a) List three equipment used on a dairy farm. b) Outline the steps involved in the pasteurization of milk. c) State four roles of each of the following agen...

Answer Details

(a) Three equipment used on a dairy farm

• Milking machine.
• Milk churn (milk can).
• Milk cooler/refrigerator (also strainer, pasteuriser).

(b) Steps involved in the pasteurisation of milk

1. Collect and strain the fresh milk to remove dirt.
2. Heat the milk, either to \(63^{\circ}\text{C}\) held for 30 minutes (holder method) or to \(72^{\circ}\text{C}\) for 15 seconds (HTST method), to kill harmful micro-organisms.
3. Cool the milk rapidly to about \(4^{\circ}\text{C}\).
4. Bottle or package the milk under hygienic conditions and store it cold.

(c) Four roles of each agent in marketing of animal products

(i) Wholesaler:

• Buys the products in large (bulk) quantities from producers.
• Stores/warehouses the products.
• Breaks the bulk and sells in smaller lots to retailers.
• Transports goods and gives producers market information.

(ii) Retailer:

• Buys products in smaller quantities from the wholesaler.
• Sells directly to the final consumer in units the consumer wants.
• Displays the goods and provides variety to consumers.
• Gives consumers information and may extend credit to them.

(d) Three advantages of each agent

(i) Marketing boards:

• Guarantee stable, fixed prices to producers.
• Provide storage facilities and buy up surplus produce.
• Enforce quality control and may provide loans/inputs.

(ii) Co-operative societies:

• Enable members to buy inputs cheaply in bulk and to sell together with stronger bargaining power.
• Provide credit/loans to members.
• Provide storage and marketing facilities and share profits (dividends).