(a)(i) State three advantages of introduction in animal improvement programme. (ii) State three disadvantages of selection in animal improvement programme. ...

Answer Details

(a)(i) Advantages of Introduction to Animal improvement Programme: -It brings animals of desirable traits into the farm. -Resuits in improved breeding program. -It brings variety into the farm/ genetic diversity/genetic variability. -Enhances productivity/high productivity. -Helps to incorporate and stabilize đesirable traits in the farm. -Perform better and are able to adapt to local conditions. -Resistance to pests. -Resistance to diseases. (ii) Disadvantages of selection in animal improvement programme: - May lead to the elimination of some existing desirable traits. -It is time-consuming. -It is expensive/high cost is needed. -It is tedious and stressful. -It requires skilled labor or expertise/technique. -No new desirable characteristics are introduced. -Requires up-to-date records that may not be present. -No guarantee that the desired traits would be passed on to the offspring. -Mutation could occur.

(b) Methods of artificial selection: - Mass selection/individual selection. -Progeny selection.-Family selection. -Pedigree selection. -Within family selection/sib selection body size.

(c) Physical features of animals to be selected for breeding: - Good body conformation of animals/body size. -Animals with good dentition and jaw/beak. -Animals with good feet/legs. -Animals with good coat/plumage color ANin2is without deformity in male/female reproductive organs. -Animals with appropriate nunber of eat -Acfive when allowed to moye/thriftiness. -No discharge from orifices. -Male must have a high libido. -Good temperament. -Good health. -Mothering ability/fecundity.

(d) Features of a good laying chicken: - Possession of glossy plumage/attractive feathers. -Possession of wide, moist cloaca. -Bright Ted comb and wattle. -Consistent optimal feed intake. -Soft and pliable abdomen. -Broad flexible pelvic bone. - Absence of broodiness. -Strong and well-curved beak. -Bright eyes which are weil opened and alert.- small, lean, and proportionate head. -Short and strong neck. Smooth and oily skin. -Broad and straight back. -Long, deep and proportionate body. Consistent optimal water intake.