(a) Explain each of the following terms as used in animal production: (i) flushing: (i) dystocia: (iii) parturition. (b) State five ways in which fencing is...

Answer Details

(a) Explanation of Terms:

(i) Flushing: -It is the act of giving extra nutritious feed to female animals (mostly pigs and small ruminants) before mating to enhance the release of more ova/to enhance multiple births.

(ii) Dystocia: - It is referred to as abnormal or difficult birth in farm animals occasioned by mal-presentation and abnormal positioning of foetus in the uterus. -It can also be caused by small pelvis of dam, large foetus, foetal abnormalities and uterine and vaginal rupture.

(iii) Parturition: -The act of giving birth in livestock which is influenced by hormones.

(b) Importance of Fencing in Livestock Production:

• Helps to control and handle animals.
• Protects animals from consuming crops sprayed with chemicals
• prevents animals from destroying crop farms.
• Protects animals from theft.
• Protects animals from predators.
• Helps to separate animals into groups.
• Helps to divide pasture into paddock.
• Helps to practice controlled grazing.

(c) Importance of Rearing Rabbits:

• Highly prolific/can produce many litters at a time.
• Can convert less quantity of feed to high quality products, e.g. forage/high feed efficiency.
• Small capital is needed for establishing rabbitry.
• Space requirement is minimal.
• Serves as companion animal/'pet.
• Breeding/mating is easy due to spontaneous ovulation.
• Used for research purposes/educational.
• Serves as a good source of animal protein/rabbit meat is white, tender and nutritious/food for humans.
• Have short gestation period.
• Source of income.
• Attain maturity weight early.
• Source of employment.

(d) Disadvantages of Deep

• Wastage of feed by birds is high.
• Cannibalism and egg pecking can occur.
• Eggs are prone to breakage
• Litter System of Rearing Poultry:
• Requires large quantity of litter which add to cost of production.
• Eggs are often dirty due to dirty litter.
• High spread of disease.
• Difficult to detect unproductive birds.
• High infestation of parasite.
• High ammonia build-up.
• Difficult to detect sick birds/weak birds.