(a) State four advantages if artificial insemination. (b) State five functions of the rumen.

(a) Advantages of artificial insemination

• It is cheaper to import semen/transport semen than the live male
• Optimal use of semen/one male can be used for several females                                      
• The semen of a desired sire can be used even after death
• Less space is required to keep male animals for breeding purpose
• Saves the cost of maintaining males            
• Semen of old/injured animals/overweight sires can be used
• It helps in planning breeding programme
• Minimal labour is required to keep sire for
• breeding purpose                                                         
• Prevents the spread of sexually transmitted diseases
• It aids better record keeping
• There is high rate of conception and productivity/breeding efficiency  

                              
(b)  Functions of the rumen

• Temporary storage of food
• Digestion of feed nutrients
• Soften fibre/feed
• Fermentation of cellulose/fibre/feed
• Provides suitable environment for microbial protein synthesis
• Synthesis of vitamins B complex and K
• Production of enteric gas e.g CH4, CO2, H2                                                                        
• Production of volatile fatty acids e.g. acetate, butyrate, propionate   
• Absorption of certain nutrient occurs from the wall of the rumen
• Assists in the act of rumination
• Utilization of non-protein nitrogenous compounds
• Accommodates micro-organisms
• Mixing/churning of digesta/regurgitation
• Serves as passage way of digesta/chyme to the reticulum