(a)i) Explain the term brooding as used in animal husbandry. (ii) State four routine activities which are carried out in a brooder house. (b) State four eff...

(a)i) Explain the term brooding as used in animal husbandry.

(ii) State four routine activities which are carried out in a brooder house.

(b) State four effects of parasites in livestock production.

(c) Mention four ways of controlling liver fluke in sheep production.

(d) Define the term artificial insemination as used in animal production.

(ii) State four advantages of artificial insemination in cattle production.

Answer Details

(a)

i) In animal husbandry, the term "brooding" refers to the process of keeping and raising newly hatched chicks or other young animals in a controlled environment until they are old enough to be moved to a larger area or outdoor environment. This usually involves providing a warm and safe environment to ensure the survival and growth of the young animals.

ii) In a brooder house, the following routine activities are carried out:

1. Maintaining temperature: The temperature of the brooder house is monitored and adjusted to ensure that it is suitable for the young animals.
2. Feeding: The young animals are provided with a suitable diet to ensure proper growth and development.
3. Watering: Fresh water is provided to the young animals on a regular basis.
4. Sanitation: The brooder house is cleaned regularly to maintain a hygienic environment for the young animals.

(b) The effects of parasites in livestock production include:

1. Reduced weight gain and decreased feed efficiency
2. Decreased fertility
3. Decreased immunity to other diseases
4. Reduced overall health and productivity

(c) The following are four ways of controlling liver fluke in sheep production:

1. Strategic use of anthelmintics (dewormers)
2. Proper grazing management
3. Drainage of wet areas to reduce snail populations
4. Use of resistant sheep breeds

(d) Artificial insemination (AI) is a method of breeding animals in which semen is collected from a male animal and manually inserted into the reproductive tract of a female animal.

Advantages of artificial insemination in cattle production include:

1. Improved genetics: AI allows for the use of high-quality semen from top-performing bulls to improve the genetics of the herd.
2. Increased efficiency: AI is faster and less labor-intensive than natural mating, making it more cost-effective.
3. Disease control: AI reduces the risk of disease transmission between animals, as only semen is exchanged, not bodily fluids.
4. More controlled breeding: AI allows for more precise timing and control of breeding, leading to better herd management.