4 Fig. 4.1 shows the digestive tract of a non-ruminant animal such as a pig. (a) Name the parts labelled P, Q and R in Fig. 4.1. [3] (b) State the main site...

Labelled answer diagram:

(a) Parts of the pig digestive tract [3]

1. P - Oesophagus (gullet): the muscular tube that conveys swallowed food from the mouth to the stomach by peristalsis. [1]
2. Q - Stomach: the sac-like organ where hydrochloric acid and pepsin begin chemical digestion of proteins. [1]
3. R - Small intestine: the long, coiled tube where most chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occur, aided by enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. [1]

(b) Main site of protein digestion in the pig [1]

The stomach (where pepsin begins breaking polypeptide chains) and especially the small intestine (where pancreatic trypsin and chymotrypsin complete digestion to amino acids). [1]

(c) Two concentrate feeds used in pig rations [2]

Any two of:

1. Maize (corn) - a high-energy cereal grain that forms the base of most pig rations. [1]
2. Soybean meal (or groundnut cake) - a protein-rich supplement to balance the cereal energy. [1]
3. Wheat, barley, or sorghum - alternative cereal grains.
4. Fish meal - a high-quality animal protein source.
5. Palm kernel cake - a by-product protein source.

(d) Why pigs need more concentrate feed than cattle [2]

1. Pigs are monogastric animals with a simple stomach and cannot digest large amounts of fibre or cellulose, because they lack the rumen microorganisms that produce cellulase. [1]
2. They therefore depend on energy-dense, protein-rich concentrate feeds (grains, oilseed meals) to meet their nutritional requirements for rapid growth and fattening. [1]

(e) Two signs of protein deficiency in pigs [2]

Any two of:

1. Slow growth rate / poor weight gain - protein is essential for building muscle tissue, so deficiency directly limits growth. [1]
2. Loss of body condition - the animal becomes thin or emaciated as the body breaks down its own muscle to supply amino acids. [1]
3. Poor hair or coat condition / rough, dull coat.
4. Reduced reproductive performance / smaller litter size.
5. Oedema (fluid swelling of tissues), particularly in severe cases.

(f) Importance of clean water for pigs in a fattening unit [1]

Water is essential for digestion, metabolic processes, and temperature regulation. [1] A lack of clean water reduces feed intake and slows growth, directly undermining the fattening objective.