Theory question 104
Parasites of Farm Animalsa. Explain each of the following terms as used in livestock production. i. parasite; ii pest b. Name three: (i) ectoparasites of sheep; (ii) insect pests of sheep c. State four damages that could be caused by pests in cattle. d. Give six signs that could be observed in a sick rabbit.
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a(i) Parasite: an organism that lives in or on another organism (the host) and feeds on it, harming it
(ii) Pest: any organism that damages or annoys livestock, their feed or products and so causes economic loss
b(i) Any three: ticks; lice; keds; mites; fleas
(ii) Any three: blowflies; nasal botfly; tsetse fly; biting flies (stable fly, horse fly); mosquitoes; lice
c. Any four: suck blood causing anaemia; spread diseases; irritate animals, reducing feeding and weight; damage hides; reduce milk production; cause wounds that attract maggots
d. Any six: dullness and isolation; loss of appetite; rough fur; diarrhoea or abnormal droppings; discharge from eyes/nose; sneezing/difficult breathing; weight loss; high temperature; scabs or sores on ears and feet; head tilt; swollen abdomen
Define each term in one sentence.