(a) (i) Define the term culling in poultry production. [2 marks] (ii) Mention three benefits derived from culling [3 marks] (b) State four ways of preventin...

Answer Details

(a)(i) Meaning of culling in poultry production [2 marks]

Culling is the deliberate removal (selecting out and disposing of) of undesirable, unproductive, sick, weak or old birds from a flock in order to keep only the healthy and productive stock.

(a)(ii) Three benefits derived from culling [3 marks]

• It removes unproductive birds, so feed is not wasted on non-layers and cost of production is reduced.
• It removes sick and weak birds, thereby checking the spread of diseases and parasites in the flock.
• It improves the overall quality and productivity of the flock, raising average egg or meat output.

(b) Four ways of preventing diseases in a sheep flock [4 marks]

• Vaccinate the sheep regularly against common diseases such as PPR (peste des petits ruminants).
• Provide clean feed, clean drinking water and good sanitation in the pen.
• Deworm the flock routinely and dip or spray them to control external parasites (ticks, lice).
• Isolate (quarantine) newly bought or sick animals to prevent the introduction and spread of disease.

(c) Paddocking as a way of improving rangeland [4 marks]

Paddocking is the division of a large range or pasture into smaller fenced units called paddocks so that animals can be grazed in one paddock at a time while the others rest and regrow. By rotating the animals from paddock to paddock, the grasses are not overgrazed and are given time to recover and re-establish, which maintains a good stand of nutritious forage. It allows even utilisation of the pasture, prevents selective grazing and trampling, permits the resting paddocks to be treated (reseeded, fertilised or weeded), helps to break the life cycle of internal parasites, and makes it easier to manage and control the movement of the herd. Overall, paddocking increases the carrying capacity and productivity of the rangeland.

(d) Three fishery regulations [3 marks]

• Prohibition of the use of harmful fishing methods such as chemicals, explosives (dynamite) and poisons.
• Use of nets with an approved (large) mesh size so that young/immature fish are not caught.
• Observance of a closed season and licensing of fishermen to prevent over-fishing and protect breeding stock.