ANIMAL HUSBANDRY – SECTION-B MAY/JUNE, 2004

1.(a) State five reasons for keeping farm animals.
(b)State three functions of each of the following parts of farm animals. (i) Feathers (ii) Skeletons and (iii) Skin.

Solution

(a) Reasons for keeping farm animals
(i) Farm animals — cattle, sheep, goats, chicken etc. provide food (meat) for the people. Meat from cattle (beef), sheep (mutton), goat (chevon), fowl (chicken), pigs (pork and bacon) etc. are major source of meat for animal protein.
(ii) The rearing of farm animals creates employment avenues for many people.
(iii) Farm animals are kept for religious values. Sheep, goats, cattle and fowl are used in many religious festivals.
(iv) Faeces and other waste products are used as farm yard manure to improve the fertility status of depleted soils. Biogas may also be derived from such unwanted by-products.
(v) Skin, hides (leathers) and fur are used in a variety of field for example, in the provision of clothing and other leather works.
(vi) Most muscular farm animals like cattle, donkey, oven etc. are a very good source of farm power to drive or pull other farm implements.
(vii) Farm animals also serve as a source of income for many farmers.
(viii) Farm animals are also a source of social prestige in some social set-ups.
(ix) In certain parts of the world, farm animals are used to cart (transport) farm produce and other heavy loads from one place to another.
(x)Farm animals are kept under such plantations to grave and browse on the weeds, thereby controlling the growth of such weeds.
(xi)Some farm animals are kept for research work in the field of medicine. They are used especially study the causes, effect and control of the pest.

(b)(i) Functions/lmportance of feathers
(i) They contribute greatly to flight
(ii) Large pockets of air can be trapped in-between the feathers. This helps in insulating birds.
(iii) Feathers are essential for protection especially from rain.
(iv) Feathers are made up different colours which may also add some beauty to the birds.
(v) Industrially, they can be used in making pillows, mattresses, shittle-cork (bridle) for badminton.

(ii) Functions / Importance of skeleton
(i) The skeleton protects the vital organs of the body. The central nervous system is protected by the skull and the vertebral column, the heart and lungs by the rib-cage and the urino-genital system by the pelvis.
(ii) The skeleton gives the animal its shape.
(iii) The red blood cells are made in the bore marrows. These red blood cells are important in the circulation of oxygen throughout the body of the farm animals.
(iv) The skeleton is also important in the storage of some minerals; particularly calcium and phosphorus. These minerals may be withdrawn into the bloodstream when needed, as is the case pregnancy.
(v) The skeleton is also involved in movement. Muscles are attached to the bones in a particular way to enable the animal to move.

(iii) Function/lmportance of the skin
For protection. The skin protects the inner skin or tissue from mechanical injuries, bacterial infection, ultra-violet rays of the sunlight and against dedication.
Excretion: The skin excretes excess water, mineral salts and some nitrogenous waste through the sweat glands as sweat.
The skin also serves as the sensory organ: The specialized sensory nerve endings scattered in the dermis are sensitive to stimuli such as temperature changes, pressure, and pain and cold.
Production of Vitamin D: The skin manufactures vitamin D by using infrared rays from sunlight.
Storage of food reserves: Fats are stored under the dermis of mammals, especially those of pigs. Fats also form an insulating layer.
Regulation of body temperature. By vasoconstriction and vasodilatation and other’ processes, the skin regulates the body temperature of farm animals.
Production of milk in females: The mammary gland which is modification of the skin produces milk which is used for feeding the young ones.

2.(a) Explain three ways by which a farmer could ensure an adequate supply of feed for small ruminants.
(b) Define each of the following terms:
(i) Ration
(ii) Trace Elements
(iii) Metabolizable Energy nutrients
(c) Give two examples of each of the following:
(i) Disaccharides,
(ii) Essential Amino Acids

Solution

(a) Ways by which a farmer could ensure an adequate supply of feed for small ruminants
• By establishing pasture so the animals can graze on the field preparation hay to be used in times of scarcity
•By preparing silage to be used also in times of scarcity
•By preparing and using household food left-overs
•By cutting and carrying forage materials (zero-grazing) for farm animals.

b) (i) Ration: This is the daily allocation of food/feed to an animal or the amount food/diet given to an animal in a day. Ration may also be defined as the proportion of different types of food/feed to an animal in a 24-hour period.
(ii) Trace Elements: These are elements which are needed by farm animals in relatively smaller quantities for normal functioning of the body. Examples include iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Iodine (I) and Manganese (Mn)
(iii) Metabolizable Energy: This is the net energy available to an animal after the utilization of some energy in the process of digestion and absorption and the loss of some of the materials as being undigested or indigestible.
NB: 1. The following represent the energy tree or partition of Energy.

DE

ME
HE
NE
NEm NEP
• GE = Gross Energy
• DE = Digestible Energy
• FE = Faecal Energy (i.e. Energy in faeces)
• UE = Urinary Energy
• ME = Metabolizable Energy
• HI = Heat Increment (in a form of sweat).
• HNm = Heat of Nutrient metabolism
• I-IF = Heat fermentation
• NE = Net Energy
• NEm = Net Energy for maintenance

NEP = Net Energy for production (i.e. growth, milk product, egg production).
The unit of Energy is given as 4.184 joules = 1 calorie

(c) (i) Examples of disaccharides include
•Sucrose
•Maltose
•Lactose
(ii) Examples of Essential Amino Acids
The essential amino-acids are those that are needed as a matter of urgency in the diet and more importantly they cannot be synthesized in the body in sufficient quantities. Examples include: Tryptophan, Threonine, Histidine, Arginine, Lysine, Leucine, Isoleunine, methionine, Valine Phenylalanine (TT HALLIM-VP).
Question 3.
(a) State four characteristics of energy feeds.
(b) (i) Give six signs of protein deficiency in farm animals.
(ii) State four effects of ectoparasites on farm animals
Solution
(a) Characteristics of energy feeds
(i) Most energy feed have potentially an excellent source of fermentable carbohydrate. For example, starch in maize and cassava can easily be fermented by anylolytic bacteria.
(ii) Most energy feeds have relatively lower level of crude protein content.
(iii) The rate of degradability or breakdown of crude protein in energy feeds depend on the type of food
(iv) Most energy feeds have higher fibre content
(v) The amount of energy and the chemical composition are dependent on stage of growth, maturity and species and variety (if they are plants) and the methods of processing them.
(vi) All energy feeds containing relatively high amount of dry matter (DM) and for that matter high amount of energy.
(vii) Most energy feed contain relatively low amount of water, mineral salts and vitamins.

(b) (i) Signs of Protein Deficiency in farm animals
Deficiency of protein in animal feeds results in:
•Decreased appetite
• Reduced feed conversion efficiency
•Anaemia
•Fatty liver
• Low birth weight
•Poor growth rate
•Marasmus (i.e. a concurrent deficiency of carbohydrate and protein)
•Anorexia
• Newborn animals may suffer genetic disorders
• Animals suffer muscle breakdown
• Cachexia: This is a condition that involves protein deficiency resulting in depletion of skeletal muscles and an increased rate of protein degradation.

(ii) Effects of Ectoparasites on farm animals
(i) Ecto-parasites such as ticks, fleas and lice suck blood from their host resulting in loss of weight and anaemia in farm animals
(ii) Ectoparasites cause destruction to skins and hides of farm animals rendering them useless
(iii) Ectoparasites transmits diseases from one animal to another
(iv) Presence of ectoparasites affects productivity of farm animals as well as economics of production.
(v) Presence of ectoparasites may increase metabolic rate of farm animals reducing the amount of metabolizable energy available for production.
(vi) Ectoparasites infestation results in the damage of the skin and other subcutaneous tissues, inflammation and significant blood loss.
(vii) Some ectoparasites also acts as vectors of protozoa, bacteria, viruses, cestodes and nematodes.
(viii) The behaviour of ectoparasites also may cause harm indirectly, causing disturbance, increasing levels of behaviour such as rubbing and leading to reduced time spent grazing or ruminating and in some cases, to self-wounding.

3.(a) State four characteristics of energy feeds.
(b)(i) Give six signs of protein deficiency in farm animals.
(ii) State four effects of ectoparasites on farm animals

Solution

(a) Ways by which a farmer could ensure an adequate supply of feed for small ruminants
• By establishing pasture so the animals can graze on the field preparation hay to be used in times of scarcity
•By preparing silage to be used also in times of scarcity
•By preparing and using household food left-overs
•By cutting and carrying forage materials (zero-grazing) for farm animals.

b) (i) Ration: This is the daily allocation of food/feed to an animal or the amount food/diet given to an animal in a day. Ration may also be defined as the proportion of different types of food/feed to an animal in a 24-hour period.
(ii) Trace Elements: These are elements which are needed by farm animals in relatively smaller quantities for normal functioning of the body. Examples include iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Iodine (I) and Manganese (Mn)
(iii) Metabolizable Energy: This is the net energy available to an animal after the utilization of some energy in the process of digestion and absorption and the loss of some of the materials as being undigested or indigestible.
NB: 1. The following represent the energy tree or partition of Energy.

DE

ME
HE
NE
NEm NEP
• GE = Gross Energy
• DE = Digestible Energy
• FE = Faecal Energy (i.e. Energy in faeces)
• UE = Urinary Energy
• ME = Metabolizable Energy
• HI = Heat Increment (in a form of sweat).
• HNm = Heat of Nutrient metabolism
• I-IF = Heat fermentation
• NE = Net Energy
• NEm = Net Energy for maintenance

NEP = Net Energy for production (i.e. growth, milk product, egg production).
The unit of Energy is given as 4.184 joules = 1 calorie

(c) (i) Examples of disaccharides include
•Sucrose
•Maltose
•Lactose
(ii) Examples of Essential Amino Acids
The essential amino-acids are those that are needed as a matter of urgency in the diet and more importantly they cannot be synthesized in the body in sufficient quantities. Examples include: Tryptophan, Threonine, Histidine, Arginine, Lysine, Leucine, Isoleunine, methionine, Valine Phenylalanine (TT HALLIM-VP).
Question 3.
(a) State four characteristics of energy feeds.
(b) (i) Give six signs of protein deficiency in farm animals.
(ii) State four effects of ectoparasites on farm animals
Solution
(a) Characteristics of energy feeds
(i) Most energy feed have potentially an excellent source of fermentable carbohydrate. For example, starch in maize and cassava can easily be fermented by anylolytic bacteria.
(ii) Most energy feeds have relatively lower level of crude protein content.
(iii) The rate of degradability or breakdown of crude protein in energy feeds depend on the type of food
(iv) Most energy feeds have higher fibre content
(v) The amount of energy and the chemical composition are dependent on stage of growth, maturity and species and variety (if they are plants) and the methods of processing them.
(vi) All energy feeds containing relatively high amount of dry matter (DM) and for that matter high amount of energy.
(vii) Most energy feed contain relatively low amount of water, mineral salts and vitamins.

(b) (i) Signs of Protein Deficiency in farm animals
Deficiency of protein in animal feeds results in:
•Decreased appetite
• Reduced feed conversion efficiency
•Anaemia
•Fatty liver
• Low birth weight
•Poor growth rate
•Marasmus (i.e. a concurrent deficiency of carbohydrate and protein)
•Anorexia
• Newborn animals may suffer genetic disorders
• Animals suffer muscle breakdown
• Cachexia: This is a condition that involves protein deficiency resulting in depletion of skeletal muscles and an increased rate of protein degradation.

(ii) Effects of Ectoparasites on farm animals
(i) Ecto-parasites such as ticks, fleas and lice suck blood from their host resulting in loss of weight and anaemia in farm animals
(ii) Ectoparasites cause destruction to skins and hides of farm animals rendering them useless
(iii) Ectoparasites transmits diseases from one animal to another
(iv) Presence of ectoparasites affects productivity of farm animals as well as economics of production.
(v) Presence of ectoparasites may increase metabolic rate of farm animals reducing the amount of metabolizable energy available for production.
(vi) Ectoparasites infestation results in the damage of the skin and other subcutaneous tissues, inflammation and significant blood loss.
(vii) Some ectoparasites also acts as vectors of protozoa, bacteria, viruses, cestodes and nematodes.
(viii) The behaviour of ectoparasites also may cause harm indirectly, causing disturbance, increasing levels of behaviour such as rubbing and leading to reduced time spent grazing or ruminating and in some cases, to self-wounding.

4.(a) Define each of the following terms;
(i) Oestrus
(ii) Copulation
(iii) Puberty
(b) Give the duration of each of the following periods in pigs:
(i) Oestrus
(ii) ovulation

Solution

(a)(i) Oestrus: This is the period in the sexual cycles of female animals in which they are prepared to receive their male counterpart for sex or for mating. This period is also called heat period.
(ii) Copulation: This is the act of mating or having sex between male and female animals.
(iii)Puberty: This is the stage of development of an animal when it its physiological and reproductive activities start. Such activities in females and males are initiated by the release of hormones oestrogen and androgen (testosterone) respectively.

(b)In pigs the oestrus and ovulation duration are 21 days and 3-4days respectively

5.(a) (i)State four factors that could affect ovulation rate in pigs.
(ii) Give three reasons why it is advisable for pig farmers to mate their gilts at the third oestrus.
(b)(i) State two ways of ensuring that the body temperature of pigs is kept low.
(ii) In each of the following activities, give four reasons why it is important in poultry production:
(i) Brooding
(ii) Incubation
(c) State four activities that a farmer undertakes in preparation to receive a new batch of day old chicks.

Solution

(a)(i) Factors that affect ovulation rate in pigs
•The age of the animal (gilt or sow)
•The environmental conditions prevailing e.g. high/low temperatures
•Feeding and nutrition (level of nutritive value given to the animal). E.g. flushed animals have high ovulation.
• The breed/type of the pig
•The management practices adopted
•The time or the stage of oestrus (i.e. ovulation is higher during the third oestrus)
•Management practices adopted including the injection of hormones that increases their rate of ovulation.

(ii) Why farmers should mate their gilts at the third oestrus
•The rate of ovulation during the third oestrus is higher
•Fertilization is more likely to occur during such times
•That they constitute the second servicing to ensure that fertilization would certainly occur
•Due to differences in the breed and rate of ovulation

(b) (i) Ways of ensuring that the body temperature of pigs is kept low
• Provide wallows/ponds so that release heat
• Feeding regime can be regulated so that the rate of metabolism will also be regulated. For example, it is advisable to feed pigs according to their body weight and energy levels in the feed.
• Weaning of piglets should be properly timed and done to avoid stress in piglets.
• Clean drinking water should be provided at all times
• Fan can be provided to avoid all forms of heat stress on pigs
• The pig-sty stand be well ventilated.

(ii) Reasons for brooding in poultry
Brooding period generally considered as the period of time from egg placement through 14 days and it is considered as the most important time in a bird’s life.

Brooding is important because of the following
(i) Mistakes made during the critical time of brooding may be irreversible and this may negatively impact on chicks’ performance for the entire life of the flock.
(ii) Brooding is the only way through which new quality chicks are obtained for rearing
(iii) Brooding is important because it enhances the immune system of the chicks. Passive immunity occurs as a result of transfer of antibodies from breeder hen through yolk absorption to the developing chicks.
(iv) Brooding enhances the digestive system. Rapid internal organ growth required for digestion (liver, intestines, pancreas, spleen etc.) all occurs during this time.
(v) Brooding enhances the development of the skeletal system. Rapid growth and thickening of long bones required for leg strength and mineral metabolism all occur at this stage.
(vi) Brooding enhances thermoregulation. Chicks do not have the ability to regulate body temperature of the first 5 days and thermoregulation is fully developed in chicks until two (2) weeks of age. Chicks survival is therefore high dependency on how brooding is carried out.
(vii) Brooding is again important because it enhances feather development. Improper brooding practices can result in poor livability, poor flock uniformity and overall performance in the pullet and hen house leading to a higher chick cost.
NB: The six (6) brooding fundamentals to maximizing performance and minimizing cost include:
•Pre-placement preparation
• Feed management
•Light management
•Water management
•Temperature management
• Air quality and ventilation

(iii) Why incubation is important in poultry production
•Incubation is the only way through which chicks are Produced from fertilized eggs for poultry production
•Through incubation non-fertilized eggs could be detected and removed through candling
•By incubation a number of fertilized eggs could be stored and used for hatching at the most appropriate time.
• By incubation proper and healthy chicks are produced for poultry farmers
• By proper incubation all conditions needed to achieve higher hatchability of eggs can be provided.

(c) Activities undertaken in preparation to receive a batch of day old chick
•The brooder house to habour the chicks must be properly cleaned be disinfected before the arrival of the chicks
•Feed starter for feeding the chicks and other additives and supplements should be obtained and kept in advance.
•The normal brooding equipment like cleaned shallow feeding trough, drinkers, hovers and a source of heating should be secured in advance.
•Drugs and medication including vaccines should be procured in advance and kept.
•The brooder room should be conditioned in relation to temperature and humidity before the arrival of the chicks.

6.(a) (i) What are wildlife reserves?
(ii) State four types of wildlife reserves:
(b) State four ways by which disappearance of wildlife affects man.

Solution

(a) (i) Wildlife Reserves is an area of land set aside for protection of wild-animals and plants and their natural habitats so that they can be effectively managed and judiciously utilized for benefit of mankind.
•National Parks
• Nature Reserves
•Forest Reserves
•Wildlife Sanctuaries
•Strict Nature Reserves

(b) How Disappearance of Wildlife affects man
•Wildlife disappearance affects the ecosystem and the balance of nature between plants and animals.
•It reduces the revenue that could be accrued from tourist attraction and the fees collected
•Destruction of wildlife depletes and deprives the general populace from bush meat and other products from wildlife.
• Destruction of wildlife removes employment opportunities that could have been generated.
•Wildlife destruction can cause rivers and water bodies to dry up as a result of continuous exposures to the vagaries of the weather and the climate.
•Wildlife destruction facilitates environmental degradation which negatively affects the livelihoods of man.
•Wildlife destruction depletes the forest and other reserves of the raw materials that could be used by agro-based industries.
•Wildlife destruction can deplete or reduce the earnings of foreign exchange to a country.