Theory question 106
Reproduction in Farm Animals(a) Explain each of the following terms as used in animal production: (i) flushing; (ii) dystocia; (iv) parturition. (b) State five ways in which fencing is important in livestock production. (c) Mention five ways in which rearing of rabbits is important. (d) List four disadvantages of deep litter system in poultry production.
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(a)(i) Flushing: giving extra, high-quality feed to females two to three weeks before mating to raise ovulation and litter size
(ii) Dystocia: difficult or abnormal birth, needing assistance
(iv) Parturition: the act of giving birth to young at the end of pregnancy
(b) Any five: keeps animals in and prevents straying into crops; keeps out predators and thieves; allows rotational grazing/paddocking; separates animals by age, sex or health; controls breeding; reduces spread of disease; marks boundaries
(c) Any five: meat rich in protein; fur/pelt; manure; income; used in research and teaching; breeds quickly with short gestation; needs little space and capital; pets
(d) Any four: high disease risk (e.g. coccidiosis) as birds contact droppings; litter becomes wet and dirty; egg eating and cannibalism more common; floor eggs get dirty; more space per bird than cages; harder to identify poor layers; dust problems
Short, distinct points.