TEST OF PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE QUESTION (a) ldentify specimens N, O and Q. Specimen N; Specimen O; Specimen Q; (b) Name one host of each of specimens N, O and ...

Answer Details

(a) Identification of specimens

• Specimen N: Ascaris (roundworm).
• Specimen O: Tick.
• Specimen Q: Tapeworm.

(b) One host of each specimen

• N (Ascaris): pig (also poultry).
• O (Tick): cattle (also sheep and goats).
• Q (Tapeworm): cattle (also sheep and goats).

(c) Four economic importance (effects) of specimens N and Q on their host

Specimen N (Ascaris):

1. Causes reduced growth rate and loss of appetite in the animal.
2. Causes weakness, unthriftness and loss in weight (emaciation).
3. Damages body tissues during the migration of the young worms.
4. Reduces product yield, and the animal may die from heavy infestation.

Specimen Q (Tapeworm):

1. Causes loss of blood leading to anaemia.
2. Causes loss in weight (emaciation) and reduced growth rate.
3. Reduces milk yield and lowers meat quality.
4. Causes increased feed consumption without a corresponding weight gain, and general unthriftness.

(d) Four control measures for specimen O (tick)

1. Dipping the animals in acaricides.
2. Spraying or dusting the animals with acaricides.
3. Hand-picking the ticks and practising rotational grazing.
4. Burning of infested pastures and introducing predators such as cattle egrets (biological control).