a) Mention five characteristics considered during selection of livestock for breeding. b) State five characteristics of a Zebu cattle. c) State five functio...

Answer Details

(a) Five characteristics considered during selection of livestock for breeding

• High productivity (good milk, meat or egg yield).
• Good health and resistance to disease.
• Good body conformation and correct size.
• High fertility and prolificacy (ability to reproduce well).
• Good temperament and adaptability to the environment.

(b) Five characteristics of Zebu cattle

• Presence of a prominent hump on the shoulder.
• A large, loose dewlap under the neck.
• Long, drooping ears.
• Tolerance of heat and drought.
• Good resistance to ticks and tropical diseases (usually light-coloured coat).

(c) Five functions of water in farm animals

• Regulates body temperature.
• Serves as a medium for digestion and absorption of food.
• Transports nutrients, hormones and waste products round the body.
• Is a major component of body fluids such as blood and milk.
• Aids excretion of waste and lubricates the joints.

(d) Five nutritional disorders in farm animals

• Rickets.
• Milk fever.
• Bloat.
• Anaemia.
• Ketosis (also osteomalacia, goitre).