WAEC SSCE - Animal Husbandry - 2019

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In West Africa, farm animals are mostly kept for food and as a source of income. Livestock such as cows, sheep, goats, and chickens are important sources of protein and other nutrients for many people in West Africa. They are also a source of income, as they can be sold for meat or dairy products, or used for plowing fields and transportation. In addition to their practical uses, farm animals also have cultural and social significance in many West African communities, and may be kept for reasons such as prestige or as a symbol of wealth. Overall, farm animals play a vital role in the daily lives and economies of many people in West Africa, and are kept for a combination of practical, cultural, and economic reasons.

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Staggered gait and rough coat are signs that indicate that the animal is sick. A staggered gait refers to an unsteady or uneven walking pattern, which can be a sign that the animal is in pain or discomfort. A rough coat can indicate that the animal is not feeling well, as a healthy animal will usually have a smooth, shiny coat. These signs can be caused by a variety of illnesses or diseases, and it is important to seek veterinary care if you notice these symptoms in your animal. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent the illness from becoming more severe and improve the chances of a full recovery.

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A horse used for racing is an example of a farm animal raised for recreational activities. Horses are often raised specifically for the sport of horse racing, which is a popular form of entertainment and recreation in many parts of the world. These horses are trained to run at high speeds and compete against other horses in races. In order to become a successful racehorse, a horse must be physically fit, fast, and have the ability to perform well under pressure. This requires a combination of proper nutrition, training, and management, as well as a certain amount of natural talent and ability. Overall, horses used for racing are raised for the purpose of providing entertainment and recreation for people, rather than for food or other practical uses.

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The correct answer is "raw materials." When a farmer receives a supply order from a pharmaceutical company, it is likely that they are keeping farm animals for the purpose of providing raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Many pharmaceuticals are derived from animal products, such as insulin from pigs or cows, and antibodies from rabbits or goats. By keeping farm animals, the farmer is able to provide a reliable and sustainable source of these raw materials. Farm animals can also provide a variety of other raw materials, including meat, milk, eggs, and leather. These materials are used in a wide range of industries, from food production to fashion. While farm animals may provide some degree of security by providing a source of food and income, and may also have social or recreational value for some people, the primary purpose of keeping them in this context is to provide raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry.

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The correct answer is "Apiculture." Apiculture is the practice of keeping honey bees in hives for their honey, beeswax, and other products. Honey bees are important pollinators and play a crucial role in agriculture by helping to fertilize crops and ensure their growth and productivity. The practice of apiculture dates back thousands of years, and has been an important part of human history and culture. Today, beekeeping is practiced around the world, and is an important source of income and livelihood for many people. An apiary is a location where beehives are kept and managed for the purpose of apiculture. Aviculture is the practice of keeping and breeding birds, while silviculture is the management of forests and forested lands. These practices are related to agriculture, but are not the same as apiculture.

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The animal that is mainly kept for animal traction is the "bullock". A bullock is a castrated male cow that is trained to pull heavy loads, such as carts or plows, as a form of animal power. Bullocks are preferred for animal traction due to their strength and docile nature, which makes them easier to train than other animals such as horses or donkeys. In many parts of the world, bullocks are still used for agriculture and transportation, especially in rural areas where machinery is not readily available or affordable. Therefore, the correct option is "bullock".

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The secretion stored in the part labelled II is used for emulsification of fat. The part labelled II refers to the gallbladder, which stores and releases bile into the small intestine. Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It contains bile salts that act as emulsifiers, breaking down fat molecules into smaller droplets that can be more easily digested and absorbed by the body. This emulsification process is an essential step in the digestion of fats, as it increases the surface area of the fat droplets, allowing digestive enzymes to work more efficiently. Therefore, the secretion stored in the part labelled II (gallbladder) is mainly used for the emulsification of fat during digestion.

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The secondary host of an organism refers to the host in which a parasite undergoes a necessary developmental stage before it can infect its final host. For example, some parasites may require a secondary host such as a water snail, in addition to their primary host, such as a human, in order to complete their life cycle. The parasite may enter the secondary host as a larva or immature form, and then develop into a form that can infect the final host once it is ingested. In this case, the answer would be Water Snail as it serves as the secondary host for certain parasites.

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An ectoparasite is a type of parasite that lives on the outside of the host's body, feeding on blood or other bodily fluids. Among the options provided, the flea is the only organism that fits this description and is an ectoparasite. Fleas are tiny insects that live on the skin of animals, such as dogs and cats, and feed on their blood. They can cause itching, irritation, and even transmit diseases to their hosts. In contrast, the liver fluke and roundworm are internal parasites that live inside the body of their host, while the cattle egret is a bird that does not feed on the bodily fluids of other animals and is not a parasite. Therefore, the answer to the question is Flea.

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The organism illustrated in the diagram appears to be Trypanosoma sp. Trypanosomes are a group of unicellular parasitic protozoa that can cause diseases in humans and animals. They are characterized by their elongated and slender shape, with a single flagellum that allows them to move through the bloodstream of their host. Trypanosomes can cause diseases such as African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, and Chagas disease in humans, as well as nagana and surra in animals. Therefore, the answer to the question is Trypanosoma sp.

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The failure of the testes to descend into the scrotal sac in livestock is referred to as "cryptorchidism". Cryptorchidism is a condition where one or both testes fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotal sac, where they normally reside. This condition is relatively common in many species of livestock, including bulls, rams, and boars. Cryptorchidism can have negative effects on fertility and is a heritable trait, meaning that it can be passed on to offspring. Therefore, it is important for livestock producers to identify and cull cryptorchid animals from their breeding programs to maintain herd health and productivity.

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Centrosema pubescens is the forage crop that best controls soil erosion in a pasture. Centrosema pubescens is a leguminous forage crop that has a deep-rooted system that helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. It also has a spreading growth habit that helps to form a dense ground cover, which reduces runoff and protects the soil from erosion. In addition, Centrosema pubescens is known for its ability to fix nitrogen, which helps to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Therefore, Centrosema pubescens is an excellent choice for farmers looking to control soil erosion in their pastures.

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The absence of pests and diseases in a pasture ensures increased productivity. Pests and diseases can have a significant impact on the health and productivity of pasture lands. Pests can damage or destroy crops and forage plants, while diseases can spread rapidly among plants and animals, reducing the overall health and productivity of the pasture. By maintaining a pasture free of pests and diseases, farmers can help to ensure that their crops and forage plants are healthy and able to grow and produce at their maximum potential. This, in turn, can result in increased productivity and higher yields, which can be important for the livelihoods and economic well-being of farmers and their communities. Overall, maintaining a pest and disease-free pasture is an important aspect of sustainable and productive agriculture, and is key to ensuring the health and productivity of the land and the animals that rely on it.

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One disadvantage of selection is that some good traits may be eliminated. Selection is the process of choosing individuals with desirable traits for breeding purposes. While this process can result in improvement of the population over time, it can also have the unintended consequence of eliminating some good traits that were not the focus of the selection process. For example, if a farmer is only selecting for larger size in their livestock, they may unintentionally eliminate traits such as hardiness or disease resistance that are also important for the health and survival of the animals. This is why it is important to consider multiple traits when selecting individuals for breeding, and to be mindful of the potential trade-offs between different traits. By considering a variety of factors, farmers can help to ensure that their populations continue to be healthy and productive over time.

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In poultry management, an electric bulb is recommended for use in place of the equipment illustrated. The equipment illustrated appears to be a torch or fire-based light source, which can be dangerous in a poultry environment due to the potential for fire or injury. An electric bulb, on the other hand, provides a safe and reliable source of light that can be used to illuminate the poultry house. In addition to being safer, electric lighting can also be more energy-efficient and cost-effective than traditional fire-based lighting methods. It is also easier to control and adjust the brightness and duration of electric lighting, which can be important in creating the right environment for the poultry. For these reasons, it is recommended to use an electric bulb in place of a torch or other fire-based light source in poultry management.

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To prevent overgrazing of pasture, a farmer should adopt controlled stocking. Controlled stocking is a management strategy where the number of animals grazing on a particular pasture is regulated to prevent excessive grazing that can lead to degradation of the pasture. This is important because overgrazing can result in the loss of plant cover, which can lead to soil erosion and the degradation of soil quality. By limiting the number of animals grazing on a particular pasture, the farmer can allow the vegetation to recover and regrow, ensuring the sustainability of the pasture for future use. Therefore, the answer to the question is controlled stocking.

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Mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), can easily spread on a farm through "overcrowding". Overcrowding occurs when too many animals are kept in a confined space, which can lead to increased stress, aggression, and the spread of infectious diseases. In the case of BSE, the disease is caused by an abnormal protein, called a prion, that can be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated feed or contact with infected nervous tissue. Overcrowding can increase the likelihood of contact between animals and the spread of BSE through contaminated feed or by direct contact with infected animals. Therefore, it is important for farmers to maintain appropriate stocking densities and to implement biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of BSE and other infectious diseases.

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Rumination is a process of digestion that occurs in ruminant animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. During rumination, the animal regurgitates and re-chews partially digested food, which is also called cud. This process helps to break down the plant matter more thoroughly and extract more nutrients. Vomiting is not part of the process of rumination because it involves the expulsion of undigested food from the stomach, rather than the re-chewing of partially digested food. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) I and II only.

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The correct answer is "make abnormal profit." Middlemen are individuals or companies who act as intermediaries between producers and consumers of goods or services. In the marketing of animal products, middlemen may create artificial scarcity by limiting the supply of animal products available on the market. By doing so, they can create a situation where demand for the products outstrips supply, which in turn allows them to charge higher prices and make abnormal profits. Artificial scarcity can be created in a number of ways, such as by hoarding products, restricting access to markets, or manipulating prices. In some cases, middlemen may even resort to unethical or illegal practices in order to create scarcity and drive up prices. Ultimately, the practice of creating artificial scarcity can be harmful to both producers and consumers of animal products. Producers may be forced to sell their products at lower prices or may be unable to sell them at all, while consumers may be forced to pay higher prices for essential products.

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The correct answer is "six days." Candling is a process of shining a bright light through an egg to observe the growth and development of the embryo inside. During incubation of chicken eggs, candling is usually done at several points to monitor the growth and development of the embryo and check for any problems or defects. The first candling is typically carried out after six days of incubation. At this stage, the embryo should have developed to a point where it is visible when a bright light is shone through the eggshell. The candling process at this stage allows the farmer to check for any signs of embryo development, such as the presence of veins or blood vessels, and to identify any clear or unfertilized eggs that can be removed from the incubator. Subsequent candlings are typically done at around ten and eighteen days of incubation, to monitor the continued growth and development of the embryo and check for any potential problems. The final candling is usually done on the 21st day, which is the day that the chicks are expected to hatch. At this point, the farmer can identify any eggs that have not developed properly and remove them from the incubator.

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Calotropis procera is a plant that is commonly used as a source of coagulant in local cheese making. The plant produces a latex that contains enzymes that can coagulate milk, which is an important step in the cheese making process. The enzymes in the latex of Calotropis procera are similar to those found in animal rennet, which is traditionally used for cheese making. However, the use of Calotropis procera as a coagulant is preferred by many cheese makers because it is cheaper and more readily available than animal rennet. Therefore, the answer to the question is Calotropis procera.

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The hormone responsible for broodiness in hens is prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the development of the mammary gland and milk production in mammals. In hens, prolactin stimulates the instinct to sit on eggs and incubate them, which is known as broodiness. When a hen is broody, she will stop laying eggs and become very protective of her nest, making it difficult for farmers to collect eggs.

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The correct answer is "Shearing." Shearing is the process of removing the wool fleece from a sheep's body. It is typically done once a year, usually in the spring or early summer, when the sheep's wool is at its longest and heaviest. Shearing is an important part of sheep husbandry for several reasons. First, removing the wool helps to keep the sheep clean and healthy by reducing the risk of parasitic infestations and skin infections. Second, the wool is a valuable commodity that can be used to make a variety of products, including clothing, blankets, and carpets. During shearing, the sheep is typically restrained on a special shearing stand or table. The fleece is then removed using electric or manual shears, which cut the wool close to the skin without injuring the sheep. The wool is then sorted by quality and sent to a processing facility, where it is cleaned, carded, and spun into yarn. Overall, shearing is an important part of the wool production process and helps to ensure the health and well-being of sheep while providing a valuable resource for the textile industry.

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The correct answer is "Silage." Silage is a type of preserved forage that is made by partially fermenting grass, corn, or other crops. The process of making silage involves chopping the crops into small pieces, packing them tightly into a container such as a silo, and allowing them to ferment for several weeks. During fermentation, the natural sugars in the crops are converted to lactic acid by bacteria, which helps to preserve the forage. Silage is an important source of winter feed for livestock, as it provides a nutritious and palatable source of roughage. It is also a convenient way to store excess crops for later use, and can help farmers to make the most of their land and resources. Compost, soilage, and straw are all related to agriculture, but are not the same as silage. Compost is a type of organic matter that is decomposed and recycled to improve soil quality, while soilage refers to fresh forage that is fed to livestock directly from the field. Straw is a byproduct of cereal crops that is used for animal bedding or as a source of roughage, but is not fermented like silage.

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(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.

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(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

1. Select a suitable, sheltered site near flowering plants and a source of water, away from noise and disturbance.
2. Acquire beehives, protective clothing and other beekeeping equipment.
3. Set the hives on stands and bait them, or introduce a bee colony/swarm.
4. Allow the bees to settle and inspect/manage the colony regularly.
5. 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.

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(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

1. Collect and strain the fresh milk to remove dirt.
2. 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.
3. Cool the milk rapidly to about \(4^{\circ}\text{C}\).
4. 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).

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(a) Advantages of castration in livestock production

1. It prevents indiscriminate mating and permits controlled breeding.
2. Castrated animals are usually more docile and easier to handle.
3. It improves the quality and tenderness of meat.
4. It removes the unpleasant odour associated with mature males.
5. It promotes fattening and may improve the market value of the animal.

Disadvantages of castration in livestock production

1. The operation is painful and may cause stress or shock to the animal.
2. There may be loss of blood, infection or a persistent wound if the operation is poorly done.
3. 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.

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(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).

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(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.