The table below shows results collected by a poultry cooperative. Farmers used four hen lines in the same type of shed for one year. They are considering se...
Question 1 Report
The table below shows results collected by a poultry cooperative. Farmers used four hen lines in the same type of shed for one year. They are considering selective breeding to improve egg production while keeping the amount of faeces produced manageable.
| hen line | mean number of eggs per hen per year | mean mass of food eaten per hen per year / kg | mean mass of faeces per hen per year / kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| R | 248 | 43 | 18 |
| S | 271 | 45 | 19 |
| T | 263 | 41 | 17 |
| U | 276 | 49 | 23 |
(a) Name the hen line that has the greatest mean egg production. [1]
(b) Complete this calculation for the difference in mean egg production between line S and line R.
271 - 248 = ............... eggs per hen per year [1]
(c) Explain why farmers should compare hens of a similar age, given the same food and water, before choosing birds for breeding. [3]
(d) Describe how the farmers could use line S to begin a selective breeding programme for egg production. [3]
(e) Suggest one reason why a farmer may choose line T rather than line U, despite U producing more eggs. [2]
Answer Details
(a) U [1] (b) 23 eggs per hen per year [1] (c) Egg number can change with age [1]; food/water availability can alter egg production [1]; controlling these variables means differences are more likely to be inherited rather than environmental [1] (d) Choose individual line S hens with the highest egg numbers [1]; choose cockerels from families with high egg production [1]; breed selected birds and select high-producing offspring for further breeding [1] (e) T eats less food [1]; and/or produces less faeces, so food costs/waste disposal or pollution may be lower [1]
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