Theory question 102
Livestock Management Practices(a) Name three management systems in farm animal production. (b) State three ways in which housing is important in the management of farm animals. (c) Mention four advantages associated with each of the following systems of keeping poultry: (i) deep litter; (ii) battery cage. (d) State three features of a suitable housing unit for rearing each of the following animals: (i) snails; (ii) grasscutter
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(a) Extensive (free range); semi-intensive; intensive
(b) Any three: protects animals from bad weather; protects against thieves and predators; makes feeding, watering and other routines easier; helps disease control and record keeping; makes collection of eggs/manure easy
(c)(i) Deep litter, any four: litter manure is valuable; birds have room to exercise; less capital than battery cages; fewer leg and breast problems; birds' vices reduced if well managed; good for both layers and broilers
(ii) Battery cage, any four: more birds per unit space; clean eggs collected easily; egg eating and cannibalism reduced; easy to identify and cull poor layers; feed wastage low; less disease and parasite spread since birds do not touch droppings
(d)(i) Snailery, any three: cool, damp and shaded; well drained soft soil; escape-proof fence/net; protection from predators and direct sun; feeding and watering troughs
(ii) Grasscutter hutch/cage, any three: strong wire or concrete walls (grasscutters gnaw); well ventilated; easy to clean; protection from predators and rain; enough space with feeders and drinkers; cool, quiet place
Name three systems in (a); give separate advantages for each poultry system in (c).