Theory question 102
Farm Animals and Their Importance(a) State three ways in which each of the following factors hinders livestock production in West Africa: (i) breeding; (ii) nutrition; (iii) healthcare; (iv) government policy; (v) finance. (b) Mention five factors that affect productivity of pastures.
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(a)(i) Breeding: poor local breeds with low yield; few improved breeds available; exotic breeds do not adapt well; lack of breeding skills and facilities such as AI
(ii) Nutrition: poor quality natural pastures; forage scarce in the dry season; high cost of concentrates; competition between man and animals for grains
(iii) Healthcare: high incidence of diseases and parasites; few veterinary services; high cost of drugs and vaccines; poor sanitation
(iv) Government policy: low funding of the livestock sector; unstable or poorly implemented policies; high taxes on inputs; uncontrolled importation of animal products
(v) Finance: difficulty getting loans; high interest rates; lack of collateral; insufficient capital
(b) Any five: climate (rainfall, temperature, sunlight); soil fertility; species of grasses and legumes used; grazing management/stocking rate; weeds; pests and diseases; fire/burning; topography
Three separate points under each factor.