Study specimen J (Soldier ants),K (Weaver bird) and L (Weevil) and answer the questions that follows (a)(i) State two harmful effects of each of specimens J...

Answer Details

(a)(i) Two harmful effects of each specimen in livestock production

Specimen J (soldier ants):

• They bite and sting the animals, causing discomfort, irritation and restlessness, and can kill young or weak stock.
• They consume and reduce the quality of stored feed.

Specimen K (weaver bird):

• They consume feed and feedstuff meant for the animals.
• They contaminate feed and water with their droppings and act as vectors of diseases.

Specimen L (weevil):

• They consume and destroy stored feed and feedstuffs.
• They reduce the nutrient content and viability of the feed and cause contamination.

(a)(ii) Two ways of controlling each specimen

Soldier ants (J):

• Apply insecticides, hot water or kerosene along their trails.
• Destroy their ant hills/colonies and maintain a high level of hygiene.

Weaver bird (K):

• Use scarecrows and noise-making to frighten them off.
• Trap, hunt or shoot them, and use approved avicides.

Weevil (L):

• Dry the feed and store it properly, and treat with insecticides.
• Apply heat by roasting or boiling and use repellents such as dried pepper.

(b) Three other storage pests in farm animal production

• Rats/rodents.
• Cockroaches.
• Beetles (also termites and mould/fungi).