Theory question 103
Pasture and Forage(a) Outline six steps involved in the preparation of silage. (b) Name the part in the reproductive tract of poultry where each of the following activities takes place: (i) formation of yolk; (ii) fertilization of egg; (iii) formation of albumen; (iv) formation of shell; (v) formation of shell membrane; (c) State four effects of overstocking of farm animals. (d) Name two forms in which concentrates could be fed to farm animals. (e) Mention three causes of dystocia in livestock.
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(a) Dig/clean the silo or pit; cut forage at the flowering stage; wilt slightly and chop into small pieces; fill the pit in layers, adding molasses if needed; compress each layer firmly to remove air; cover with polythene and soil to make airtight; leave to ferment for about 3–6 weeks before feeding
(b)(i) Ovary (ii) Infundibulum (iii) Magnum (iv) Uterus/shell gland (v) Isthmus
(c) Any four: overgrazing and pasture damage; competition for feed and water; poor growth and production; fighting and injuries; faster spread of diseases and parasites; soil erosion; stress; high mortality
(d) Any two: mash; pellets; crumbles; cubes/blocks
(e) Any three: oversized foetus; wrong presentation of the foetus; narrow pelvis or immature dam; weak uterine contractions; twins; over-fat dam
List the silage steps in order.