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...

Answer Details

(a)  Definition of artificial pasture;
This is an area of land covered with forage crops and established by man for feeding livestock/ruminants.
 

(b)  Advantages of grass-legume mixture in pastures;

• Productivity is high/high yield                      
• Animals get balanced diet
• Reduces soil erosion                                     
• Improves soil structure
• Mixture smother weeds/controls weeds      
• Reduces leaching of nutrients
• Provides variety for animals                         
• Reduces evapotranspiration
• Improves feed intake/palatability/acceptability
• Extends the growing season of forages
• Legumes improve soil fertility/fixation of nitrogen to soils  

                                                                                                                        
(c)(i) Management systems for keeping small ruminants;

• Free range/extensive system
• Intensive system
• Semi intensive system

(ii) Characteristics of Management systems;

Extensive system

• Poor healthcare                                  
• Uncontrolled breeding                                  
• Low input/low performance              
• Poor/no record keeping          
• Animals could be injured/killed/stolen
• Low output/delayed growth  
• Animals are not confined/no housing structure
• Animals are allowed to fend for themselves
• Animals are exposed to adverse environmental conditions
• Results in conflict between crop and livestock farmers                    

Intensive system        

• -  Animals are confined                        

• Animals are adequately fed
• High input                                          
• High output
• Proper record-keeping                        
• Controlled breeding
• Control of diseases                            
• Control of parasites/pests
• Control of predators   
• Protection from unfavourable environmental conditions                                                                  

Semi-intensive system

• Supplementary feeding is given        
• Some healthcare is provided                        
• Animals are confined at night           
• Moderate output                                            
• Moderate input                                   
• Difficult keeping records
• Animals can be injured/killed/stolen 
• Housing is provided
• Animals have opportunity to roam about