(a) Explain each of the following mating methods in farm animals: (i) hand mating (ii) pen mating (iii) pasture mating. (b)(i) Mention two advantages of eac...

Answer Details

(a) Explanation of Mating Methods in Farm Animal:

(i) Hand mating - It is a mating method in which the farmer identifies the female on heat and bring it together with the male for mating.

(ii) Pen mating - In this method. a group of male and female animals are kept together in an acceptable ratio for mating in the same pen/ enclosure.

(iii) Pasture mating - This is a mating method in which male and female animals are allowed to run together and mate freely/female animals on heat are mated by any of the males in the group.

(b)i) Advantages of Mating Methods:

(1) Hand mating:

• The line of offspring can easily be identified hence records can also be adequately kept.
• Indiscriminate mating is prevented/mating can be scheduled.
• It can prevent inbreeding.
• The frequency of use of male can be regulated.
• Desired characteristics can be preserved.
• It is possible to calculate the probable date of parturition.

(2) Pen mating:

• It required less labour.
• Does not need experienced handlers.
• Female animals are more aroused and receptive
• Degree of successful mating is high.
• Cost of keeping animals is low.

(3) Pasture mating:

• Conception rate is higher because the chances of missing heat is lower.
• Requires low labour input.
• Low housing cost since male and female animals are housed together.
• Females on heat are easily detected by the males
• Aggressive and high libido males can easily be identified.
• Animals have access to regular exercise.
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(ii) Disadvantages of Mating Methods:

(1) Hand mating:

• It requires experienced handlers to detect heat.
• The cost of keeping male and female animals separately is high.
• Requires more labour.
• Heat may go undetected.
• Male and female animals may reject each other resulting in unsuccessful breeding.

(2) Pen mating:

• Record keeping is difficult.
• Competition could occur among males leading to injury/death.
• The males may be overworked and easily exhausted.
• The sire may not be known.
• Mating may not occur due to male competition.
• 0ver mating of females may occur leading to bleeding/injury/death.

(3) Pasture mating:

• It may be difficult to identify the sire
• Competition among males may lead to injury of males.
• Record keeping is difficult.
• Competition among males could lead to failed mating.
• Over mating of females can lead to bleeding/injury/death.

(c) Methods of Semen Collection from Bull:

• Use of dummy/teaser.
• Use of artificial vagina.
• Use of electro-ejaculator/electrical ejaculation.
• Use of hand massage.