WAEC SSCE - Animal Husbandry - 2021

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A grass legume mixture for pasture production is used to improve the nutrient level of forage. This is because grasses and legumes have different nutritional compositions, and when mixed together, they can provide a more balanced and diverse diet for grazing animals. Grasses are typically higher in fiber and lower in protein, while legumes are higher in protein and lower in fiber. By combining these two types of plants, the resulting forage can provide a more optimal balance of protein, fiber, and other nutrients for livestock to consume. This can help to improve animal health and productivity, as well as overall pasture production.

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The male hormone produced by farm animals is called testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone that is primarily produced in the testicles of male animals, including farm animals like cattle, sheep, and pigs. It is responsible for the development of male reproductive organs, as well as secondary sexual characteristics like increased muscle mass, deepening of the voice, and the growth of facial and body hair. Testosterone plays an important role in the reproductive and overall health of male farm animals. It is involved in the production of sperm and helps to maintain healthy bones and muscles. In addition to its role in male farm animals, testosterone also plays important roles in female animals, including the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the maintenance of bone density.

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Hemoglobin is essential in the transport of oxygen process. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that binds to oxygen molecules and carries them throughout the body. When you breathe in, oxygen enters your lungs and attaches to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. The hemoglobin then carries the oxygen to your body's tissues and organs, where it is used to produce energy for your cells. Without hemoglobin, your body would not be able to transport enough oxygen to meet its energy needs. Therefore, hemoglobin is critical for the survival of all organisms that rely on oxygen for energy. In contrast, hemoglobin is not involved in the removal of nitrogen, regulation of blood pH, or absorption of water and salt.

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The process by which digested nutrients enter the bloodstream through the intestinal walls of farm animals is known as absorption. It occurs in the small intestine, where nutrients from the digested food pass through the walls of the intestine and enter into the bloodstream, which carries them to the cells in the body that need them. The absorbed nutrients include sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which provide energy and other essential nutrients for growth, maintenance, and repair of the animal's body. Overall, absorption is a critical step in the digestive process, allowing farm animals to obtain the necessary nutrients from their food to survive and thrive.

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The tube-like structure that carries air to the lungs of farm animals is called the trachea. It is a long, flexible tube that extends from the throat or pharynx down into the chest cavity, where it divides into two branches known as the bronchi. The trachea is sometimes referred to as the windpipe. When an animal breathes in, air travels through the nostrils or mouth and enters the trachea. The trachea is lined with tiny hairs called cilia, which help to filter out dust and other particles from the air. The trachea then divides into two bronchi, which carry air into the left and right lungs. In summary, the trachea is a tube-like structure that carries air to the lungs of farm animals. It is an essential part of the respiratory system, which is responsible for exchanging gases between the animal's body and the environment.

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To prevent honey bees from being excited during the harvesting of honey, the use of smoke around the hives should be carried out. Smoke is often used by beekeepers to calm bees and reduce their aggression during honey harvesting. When bees sense smoke, they become less aggressive and focus their attention on storing honey in their stomachs in case they need to flee the hive due to a possible forest fire. The smoke also masks the pheromones that the bees use to communicate with one another, which further reduces their aggression. Therefore, based on the given options, the correct answer is the use of smoke around the hives.

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The secondary host of the parasite is the domestic fowl. An endoparasite is a parasite that lives inside the body of its host. In this illustration, the endoparasite is shown as a life cycle that involves two hosts. The primary host, which is not shown, is a livestock animal such as a pig or a cow. The secondary host is the domestic fowl. The parasite enters the primary host and develops into its adult form inside the host's body. When the primary host is consumed by the secondary host, the parasite is transferred to the secondary host, where it continues its life cycle. This is why the secondary host is the domestic fowl in this illustration. It is important to understand the life cycle of parasites to develop effective control and management strategies to reduce their impact on human and animal health.

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The distention of the stomach in ruminants due to the accumulation of gas as a result of consumption of lush pasture is known as bloat. Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to break down and ferment tough plant material. However, when they consume a large amount of lush, leguminous pasture, such as clover or alfalfa, the fermentation process can produce excess gas. This gas can become trapped in the rumen, causing it to expand and creating a condition known as bloat. Bloat can be dangerous for ruminants, as it can cause pressure on the diaphragm and lead to difficulty breathing. In severe cases, bloat can even lead to death. There are two types of bloat: frothy bloat and free-gas bloat. Frothy bloat occurs when foam forms in the rumen, trapping gas and preventing it from being expelled. Free-gas bloat occurs when a physical blockage prevents gas from leaving the rumen. To prevent bloat, ruminants should be slowly acclimated to lush pasture and should have access to hay or other dry forage. In severe cases, a veterinarian may need to intervene to relieve the bloat by inserting a tube through the animal's mouth and into the rumen to release the trapped gas. In summary, bloat is a condition that occurs in ruminants when excess gas accumulates in the rumen as a result of consuming lush pasture. It can be dangerous and even life-threatening, but can be prevented by slowly acclimating animals to new pasture and providing access to dry forage. Veterinary intervention may be necessary in severe cases.

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Hay and silage are both classified as roughages. Roughages are a type of feed that is high in fiber and low in energy and protein, and are typically fed to livestock, including cattle, horses, and sheep. Roughages are an important part of the diet for these animals, as they help maintain digestive health and prevent digestive problems such as colic. Hay is dried grass or legumes that have been cut and stored for later use as feed. Silage is a type of feed that is made by fermenting fresh forage, such as corn or grass, and then storing it in a silo or pit. Both hay and silage are considered roughages because they are high in fiber and low in energy and protein. Feeding roughages to livestock is an important aspect of their diet and overall health and wellbeing.

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The formation of the eggshell membrane occurs in the uterus. The uterus is the muscular organ where the fertilized egg implants and grows into a developing fetus. During the process of egg formation, the eggshell membrane is formed around the egg to protect it and provide a structure for the egg to develop within. This membrane is formed within the uterus and is a crucial component in the formation and development of the egg.

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Fertilizing the pasture would increase the carrying capacity of the land. This is because fertilization helps to improve soil fertility, which in turn promotes the growth of more grass and other plants that animals can eat. With more food available, more animals can graze on the land without causing overgrazing or depletion of the available resources. Draining the pasture may help in some cases by reducing waterlogged areas, but it is not a guaranteed way to increase carrying capacity. Pest and disease control is important to maintain the health of the animals and prevent losses, but it does not necessarily increase the carrying capacity of the land. Reducing the size of the pasture may temporarily increase carrying capacity, but it is not a sustainable solution as it can lead to overgrazing and soil depletion in the long run.

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If a calf dies suddenly with blood oozing from the natural openings (such as mouth, nostrils, anus, and vulva), the most likely cause of death is anthrax. Anthrax is a serious bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis that affects both animals and humans. It can be found in soil and can infect livestock when they eat contaminated grass or hay. The symptoms of anthrax can vary depending on the type of infection, but sudden death is a common occurrence. In many cases, blood may ooze from the natural openings of the animal's body. Other symptoms may include fever, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the body. While the other diseases listed can also cause illness and death in cattle, sudden death with blood oozing from the natural openings is most commonly associated with anthrax. It's important to consult a veterinarian if you suspect any illness or abnormal behavior in your livestock, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can be crucial for their health and well-being.

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Coccidiosis is a disease caused by the parasite Eimeria spp. It affects the intestines of birds, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased appetite. The parasite spreads through contaminated feces, and birds can become infected by ingesting contaminated food or water. It is a common problem in poultry farms and can have a significant impact on the health and productivity of the birds.

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The first step in formulating a diet for cattle is to determine the nutrient requirements of the cattle. This involves understanding the specific nutritional needs of the cattle based on their age, weight, breed, and purpose (e.g. meat or milk production). Once the nutrient requirements are known, the next step is to choose the feed ingredients that will provide those required nutrients, and then determine the chemical composition of those feed ingredients. Finally, the amount of each feed to be used in the ration is calculated to ensure that the cattle receive the proper balance of nutrients for their health and productivity.

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The practice of feeding a special diet to ewes before mating is called "flushing". Flushing is a method used in sheep farming to improve the reproductive performance of ewes. It involves feeding ewes a high-nutrient diet before mating in order to increase their body condition and help them produce more and healthier lambs. This special diet, which is typically high in energy, protein, and other essential nutrients, is designed to improve the ewes' overall health and increase their chances of successfully conceiving and carrying a lamb to term. By "flushing" the ewes with a high-quality diet, farmers aim to improve the health and fertility of the flock, leading to higher lambing rates and better overall production.

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Trypanosomiasis is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma, and it is transmitted by the tse-tse fly. The tse-tse fly is a type of biting insect that is found in certain parts of Africa. When the fly bites a person or an animal, it can transmit the parasite into the bloodstream. From there, the parasite can multiply and spread throughout the body, causing trypanosomiasis. This is a serious disease that can lead to a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue. It is important to avoid being bitten by tse-tse flies in order to reduce the risk of getting trypanosomiasis.

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To determine the percentage conception rate, we need to divide the number of cows that conceived by the number of cows that were inseminated, and then multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage. In this case, 37 cows out of 50 were inseminated, so we can calculate the percentage conception rate as follows: Percentage Conception Rate = (Number of cows that conceived / Number of cows inseminated) x 100% Percentage Conception Rate = (37 / 50) x 100% Percentage Conception Rate = 0.74 x 100% Percentage Conception Rate = 74% Therefore, the percentage conception rate is 74%, which means that out of 50 cows that were inseminated, 37 conceived.

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The meat of a calf that is less than six months old and fed exclusively on milk is called veal. Veal is a type of beef that comes from young calves, typically those that are less than six months old. The meat is tender, pale in color and has a delicate flavor. Veal is a popular ingredient in many European cuisine, but it is also enjoyed in other parts of the world.

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Snail is usually classified as a non-traditional farm animal. This means that snails are not commonly raised or kept on farms for their meat, milk, or eggs like cattle, goats, and pigs are. Snails are more often kept as pets or for their use in certain culinary dishes.

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Overstocking is a management practice that could decrease the production of herbage on a grazing land. This means that if there are too many animals grazing on a piece of land, they will consume more vegetation than the land can produce, leading to a decrease in the amount of available herbage. Overgrazing can also damage the soil and vegetation, making it harder for new plants to grow. On the other hand, practices such as irrigation, paddocking, and reseeding can increase the production of herbage on grazing land by providing the plants with the water and nutrients they need to grow, and by allowing the land to rest and recover between grazing periods.

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To determine the number of pigs that can be stocked in a pig sty, we need to calculate the total floor area of the sty and divide it by the required floor space per pig. The area of the pig sty can be calculated by multiplying its length by its width: Area of pig sty = Length x Width Area of pig sty = 14.0 m x 6.0 m Area of pig sty = 84.0 square meters Next, we need to determine the number of pigs that can be stocked in this area, given that each pig requires 2 square meters of floor space. We can do this by dividing the area of the sty by the required floor space per pig: Number of pigs = Area of pig sty / Required floor space per pig Number of pigs = 84.0 square meters / 2 square meters per pig Number of pigs = 42 Therefore, the number of pigs that could be stocked in a pig sty with dimensions of 14.0 m by 6.0 m is 42. It's important to note that this calculation assumes that all the available floor space is used for pigs and that there are no other structures or obstacles in the sty. Additionally, the welfare of the pigs must also be considered, and it's important to provide enough space for the pigs to move around and exhibit their natural behaviors.

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In ruminants, gastric juice is produced in the abomasum. The abomasum is the fourth chamber of the stomach in ruminants, and it is functionally similar to the stomach of monogastric animals. It is also known as the "true stomach" because it is the site of protein digestion, which is not efficiently digested in the rumen or reticulum. The abomasum secretes hydrochloric acid and proteolytic enzymes such as pepsin, which break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. The other options listed (omasum, reticulum, and rumen) are not primarily involved in the production of gastric juice. They are involved in the fermentation and absorption of nutrients from plant material, which is characteristic of the digestive system of ruminants.

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Out of the given options, the non-ruminant farm animal is rabbit. Non-ruminants are animals that do not possess a specialized stomach for fermentation of feed. Instead, they have a simple stomach. Rabbits belong to the category of non-ruminants as they have a simple stomach and are hindgut fermenters. In contrast, cattle, goats, and sheep are ruminant animals that possess a specialized stomach that aids in the fermentation of feed through the action of microorganisms.

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Genetic defects in livestock can be caused by mutations. A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism's genes. This change can be caused by various factors, such as exposure to radiation or chemicals, errors during DNA replication, or other genetic processes. When a mutation occurs in a gene that controls the development or function of an important body part or system, it can result in a genetic defect. These defects can affect the health and well-being of the affected animal, and can be passed on to its offspring if the mutation is present in its germ cells (eggs or sperm).

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The average gestation period for cattle is 282 days, which is approximately 9 months. During this time, the fetus develops inside the uterus of the cow until it is ready to be born. The gestation period can vary slightly depending on the breed and the individual cow, but 282 days is a good general estimate for the average gestation period of cattle. Knowing the gestation period is important for managing the reproductive cycle of cows and ensuring that calves are born at a time that is optimal for the herd and the farmer.

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The stage of the life cycle labelled II that enters the secondary host is called a sporocyst. The sporocyst is a sac-like structure that develops from the miracidium (the first-stage larva) in the intermediate host. Inside the sporocyst, asexual reproduction occurs, producing multiple rediae (the next stage of the parasite's development). The rediae then produce cercariae (the next stage), which are released from the intermediate host and can infect the final host (livestock in this case) by burrowing through the skin or by ingestion. The bladder worm is the larval stage of another type of parasite, while the miracidium and redia are earlier stages in the life cycle of the same parasite.

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Iron injection is administered to piglets within the first week of farrowing to prevent them from being anaemic. Anaemia is a condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health problems. Piglets are born with low iron levels, and their mother's milk does not provide enough iron to meet their needs. Therefore, they need a supplemental source of iron, which is usually provided through an injection. Iron injection helps piglets to develop a healthy immune system, grow properly, and prevent them from becoming weak and vulnerable to diseases. It does not harden them or prevent tail biting, and while it may contribute to their growth, this is not the main reason why it is administered.

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Inbreeding is a breeding practice that leads to reduced hybrid vigor. When individuals who are closely related are bred together, the offspring can inherit two copies of the same gene, which increases the likelihood of inheriting harmful genetic traits. This can lead to reduced genetic diversity, weaker immune systems, and other health problems. Outbreeding, crossbreeding, and line breeding all involve breeding individuals who are less closely related, which can increase genetic diversity and strengthen desirable traits. Therefore, inbreeding is the practice that would lead to reduced hybrid vigor.

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(a) Four ways in which livestock are important are:

1. Livestock provide a source of food: Livestock such as cows, goats, and sheep provide meat, milk, and other dairy products that are consumed by humans.
2. Livestock provide income: Livestock farming is a source of income for many farmers around the world. The sale of livestock and livestock products can provide a steady income for farmers.
3. Livestock provide labor: Livestock can be used as a source of labor on farms. For example, oxen can be used to plow fields.
4. Livestock contribute to the economy: Livestock farming is a significant contributor to the economy in many countries.

(b)

i. Six organs associated with the digestive system in rabbits are:

1. Mouth
2. Esophagus
3. Stomach
4. Small intestine
5. Cecum
6. Large intestine

ii. Two functions of the alimentary canal in livestock are:

1. Digestion: The alimentary canal is responsible for breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
2. Absorption: The alimentary canal absorbs nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, from food.

(c)

i. Four functions of the liver in farm animals are:

1. Metabolism: The liver is responsible for metabolizing nutrients and drugs.
2. Detoxification: The liver removes toxins from the blood.
3. Bile production: The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion of fats.
4. Storage: The liver stores vitamins and minerals.

ii. Two parasites that could be found in the liver of cattle are:

1. Fasciola hepatica: This is a common liver fluke that can infect cattle and other livestock.
2. Taenia saginata: This is a tapeworm that can infect cattle and cause liver damage.

(d)

Two differences between the digestive systems of a goat and a rabbit are:

1. Digestive tract length: Goats have a longer digestive tract than rabbits. This is because goats are ruminants, and they have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to digest tough plant material, while rabbits have a shorter digestive tract because they are hindgut fermenters.
2. Cecum size: The cecum in rabbits is larger than the cecum in goats. This is because rabbits rely on fermentation to digest their food, and the cecum is where fermentation takes place. Goats, on the other hand, rely on the four-chambered stomach to digest their food.

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(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.

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(a)(i) Two external parts of the body of specimen E are the shell and the foot.

(a)(ii) Five things that could be derived from rearing specimen E are:

1. Its meat, which is a delicacy in some cultures.
2. Its shell, which can be used for decoration or to make musical instruments.
3. Its mucus, which has medicinal properties and can be used in cosmetics.
4. Its excreta, which can be used as fertilizer for plants.
5. Its presence as an indicator of environmental health or biodiversity.

(a)(iii) Three pests that could attack specimen E are:

1. Predatory insects, such as ants or beetles.
2. Birds, which can peck at the shell or the body of the snail.
3. Other snails or slugs, which can compete for resources or transmit diseases.

(b)(i) Three uses of specimen F, bamboo, on an animal farm are:

1. As a source of fodder, as some animals such as pandas, cows or goats feed on bamboo leaves or stems.
2. As a material for building fences, shelters, or platforms for the animals.
3. As a renewable resource for producing paper, bedding, or other products that can be used on the farm or sold.

(b)(ii) Two disadvantages of using specimen F, bamboo, on an animal farm are:

1. Some animals may not like or tolerate the taste or texture of bamboo, especially if it's too mature or fibrous.
2. Bamboo is not a complete source of nutrients for animals, and may need to be supplemented with other feed or minerals to ensure their health and productivity.

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a) i. To obtain specimen A (dry groundnut haulm), you can follow the steps below:

1. Harvest the groundnut plant when the pods are fully mature and the leaves have dried up.
2. Cut the plant near the base, leaving a few inches of the stem.
3. Hang the cut plants in a well-ventilated area to allow the leaves to dry completely.
4. Once fully dry, remove the leaves from the stem and store in a dry place until ready for use.

ii. Three benefits that farm animals could derive from feeding on specimen A (dry groundnut haulm) include:

1. High protein content which can improve animal growth and production.
2. Rich in fiber which can help improve digestive health and prevent digestive disorders.
3. Good source of energy which can help improve animal performance and overall health.

b) i. Two methods that could be used to propagate specimen B (Guinea grass) are:

1. Vegetative Propagation - This involves taking cuttings from existing plants and planting them in soil to grow new plants.
2. Seed Propagation - This involves sowing seeds in soil to grow new plants.

ii. To preserve specimen B (Guinea grass), you can follow the steps below:

1. Cut the grass into small pieces and dry it in a well-ventilated area.
2. Once fully dry, store the grass in a dry, cool place, such as a barn or shed.
3. To protect it from insects and other pests, you can wrap the grass in plastic or keep it in an airtight container.

c) Specimen C (Kitchen knife) can be used in animal production in the following ways:

1. For slaughtering animals - A sharp knife is used to humanely slaughter animals for meat production.
2. For castrating animals - A knife is used to castrate male animals to prevent unwanted breeding.
3. For dehorning animals - A knife is used to remove the horns of animals, such as cattle, to prevent injuries to other animals and humans.
4. For tail docking - A knife is used to shorten the tails of animals, such as pigs, to prevent injury and improve hygiene.

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(a) Here's a labelled diagram of five parts of specimen K, the head of a cock:

(b) One function of each of the labelled parts of specimen K are:

1. Beak - used for feeding, drinking, grooming, and defense.
2. Comb - used for regulating body temperature, attracting mates, and signaling status.
3. Earlobe - used for detecting sounds and balancing.
4. Eye - used for seeing, detecting movement, and perceiving light.
5. Wattles - used for regulating body temperature, attracting mates, and signaling health.

(c) Two management practices that could be carried out on specimen K are:

1. Trimming or removing the comb, wattles, or beak to reduce injury, cannibalism, or competition among birds.
2. Vaccinating, deworming, or treating for diseases or parasites that affect the respiratory, digestive, or reproductive systems of birds.

(d) One tool that could be used in place of specimen L, a pair of scissors, to carry out the management practices on specimen K is a pair of pliers or forceps. These tools can be used to grip and manipulate the tissues or structures of the bird's head, such as the comb, wattles, or beak, without cutting or damaging them. However, it's important to use the right size and shape of the tool for the task, and to handle the bird gently and safely to avoid causing stress or harm.

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(a) Six activities that could be carried out in the brooding of chicks are:

1. Providing a warm and comfortable brooding environment: Chicks need to be kept warm during the brooding period, so a heat source such as a brooder or heat lamp is required.
2. Providing clean water and feed: Chicks need access to clean water and a nutritionally balanced feed to support their growth and development.
3. Monitoring chick behavior: Chicks should be monitored regularly for signs of illness, injury, or distress.
4. Providing adequate space: Chicks should have enough space to move around, exercise, and explore their environment.
5. Adjusting temperature as needed: The temperature in the brooder should be adjusted according to the age and behavior of the chicks.
6. Maintaining good hygiene: The brooding area should be kept clean and dry to prevent the spread of disease.

(b)

i. Deworming: This is a management practice in poultry production that involves administering medication to birds to rid them of internal parasites such as worms. Parasites can cause poor growth, reduced egg production, and even death in birds.

ii. Culling: Culling involves the removal of birds from the flock that are not performing well, are diseased or injured, or have genetic defects. This practice is important for maintaining the health and productivity of the flock.

iii. Debeaking: This involves the trimming of the beaks of birds to reduce pecking and cannibalism within the flock. This is done to prevent injuries and stress among the birds.

iv. Delousing: This is the process of removing lice and other external parasites from the birds. Parasites can cause skin irritation, anemia, and reduced egg production in birds.

(c) Four signs of ill health in poultry are:

1. Abnormal droppings: Poultry with diarrhea or blood in their droppings may be suffering from an illness or infection.
2. Reduced appetite: Birds that are not eating or drinking may be suffering from an illness or be in a stressful environment.
3. Abnormal behavior: Poultry that are lethargic, unresponsive, or appear distressed may be experiencing health problems.
4. Respiratory problems: Birds that are coughing, sneezing, or have difficulty breathing may have respiratory infections.

(d) The circulatory system of farm animals consists of the heart and blood vessels. The heart pumps blood through the blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs. The blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, are responsible for transporting the blood throughout the body. The arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, while the veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. The capillaries are tiny blood vessels that allow for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between the blood and the body's tissues. The circulatory system plays a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of farm animals by delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the body's tissues and removing waste products.