WAEC SSCE - Animal Husbandry - 2018

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Centrosema pubescens is the farage crop that helps to conserve soil moisture. It is a leguminous plant that grows in tropical regions and is often used as a cover crop. The plant has a deep root system that helps it to access water from the soil, and it also has the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which can help to improve soil fertility. Additionally, the plant has a high biomass production, which can help to reduce soil erosion and maintain soil structure, thereby improving water retention in the soil.

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Calopogonium mucunoides is the forage crop used to replenish nutrients in a rangeland. This is because it is a leguminous forage crop, which is capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and converting it into a form that is usable by other plants in the soil. The fixed nitrogen is then released into the soil through the roots and decomposing plant residues, thereby enriching the soil with nutrients. This process of nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling helps to improve the fertility of the soil, which in turn enhances the growth of other forage crops and vegetation in the rangeland.

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The agent that usually sells animal products in large quantity is a wholesaler. A wholesaler is a business that buys products in large quantities from manufacturers or producers and then resells them to retailers, who in turn sell them to consumers. Wholesalers typically deal in large quantities of goods, as they are serving as a middleman between the producer and the retailer. In the case of animal products, wholesalers may buy large quantities of meat, dairy products, eggs, or other animal products from farmers or processors and then resell them to retailers, such as grocery stores or restaurants. By buying in bulk, wholesalers can often get better prices than retailers, who would have to buy smaller quantities. Therefore, the agent that usually sells animal products in large quantity is a wholesaler.

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The animal is said to have been "introduced" to Nigeria. This means that the animal has been brought into Nigeria from another location, in this case, Kenya. It does not imply any genetic manipulation or selective breeding, but simply refers to the physical movement of the animal from one location to another.

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The symptom that is most commonly associated with pathogenic diseases in poultry is diarrhea. Diarrhea is a common sign of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can infect the digestive system of birds. These infections can result in inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to watery and loose stools. Other symptoms may also be present, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Feather pecking and egg eating are behavioral problems that are not necessarily indicative of disease. Rickets, on the other hand, is a nutritional disorder caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D or calcium, and it affects the bones and skeletal system of the bird. Therefore, diarrhea is the most likely symptom to be associated with pathogenic diseases in poultry.

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At stage I, the parasite is in the form of eggs, which are released from the human host through feces. These eggs hatch into larvae in water and the larvae then infect snails, where they undergo further development. At stage II, the parasite leaves the snail and forms cysts on vegetation. The cysts are ingested by pigs when they eat the vegetation, and the parasite develops further in the pig's body. Therefore, the organism that serves as a host to the parasite at stage I is the human, and at stage II it is the pig. The correct option is "Human, pig".

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The part labeled III is used for grinding food particles. This part refers to the gizzard, which is a muscular stomach that aids in the mechanical breakdown of food. In birds, the gizzard is lined with tough, keratinous plates that grind food particles, such as seeds and insects, into smaller pieces that can be more easily digested. The grinding action of the gizzard helps to increase the surface area of the food, making it easier for digestive enzymes to break down and absorb the nutrients. Therefore, the correct answer is "grinding food particles."

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Micro-organisms which cause disease in farm animals are called pathogens. Pathogens are micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that can cause disease in animals. They can be spread from one animal to another through direct contact, or through contaminated food, water, or other environmental sources. In farm animals, pathogens can cause a variety of diseases, including respiratory infections, digestive problems, and skin infections. These diseases can reduce the health and productivity of the animals, and can also result in economic losses for farmers. Therefore, micro-organisms which cause disease in farm animals are called pathogens.

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The large rubber tube used during artificial insemination to introduce semen into the vagina of the female is called a catheter. A catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow fluids to pass through or to measure bodily fluids. In the case of artificial insemination, the catheter is used to deliver the semen into the cervix or uterus of the female, bypassing the cervix and increasing the chances of fertilization. The catheter is typically made of a soft, pliable material like rubber or silicone, and is designed to be inserted comfortably and safely into the female reproductive tract. The other options listed - ejaculator, insemination machine, and speculum - do not accurately describe the tool used in artificial insemination. An ejaculator is a term used to describe the male reproductive organ that releases semen during ejaculation. An insemination machine is not a commonly used term in the field of artificial insemination, and a speculum is a medical instrument used to examine the inside of the vagina or cervix, but not typically used in the process of introducing semen into the reproductive tract.

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The activities that are routine management practices in animal husbandry are I, Feeding, and III, Vaccination. Feeding is a crucial aspect of animal husbandry, as the health and productivity of animals depends on the quality and quantity of food they receive. This can involve providing animals with a balanced diet, as well as ensuring that they have access to clean water. Vaccination is also an important routine management practice in animal husbandry. This involves administering vaccines to animals to prevent them from contracting diseases. Vaccination can help to keep animals healthy, and can also reduce the spread of diseases in animal populations, which can have important public health implications. While slaughtering is an important aspect of animal husbandry in some contexts, it is not considered a routine management practice in the same sense as feeding and vaccination. Therefore, the activities that are routine management practices in animal husbandry are I, Feeding, and III, Vaccination.

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One of the disadvantages of artificial insemination is that it requires high technical know-how. Unlike natural mating, which can occur without human intervention, artificial insemination requires specialized equipment and skilled technicians who can properly handle and insert the semen into the female animal. This means that farmers or breeders who want to use artificial insemination as a method of reproduction may need to invest in training and equipment, which can be costly. Additionally, if the insemination is not done correctly, it may not result in a successful pregnancy, which could also be a disadvantage.

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Progeny selection in farm animals is based on the performance of the offspring. This means that farmers choose the animals to breed based on their qualities and traits, such as their growth rate, meat quality, milk production, and other important characteristics. By selecting the best animals to breed, farmers aim to produce offspring that have better performance and can contribute to the success of their farm.

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The substance present in cotton seed which is toxic to swine is gossypol. Gossypol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in the seeds, leaves, stems, and flowers of cotton plants. While gossypol has some beneficial properties, such as anti-tumor and anti-viral effects, it can also be toxic to certain animals, including swine. When swine consume large amounts of gossypol, it can interfere with their ability to absorb and use nutrients, leading to weight loss, reduced growth rates, and other health problems. Therefore, it is important for farmers and animal feed manufacturers to take measures to limit the amount of gossypol in swine diets, such as using processed cottonseed products or limiting the amount of cottonseed in the feed.

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Nesting in rabbits is a behavior that involves pulling and collecting hay, straw or any other available materials to form a comfortable place for the rabbit to give birth. Therefore, nesting is a sign that the rabbit is preparing for the delivery of her kits, which is known as parturition. Therefore, option D (parturition) is the correct answer.

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One of the best ways of controlling tapeworm is to properly cook meat before eating. This is because tapeworms are parasites that can live in the intestines of animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep. When the meat from these infected animals is consumed raw or undercooked, the tapeworm eggs or larvae in the meat can infect humans. By cooking meat to the appropriate temperature, the tapeworms are killed, thus preventing their transmission to humans. It is also important to practice good hygiene and sanitation, such as washing hands thoroughly and properly disposing of feces, to further prevent the spread of tapeworms.

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Among the given options, the disease caused by a pathogen is Mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland in animals, especially in cows. It is commonly caused by bacterial infection, and sometimes by fungal or viral infection. Bloat is a digestive disorder caused by overeating or improper feeding practices. Ketosis is a metabolic disorder caused by low glucose levels in the blood. Ostemalacia is a bone disorder caused by vitamin D deficiency.

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The problems associated with animal husbandry in West Africa are I and II, High pest infestation and Poor land tenure system. High pest infestation can cause significant damage to crops and livestock, reducing yields and causing economic losses for farmers. Pests can also spread diseases that can harm both animals and humans. The poor land tenure system in West Africa can also be a problem for animal husbandry. This can include issues such as a lack of secure property rights, difficulties in accessing land, and conflicts over land use. This can make it difficult for farmers to invest in their land and animals, and can limit the growth and sustainability of the animal husbandry sector. While overpopulation of farmers can be a problem in some areas, it is not necessarily a direct issue associated with animal husbandry in West Africa. Therefore, the problems associated with animal husbandry in West Africa are I and II, High pest infestation and Poor land tenure system.

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To increase the chance of multiple births in farm animals, a farmer should flush the animals. Flushing is a management practice that involves providing a high-nutrient diet to female farm animals in the weeks before mating. This increases their body condition and hormone levels, which can improve the chances of multiple ovulations and thus increase the likelihood of multiple births. Steam up, creep feeding, and castration are management practices that do not affect the chances of multiple births.

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The material that is not used in the process of artificial insemination is Burdizzo. Burdizzo is a surgical tool used for castration and is not used in the process of artificial insemination. Diluents are used to extend and preserve semen, Glycine is used for cryopreservation, and Liquid Nitrogen is used for the long-term storage of semen.

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The carbohydrate in milk is called lactose. Lactose is a disaccharide, which means it is made up of two simple sugars: glucose and galactose. Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in milk, and it is important for the nutrition of young mammals, including humans, as it provides a source of energy and aids in the absorption of minerals such as calcium. However, some individuals may be intolerant to lactose, meaning they cannot properly digest it, which can cause digestive discomfort.

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When a bird isolates itself from others in a flock, it is a way to identify a sick bird. This is because birds are social animals and naturally want to be around others. So, when one bird separates itself from the rest, it is a sign that it is not feeling well. Additionally, sick birds may exhibit other symptoms such as lethargy, fluffed-up feathers, loss of appetite, or decreased activity. It is important to keep a close eye on the flock and immediately remove any sick birds to prevent the spread of disease.

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Based on the diagram, the part labeled I is the rump, the part labeled II is the ear, and the part labeled III is the whiskers. The rump is the hind part of an animal's body, specifically the area around the hips and tail. The ear is an organ on the head of an animal that is used for hearing and balance. The whiskers, also known as vibrissae, are long, stiff hairs located on the face of an animal that are used for sensing the environment and detecting movement. Therefore, the correct option is "rump, ear, and whiskers".

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A function of carbohydrates in animal nutrition is to supply energy. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used by the body as a source of energy for various metabolic processes. This is especially important for physically active animals, such as those used for sport or work, as they need a constant supply of energy to perform their tasks.

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To control the spread of diseases on a farm, the farmer should isolate sick animals. This means separating them from the healthy animals so that the disease does not spread. The farmer should also quarantine new animals that are introduced to the farm, to make sure they are not carrying any diseases before mixing with the other animals. Additionally, vaccinating the animals can help prevent the spread of diseases.

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Malnutrition in animals can result in ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the animal's body is not receiving enough energy from its diet. This can lead to the buildup of ketones, which can cause a range of symptoms including weight loss, decreased milk production, and even death in severe cases. Therefore, it is important for animals to receive a balanced diet to prevent malnutrition and the associated health problems.

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One of the symptoms of Contagious Bovine Pleuro-pneumonia is difficult breathing. Contagious Bovine Pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP) is a highly infectious respiratory disease of cattle caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma mycoides. When an animal is infected with CBPP, the bacteria cause inflammation and damage to the lungs and surrounding tissues, leading to difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of CBPP may include fever, coughing, and discharge from the nose and eyes. If left untreated, CBPP can be fatal to cattle.

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The tool illustrated is mainly used to harvest forage. Forage refers to plants, such as grasses or hay, that are grown specifically to be fed to livestock. The tool in the diagram is a hay baler, which is used to collect and compress cut forage plants into compact bales for storage and feeding to livestock later on. Hay balers are commonly used by farmers who raise livestock, such as cows or horses, and need to provide them with a source of food during times when fresh forage is scarce. By using a hay baler to collect and store forage, farmers can ensure that their animals have a consistent source of high-quality food throughout the year. Legumes, tubers, and vegetables are different types of plants that are not typically harvested using a hay baler. Legumes, such as beans or peas, are harvested for their seeds, while tubers, such as potatoes or yams, are harvested for their starchy roots. Vegetables, such as lettuce or carrots, are typically harvested by hand or using specialized equipment designed for specific crops.

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The perennial grass with cane-like stems and dull green or purple leaf blade is Pennisetum Purpureum. This grass is also known as Napier grass, elephant grass, or Uganda grass. It is a tall, fast-growing grass commonly used for livestock fodder, erosion control, and as a bioenergy crop. Its stems are tall and sturdy, often reaching heights of 2-4 meters, and the leaves are long and wide with a dull green or purple color.

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(a) Five agents involved in the marketing of animal products

• Wholesalers
• Retailers
• Middlemen
• Commission agents/brokers
• Transporters (also processors and cooperative societies)

(b)(i) Definition of pasteurization

Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to a specific temperature (for example 63 °C for 30 minutes or 72 °C for 15 seconds) and then cooling it rapidly, in order to kill harmful/pathogenic micro-organisms without spoiling the quality of the milk.

(b)(ii) Two ways in which pasteurisation of milk is important

• It kills disease-causing organisms and makes the milk safe for consumption.
• It prolongs the shelf life/keeping quality of the milk.

(b)(iii) Four milk products

• Butter
• Cheese
• Yoghurt
• Cream (also ghee, ice cream and powdered milk)

(c) Four factors that affect the yield of milk in cows

• Breed of the cow.
• Feeding/nutrition of the cow.
• Age and stage of lactation.
• Health of the animal and frequency of milking.

(d)(i) One reason for starving an animal before slaughter

• To empty the digestive tract so that evisceration is easier and the carcass is not contaminated with gut content.

(d)(ii) Two pre-slaughtering activities

• Resting the animal.
• Starving/fasting the animal (also ante-mortem inspection and stunning).

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(a)(i) Five external parts of a cock

• Comb
• Wattle
• Beak
• Eye
• Shank (also feathers, wing, spur, claw and tail)

(a)(ii) Three viral diseases that affect poultry

• Newcastle disease
• Fowl pox
• Gumboro (infectious bursal disease), also Marek's disease and fowl plague (avian influenza)

(b) Five signs observed in a sick farm animal

• Loss of appetite/reduced feed intake.
• Dullness and isolation from the herd.
• Rough, staring coat or ruffled feathers.
• Reduced production (milk, meat or eggs).
• Abnormal body temperature (fever) and difficult breathing, with discharges from the eyes/nose.

(c) Terms used in livestock production

• Drenching: the administration of liquid medicine or drug through the mouth of an animal using a drenching gun or bottle.
• Dipping: the immersion or passing of an animal through a bath/tank containing an acaricide or pesticide solution to control external parasites such as ticks, lice and mites.

(d) Three body systems in farm animals

• Digestive system
• Respiratory system
• Circulatory system (also reproductive, nervous and excretory systems)

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(a) Five differences between the digestive systems of a goat and a chicken

(b) Terms used in animal production

• Rumination: the process by which a ruminant regurgitates partly digested food (cud) from the rumen to the mouth for further chewing and then re-swallows it.
• Coprophagy: the practice (as in rabbits) of eating one's own soft faeces so as to re-digest the food and recover nutrients such as vitamins and proteins.

(c) One reason for carrying out each practice

• Creep feeding: to provide extra feed to young animals (e.g. piglets) separately so that they grow faster while still suckling.
• Steaming-up: to give extra feed to a pregnant animal in late gestation to nourish the developing foetus and prepare the dam for lactation.
• Flushing: to improve the feeding of females just before and during mating so as to raise the ovulation rate and increase conception/litter size.

(d)(i) Four ways in which rangelands are important

• They provide natural forage/grazing for livestock.
• They are a cheap source of animal feed.
• They provide habitat for wildlife and source of medicinal plants.
• They protect the soil against erosion and are a source of income.

(d)(ii) Four practices to improve pastures

• Controlled/rotational grazing.
• Application of fertilizer or manure.
• Weeding/weed control.
• Reseeding/oversowing with improved forage species.

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(a) Four parts of the reproductive system and their functions

(i) Bull

(ii) Hen

(c) Process of digestion of cassava tuber in the mouth of a pig

The pig takes the cassava tuber into its mouth. The teeth cut, tear and grind (mastication) the tuber into smaller particles. At the same time saliva, which contains the enzyme salivary amylase (ptyalin), is secreted and thoroughly mixed with the food. The amylase begins the chemical digestion of the starch (carbohydrate) in the cassava, converting it into maltose. The tongue rolls the moistened, softened food into a bolus which is then swallowed and passed down the oesophagus.

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(a) Three ways in which each factor hinders livestock production in West Africa

(i) Breeding:

• Use of poor, low-yielding indigenous breeds.
• Inadequate supply of good breeding stock.
• Uncontrolled/indiscriminate mating and lack of A.I. facilities.

(ii) Nutrition:

• Inadequate feed, especially during the dry season.
• Poor quality of natural pasture.
• High cost of concentrates/feed ingredients.

(iii) Healthcare:

• High prevalence of pests and diseases.
• Inadequate veterinary services and personnel.
• High cost of drugs and vaccines.

(iv) Government policy:

• Unfavourable and inconsistent agricultural policies.
• Inadequate funding of the livestock sub-sector.
• Poor implementation of policies and high import duties on inputs.

(v) Finance:

• Inadequate capital to start and expand production.
• High interest rates on loans.
• Lack of/difficult access to credit facilities.

(b) Five factors that affect the productivity of pastures

• Soil fertility.
• Amount of rainfall/water available.
• Species or type of pasture grown.
• Grazing/stocking management.
• Climate (temperature) and control of weeds and pests.

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(a) Meaning of ration

A ration is the total amount of feed given to an animal within a period of 24 hours (one day) to meet its nutritional requirements.

(b) How the following factors influence feed formulation

• Physiological status of the animal: pregnant, lactating or laying animals have higher nutrient demands, so the ration is enriched with more protein, energy and minerals (e.g. calcium for layers).
• Age of the animal: young/growing animals need a high-protein ration for growth, while mature animals need mainly a maintenance/energy ration.
• Purpose of production: animals kept for meat (broilers) are given high-energy fattening rations, layers are given calcium-rich rations, and work animals are given energy-rich feed.
• Availability of feed ingredients: locally available and cheaper ingredients are used, while scarce or expensive ones are substituted to reduce the cost of the ration.

(c) Process of preparing palm kernel cake

The palm kernel nuts are cracked to release the kernels. The kernels are dried and the oil is extracted from them by pressing (expelling) or by solvent extraction. The solid residue left behind after the oil has been removed is the palm kernel cake, which is then dried and milled/ground for use as a feed ingredient.

(d) Two differences between broiler starter mash and broiler finisher mash