Theory question 108
Poultry Production(a) Give three advantages and three disadvantages of the deep litter system of poultry management.
(b) State three reasons for carrying out each of the following animal husbandary practices: (i) castration of goats; (ii) creep feeding of pigs.
(c) Name four local breeds of cattle reared in West Africa.
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(a) Advantages: birds are protected from predators and weather; litter becomes good manure; less labour than free range; records and feeding are easy; good for large numbers. Disadvantages: diseases and parasites spread easily; egg eating and cannibalism; dusty litter; dirty eggs laid on floor; more space than battery.
(b)(i) Castration of goats: makes them docile and easy to handle; prevents unwanted breeding; improves meat quality and removes the strong smell; faster fattening.
(ii) Creep feeding of piglets: supplements sow's milk; faster growth and higher weaning weight; prepares piglets for weaning; reduces stress on the sow.
(c) Any four: White Fulani; Red Bororo; N'Dama; Muturu; Sokoto Gudali; Keteku; Kuri; West African Shorthorn.
Name breeds, not species, in (c).