WAEC SSCE - Animal Husbandry - 2019 (Essay)
Question 1 Report
a) Mention five characteristics considered during selection of livestock for breeding.
b) State five characteristics of a Zebu cattle.
c) State five functions of water in farm animals.
d) List five nutritional disorders in farm animals
(a) Five characteristics considered during selection of livestock for breeding
- High productivity (good milk, meat or egg yield).
- Good health and resistance to disease.
- Good body conformation and correct size.
- High fertility and prolificacy (ability to reproduce well).
- Good temperament and adaptability to the environment.
(b) Five characteristics of Zebu cattle
- Presence of a prominent hump on the shoulder.
- A large, loose dewlap under the neck.
- Long, drooping ears.
- Tolerance of heat and drought.
- Good resistance to ticks and tropical diseases (usually light-coloured coat).
(c) Five functions of water in farm animals
- Regulates body temperature.
- Serves as a medium for digestion and absorption of food.
- Transports nutrients, hormones and waste products round the body.
- Is a major component of body fluids such as blood and milk.
- Aids excretion of waste and lubricates the joints.
(d) Five nutritional disorders in farm animals
- Rickets.
- Milk fever.
- Bloat.
- Anaemia.
- Ketosis (also osteomalacia, goitre).
Answer Details
(a) Five characteristics considered during selection of livestock for breeding
- High productivity (good milk, meat or egg yield).
- Good health and resistance to disease.
- Good body conformation and correct size.
- High fertility and prolificacy (ability to reproduce well).
- Good temperament and adaptability to the environment.
(b) Five characteristics of Zebu cattle
- Presence of a prominent hump on the shoulder.
- A large, loose dewlap under the neck.
- Long, drooping ears.
- Tolerance of heat and drought.
- Good resistance to ticks and tropical diseases (usually light-coloured coat).
(c) Five functions of water in farm animals
- Regulates body temperature.
- Serves as a medium for digestion and absorption of food.
- Transports nutrients, hormones and waste products round the body.
- Is a major component of body fluids such as blood and milk.
- Aids excretion of waste and lubricates the joints.
(d) Five nutritional disorders in farm animals
- Rickets.
- Milk fever.
- Bloat.
- Anaemia.
- Ketosis (also osteomalacia, goitre).
Question 2 Report
(a) Mention FIVE advantages and THREE Disadvantages of castration in Livestock production
(b) (i) Draw and label FIVE parts of the digestive system of a domestic fowl
(ii) State ONE function of each of the parts labelled in (b) (i)
(a) Advantages of castration in livestock production
- It prevents indiscriminate mating and permits controlled breeding.
- Castrated animals are usually more docile and easier to handle.
- It improves the quality and tenderness of meat.
- It removes the unpleasant odour associated with mature males.
- It promotes fattening and may improve the market value of the animal.
Disadvantages of castration in livestock production
- The operation is painful and may cause stress or shock to the animal.
- There may be loss of blood, infection or a persistent wound if the operation is poorly done.
- Desirable breeding traits may be lost because the castrated animal cannot reproduce.
(b) (i) Labelled digestive system of a domestic fowl
(b) (ii) Functions of the labelled parts
| Part | One function |
|---|---|
| Crop | Temporarily stores feed and moistens it. |
| Proventriculus | Secretes gastric juice for the digestion of proteins. |
| Gizzard | Grinds and crushes food, usually with the aid of grit. |
| Small intestine | Absorbs digested nutrients. |
| Cloaca (vent) | Serves as the common passage through which droppings leave the body. |
Answer Details
(a) Advantages of castration in livestock production
- It prevents indiscriminate mating and permits controlled breeding.
- Castrated animals are usually more docile and easier to handle.
- It improves the quality and tenderness of meat.
- It removes the unpleasant odour associated with mature males.
- It promotes fattening and may improve the market value of the animal.
Disadvantages of castration in livestock production
- The operation is painful and may cause stress or shock to the animal.
- There may be loss of blood, infection or a persistent wound if the operation is poorly done.
- Desirable breeding traits may be lost because the castrated animal cannot reproduce.
(b) (i) Labelled digestive system of a domestic fowl
(b) (ii) Functions of the labelled parts
| Part | One function |
|---|---|
| Crop | Temporarily stores feed and moistens it. |
| Proventriculus | Secretes gastric juice for the digestion of proteins. |
| Gizzard | Grinds and crushes food, usually with the aid of grit. |
| Small intestine | Absorbs digested nutrients. |
| Cloaca (vent) | Serves as the common passage through which droppings leave the body. |
Question 3 Report
a) List three equipment used on a dairy farm.
b) Outline the steps involved in the pasteurization of milk.
c) State four roles of each of the following agents in the marketing of animal products:
(i) wholesaler;
(ii) retailer.
d) State three advantages of each of the following agents involved in the marketing of animal products:
(i) marketing boards;
(ii) co-operative societies.
(a) Three equipment used on a dairy farm
- Milking machine.
- Milk churn (milk can).
- Milk cooler/refrigerator (also strainer, pasteuriser).
(b) Steps involved in the pasteurisation of milk
- Collect and strain the fresh milk to remove dirt.
- Heat the milk, either to \(63^{\circ}\text{C}\) held for 30 minutes (holder method) or to \(72^{\circ}\text{C}\) for 15 seconds (HTST method), to kill harmful micro-organisms.
- Cool the milk rapidly to about \(4^{\circ}\text{C}\).
- Bottle or package the milk under hygienic conditions and store it cold.
(c) Four roles of each agent in marketing of animal products
(i) Wholesaler:
- Buys the products in large (bulk) quantities from producers.
- Stores/warehouses the products.
- Breaks the bulk and sells in smaller lots to retailers.
- Transports goods and gives producers market information.
(ii) Retailer:
- Buys products in smaller quantities from the wholesaler.
- Sells directly to the final consumer in units the consumer wants.
- Displays the goods and provides variety to consumers.
- Gives consumers information and may extend credit to them.
(d) Three advantages of each agent
(i) Marketing boards:
- Guarantee stable, fixed prices to producers.
- Provide storage facilities and buy up surplus produce.
- Enforce quality control and may provide loans/inputs.
(ii) Co-operative societies:
- Enable members to buy inputs cheaply in bulk and to sell together with stronger bargaining power.
- Provide credit/loans to members.
- Provide storage and marketing facilities and share profits (dividends).
Answer Details
(a) Three equipment used on a dairy farm
- Milking machine.
- Milk churn (milk can).
- Milk cooler/refrigerator (also strainer, pasteuriser).
(b) Steps involved in the pasteurisation of milk
- Collect and strain the fresh milk to remove dirt.
- Heat the milk, either to \(63^{\circ}\text{C}\) held for 30 minutes (holder method) or to \(72^{\circ}\text{C}\) for 15 seconds (HTST method), to kill harmful micro-organisms.
- Cool the milk rapidly to about \(4^{\circ}\text{C}\).
- Bottle or package the milk under hygienic conditions and store it cold.
(c) Four roles of each agent in marketing of animal products
(i) Wholesaler:
- Buys the products in large (bulk) quantities from producers.
- Stores/warehouses the products.
- Breaks the bulk and sells in smaller lots to retailers.
- Transports goods and gives producers market information.
(ii) Retailer:
- Buys products in smaller quantities from the wholesaler.
- Sells directly to the final consumer in units the consumer wants.
- Displays the goods and provides variety to consumers.
- Gives consumers information and may extend credit to them.
(d) Three advantages of each agent
(i) Marketing boards:
- Guarantee stable, fixed prices to producers.
- Provide storage facilities and buy up surplus produce.
- Enforce quality control and may provide loans/inputs.
(ii) Co-operative societies:
- Enable members to buy inputs cheaply in bulk and to sell together with stronger bargaining power.
- Provide credit/loans to members.
- Provide storage and marketing facilities and share profits (dividends).
Question 4 Report
a) (i) Describe the life cycle of louse.
(ii) State three effects of louse on its host.
(iii) State three ways in which louse could be controlled.
(iv) Name three farm animals that could be infested by louse.
b) Discuss coccidiosis in farm animals under the following headings:
(i) two animals mostly affected;
(ii) causal agent;
(iii) two symptoms;
(iv) two control measures
(a)(i) Life cycle of the louse
The louse has a simple (incomplete) life cycle completed entirely on the host: the adult female lays eggs (nits) cemented to the hair or feathers of the host; each egg hatches into a nymph which resembles the adult; the nymph feeds and moults several times to become a mature adult that mates and lays more eggs.
(ii) Three effects of louse on its host
- Causes irritation, restlessness and rubbing.
- Causes anaemia and loss of condition (blood-sucking types).
- Leads to loss of hair/feathers, reduced production, and may transmit disease.
(iii) Three ways of controlling louse
- Dusting or spraying the animals with a suitable insecticide.
- Dipping the animals in an acaricide/insecticide wash.
- Maintaining good hygiene and isolating infested animals.
(iv) Three farm animals that could be infested by louse
- Cattle.
- Sheep (or goat).
- Poultry (fowl).
(b) Coccidiosis
- Two animals mostly affected: poultry (chicken) and rabbit.
- Causal agent: a protozoan of the genus Eimeria.
- Two symptoms: blood-stained diarrhoea; loss of appetite, weakness and ruffled feathers with reduced growth.
- Two control measures: add a coccidiostat to the feed or water; maintain good sanitation with dry litter and avoid overcrowding.
Answer Details
(a)(i) Life cycle of the louse
The louse has a simple (incomplete) life cycle completed entirely on the host: the adult female lays eggs (nits) cemented to the hair or feathers of the host; each egg hatches into a nymph which resembles the adult; the nymph feeds and moults several times to become a mature adult that mates and lays more eggs.
(ii) Three effects of louse on its host
- Causes irritation, restlessness and rubbing.
- Causes anaemia and loss of condition (blood-sucking types).
- Leads to loss of hair/feathers, reduced production, and may transmit disease.
(iii) Three ways of controlling louse
- Dusting or spraying the animals with a suitable insecticide.
- Dipping the animals in an acaricide/insecticide wash.
- Maintaining good hygiene and isolating infested animals.
(iv) Three farm animals that could be infested by louse
- Cattle.
- Sheep (or goat).
- Poultry (fowl).
(b) Coccidiosis
- Two animals mostly affected: poultry (chicken) and rabbit.
- Causal agent: a protozoan of the genus Eimeria.
- Two symptoms: blood-stained diarrhoea; loss of appetite, weakness and ruffled feathers with reduced growth.
- Two control measures: add a coccidiostat to the feed or water; maintain good sanitation with dry litter and avoid overcrowding.
Question 5 Report
a) (i) State Five benefits of keeping bees
(ii) Outline the steps involved in establishing an apiary
b) (i) State Five ways of enhancing the productivity of a pig farm
(ii) State Five management practices that are carried out on piglets from birth to weaning
(a)(i) Five benefits of keeping bees
- Production of honey for food, medicine and income.
- Production of beeswax used in candles, polishes and cosmetics.
- Pollination of nearby crops, which raises crop yield.
- Production of other hive products such as royal jelly and propolis.
- Source of income and employment to the farmer.
(ii) Steps involved in establishing an apiary
- Select a suitable, sheltered site near flowering plants and a source of water, away from noise and disturbance.
- Acquire beehives, protective clothing and other beekeeping equipment.
- Set the hives on stands and bait them, or introduce a bee colony/swarm.
- Allow the bees to settle and inspect/manage the colony regularly.
- Harvest and process the honey and wax when ready.
(b)(i) Five ways of enhancing the productivity of a pig farm
- Use improved, fast-growing and prolific breeds.
- Provide balanced, adequate feed and clean water.
- Provide good housing with proper sanitation.
- Practise regular disease and parasite control.
- Adopt good breeding management and keep accurate records.
(ii) Five management practices carried out on piglets from birth to weaning
- Ensure each piglet takes colostrum soon after birth.
- Disinfect and cut the navel cord.
- Clip the needle (canine) teeth to prevent injury to the sow and litter mates.
- Give iron injection to prevent piglet anaemia.
- Castrate the male piglets and identify them by ear notching; provide creep feed before weaning.
Answer Details
(a)(i) Five benefits of keeping bees
- Production of honey for food, medicine and income.
- Production of beeswax used in candles, polishes and cosmetics.
- Pollination of nearby crops, which raises crop yield.
- Production of other hive products such as royal jelly and propolis.
- Source of income and employment to the farmer.
(ii) Steps involved in establishing an apiary
- Select a suitable, sheltered site near flowering plants and a source of water, away from noise and disturbance.
- Acquire beehives, protective clothing and other beekeeping equipment.
- Set the hives on stands and bait them, or introduce a bee colony/swarm.
- Allow the bees to settle and inspect/manage the colony regularly.
- Harvest and process the honey and wax when ready.
(b)(i) Five ways of enhancing the productivity of a pig farm
- Use improved, fast-growing and prolific breeds.
- Provide balanced, adequate feed and clean water.
- Provide good housing with proper sanitation.
- Practise regular disease and parasite control.
- Adopt good breeding management and keep accurate records.
(ii) Five management practices carried out on piglets from birth to weaning
- Ensure each piglet takes colostrum soon after birth.
- Disinfect and cut the navel cord.
- Clip the needle (canine) teeth to prevent injury to the sow and litter mates.
- Give iron injection to prevent piglet anaemia.
- Castrate the male piglets and identify them by ear notching; provide creep feed before weaning.
Question 6 Report
a) Define the term artificial pasture as used in animal production.
b) State six advantages of grass-legume mixtures in a pasture.
c) (i) Mention three management systems used in keeping small ruminants.
(ii) State three characteristics of each of the management systems mentioned in (c)(i).
(a) Meaning of artificial pasture
Artificial (established) pasture is pasture that is deliberately established by man on prepared land by planting selected, improved species of grasses and legumes, as opposed to natural pasture which grows on its own.
(b) Six advantages of grass-legume mixtures in a pasture
- The legume fixes atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility.
- It provides a balanced diet (grass for energy, legume for protein).
- It gives a higher herbage yield.
- The herbage is more palatable and nutritious.
- The dense cover protects the soil against erosion.
- It raises animal productivity and prolongs the grazing period.
(c)(i) Three management systems used in keeping small ruminants
- Extensive system.
- Semi-intensive system.
- Intensive system.
(ii) Three characteristics of each system
Extensive system: animals roam and graze freely on natural range; low capital and labour input; low productivity per animal; requires large land area.
Semi-intensive system: animals graze during the day and are housed at night; grazing is supplemented with cut forage and concentrates; requires moderate input; gives moderate productivity.
Intensive system: animals are fully confined and housed; fed on cut-and-carry forage and concentrates; requires high capital and close supervision; gives high productivity on a small land area.
Answer Details
(a) Meaning of artificial pasture
Artificial (established) pasture is pasture that is deliberately established by man on prepared land by planting selected, improved species of grasses and legumes, as opposed to natural pasture which grows on its own.
(b) Six advantages of grass-legume mixtures in a pasture
- The legume fixes atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility.
- It provides a balanced diet (grass for energy, legume for protein).
- It gives a higher herbage yield.
- The herbage is more palatable and nutritious.
- The dense cover protects the soil against erosion.
- It raises animal productivity and prolongs the grazing period.
(c)(i) Three management systems used in keeping small ruminants
- Extensive system.
- Semi-intensive system.
- Intensive system.
(ii) Three characteristics of each system
Extensive system: animals roam and graze freely on natural range; low capital and labour input; low productivity per animal; requires large land area.
Semi-intensive system: animals graze during the day and are housed at night; grazing is supplemented with cut forage and concentrates; requires moderate input; gives moderate productivity.
Intensive system: animals are fully confined and housed; fed on cut-and-carry forage and concentrates; requires high capital and close supervision; gives high productivity on a small land area.
