Specimen A (Dry groundnut haulm) (a)i. Outline the procedure for obtaining specimen A. (ii) State three benefits that farm animals could derive from feeding...

Specimen A - Dry groundnut haulm is the dried above-ground part of the groundnut plant (the stems, vines and leaves) that remains after the pods have been removed. A labelled diagram of the plant it comes from:

(a)(i) Procedure for obtaining Specimen A.

1. Harvest the mature groundnut crop by uprooting the whole plants from the field.
2. Detach the pods (nuts) from the plants by picking or threshing, leaving the stems, vines and leaves.
3. Spread the remaining haulms in the open to dry in the sun (or under shade for slower, greener drying).
4. Turn the material over at intervals so that it dries evenly and does not rot or grow mould.
5. When it is properly dry, cut or chop it into smaller pieces.
6. Pack it into jute bags or a suitable container and store in a dry place until it is needed as feed.

(a)(ii) Three benefits farm animals derive from feeding on Specimen A.

• It is rich in crude protein (groundnut is a legume), which supports growth and body building.
• It is high in fibre (roughage), which promotes rumination and healthy digestion in ruminants.
• It is readily available and stores well, providing valuable fodder during the dry season when green pasture is scarce.

Specimen B - Guinea grass (Panicum maximum), a tall, tufted forage grass.

(b)(i) Two materials used to propagate Specimen B.

• Seeds.
• Vegetative planting material: root or stem splits (slips) taken from the crown or rooted stem cuttings.

(b)(ii) Two methods used to preserve Specimen B.

• Hay making: cutting the grass and drying it to a low moisture content for storage.
• Silage making: chopping the fresh grass and ensiling it under airtight (anaerobic) conditions in a silo.

Specimen C - Kitchen knife, a hand-held cutting tool.

(c) Four uses of Specimen C in animal production.

• Cutting and chopping forage or fodder into smaller pieces for feeding.
• Slaughtering and dressing (skinning and cutting up) farm animals during processing.
• Castration and other minor surgical operations, and cutting the umbilical cord of newborn animals.
• Cutting ropes and opening feed bags during routine handling of animals.