Theory question 101
Digestive System of Farm Animals(a) State four differences between the digestive systems of cattle and poultry. (b) Mention four ways of reducing worm infestation in farm animals. (c) Explain three methods that could be used to improve local breeds of farm animals in West Africa. (d) State three benefits of carrying out each of the following management practices in animal production: (i) creep feeding; (ii) dehorning.
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(a) Any four (cattle vs poultry): teeth with dental pad vs beak without teeth; four-chambered stomach vs proventriculus and gizzard; no crop vs crop; ruminate vs do not ruminate; microbial fibre digestion in rumen vs little fibre digestion; one caecum vs two caeca; ends in anus vs cloaca
(b) Any four: regular deworming; rotational grazing; good sanitation/removing dung; avoid grazing wet, swampy land; clean feed and water; control intermediate hosts (snails); avoid overcrowding; quarantine new animals
(c) Any three, each explained: selection – keep the best local animals for breeding and cull poor ones; introduction – bring in improved exotic breeds; crossbreeding – mate local with exotic breeds for hybrid vigour; artificial insemination – use semen from superior bulls; better feeding and health care so animals reach their potential
(d)(i) Creep feeding, any three: faster growth of the young; prepares young for weaning/solid feed; reduces strain on the mother; heavier weaning weight; reduces mortality
(ii) Dehorning, any three: prevents injury to other animals and handlers; animals easier to handle; less space needed in pens, troughs and transport; reduces bruising of carcass and damage to hides
Compare the same feature for each animal in (a).