a) Define the term artificial pasture as used in animal production. b) State six advantages of grass-legume mixtures in a pasture. c) (i) Mention three mana...

(a) Meaning of artificial pasture

Artificial (established) pasture is pasture that is deliberately established by man on prepared land by planting selected, improved species of grasses and legumes, as opposed to natural pasture which grows on its own.

(b) Six advantages of grass-legume mixtures in a pasture

• The legume fixes atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility.
• It provides a balanced diet (grass for energy, legume for protein).
• It gives a higher herbage yield.
• The herbage is more palatable and nutritious.
• The dense cover protects the soil against erosion.
• It raises animal productivity and prolongs the grazing period.

(c)(i) Three management systems used in keeping small ruminants

• Extensive system.
• Semi-intensive system.
• Intensive system.

(ii) Three characteristics of each system

Extensive system: animals roam and graze freely on natural range; low capital and labour input; low productivity per animal; requires large land area.

Semi-intensive system: animals graze during the day and are housed at night; grazing is supplemented with cut forage and concentrates; requires moderate input; gives moderate productivity.

Intensive system: animals are fully confined and housed; fed on cut-and-carry forage and concentrates; requires high capital and close supervision; gives high productivity on a small land area.