a)(i) ldentify specimens R. (1 mark)
(ii) State two disadvantages of using specimen R in poultry house. (2 marks)
(iv) List two ways of maintaining specimen R. (2 marks)
(v) Name two devices that can be used in place of using specimen R in a poultry house. (2 marks)
(b) A farmer observed that ten of the sows on the pig farm had reddened and swollen vulvas with whitish mucus discharge. The sows also made undue noise and P mounted one another. Use the information to answer the questions that follow:
(ii) Assuming the farmer serviced a sow on 1st March, 2012, state the date the farmer should expect the sow to farrow. (2 marks)
(ii) List three preparations that the farmer should make in the farrowing pen before the sow farrows. (3 marks)
(a)(i) Identity of specimen R
Specimen R is a hurricane lamp (kerosene lantern / pressure lamp). It has the characteristic metal frame, a glass globe protecting a wick that burns kerosene, a fuel reservoir at the base and a wire carrying handle. In poultry management it serves as a source of heat and light for brooding young chicks.
(a)(ii) Two disadvantages of using specimen R in a poultry house
- It is a fire hazard. The naked kerosene flame can easily ignite dry litter, feathers or wood shavings and burn down the poultry house.
- It gives uneven and inadequate heat, so chicks tend to crowd towards it, leading to smothering, uneven growth and high chick mortality.
(Other acceptable points: it produces smoke and fumes such as carbon monoxide that suffocate birds; the temperature cannot be accurately regulated; it needs constant refuelling and attention.)
(a)(iii) Two precautions to be taken when using specimen R
- Place it out of the reach of the birds and away from litter, curtains and other inflammable materials to prevent fire and burns.
- Provide adequate ventilation in the house so that smoke and fumes escape and do not suffocate the birds.
(Also acceptable: do not overfill the reservoir; keep the wick trimmed and the globe clean; never refuel while it is burning; hang it securely so it cannot fall over.)
(a)(iv) Two ways of maintaining specimen R
- Trim the wick regularly and clean the glass globe so that it burns brightly without soot.
- Refill the reservoir with clean, good-quality kerosene and check for leaks so that it burns steadily.
(a)(v) Two devices that can be used in place of specimen R in a poultry house
- Electric brooder (with heat/infra-red bulbs).
- Gas brooder (gas-fired heater/canopy brooder).
(Also acceptable: charcoal stove/pot brooder, infra-red heat lamp.)
(b)(i) What the observed signs indicate
The reddened and swollen vulva, whitish mucus discharge, restlessness (undue noise) and mounting of one another show that the sows are on heat (in oestrus), that is, they are sexually receptive and ready to be served (mated).
(b)(ii) Expected farrowing date
The gestation (pregnancy) period of a pig is about 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days). Counting 114 days from the service date of 1st March, 2012 (a leap year):
Day of service, 1st March, is day 61 of the year. Adding the gestation length:
\[ 61 + 114 = 175 \text{ (day of the year)} \]
Working the 114 days through the calendar:
| Month | Days used | Days remaining |
|---|
| March (1 to 31) | 30 | 114 - 30 = 84 |
| April (30 days) | 30 | 84 - 30 = 54 |
| May (31 days) | 31 | 54 - 31 = 23 |
| June | 23 | 0 |
Therefore the sow should be expected to farrow on 23rd June, 2012.
(b)(iii) Three preparations in the farrowing pen before the sow farrows
- Clean and disinfect the farrowing pen and provide fresh, dry bedding (litter) to prevent infection.
- Provide a source of warmth (heat lamp/brooder) and a creep/guard rail area for the piglets to protect them from cold and from being crushed by the sow.
- Provide clean water and feed and have farrowing materials ready (clean towels, disinfectant, iodine for the navel, and equipment for any assistance needed at birth).
