1 Fig. 1.1 shows a dairy cow that a farmer suspects is unwell. The animal has stopped eating and its coat appears rough and dull. (a) State two other signs,...

Labelled answer diagram:

(a) Two signs of poor health in cattle (apart from loss of appetite and dull coat):

1. Weight loss or drop in milk yield - a sick animal diverts energy from production to fighting infection. [1]
2. Nasal discharge or watery eyes - these indicate respiratory infection or irritation. [1]

Other acceptable signs: diarrhoea, high body temperature, swollen joints, limping, coughing, or unusual posture / reluctance to stand.

(b) A disease that commonly affects the feet of cattle kept on wet ground is foot rot. [1] Persistently damp conditions soften the hoof tissue, allowing bacteria (such as Fusobacterium necrophorum) to invade and cause infection between the claws.

(c) A sick animal should be isolated from the rest of the herd to prevent the disease from spreading to healthy animals. [1] Isolation also allows the farmer to observe the animal more closely and administer treatment without interference from other cattle.

(d) Written health records are important for two reasons:

1. They help the farmer identify animals that fall ill frequently, which may indicate chronic problems or genetic susceptibility. [1]
2. They allow the farmer to plan vaccination and treatment schedules and to track which treatments have been administered, doses given, and withdrawal periods before milk or meat can be sold. [1]

(e) Two hygiene practices in cattle housing to reduce disease spread:

1. Regular cleaning and removal of dung from the housing to reduce pathogen build-up. [1]
2. Disinfecting floors and feeding troughs periodically to kill bacteria and parasites. [1]

Other acceptable practices: providing clean, dry bedding; proper waste disposal; ensuring good ventilation.