that supplies all the nutrients required by an animal in the correct proportions for a specific physiological function is described as

A balanced ration contains all the essential nutrients — energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, and water — in the correct proportions to meet the animal's specific needs. A maintenance ration only supports body functions without production, a production ration supports additional output such as milk or eggs, and flushing is a short-term nutritional boost given to ewes before mating.