Reproductive System
Overview
A Yankasa ram runs with twenty ewes for a full season, yet only three lambs are born at the end of it. The ram is healthy, willing and mating often, so the shepherd assumes bad luck. The real explanation usually has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with reproductive biology: mating on the wrong day of a ewe's cycle wastes the encounter completely, however many times it happens. Understanding the reproductive system is what turns mating into lambs, kids, calves and piglets.
In this lesson you will meet the parts of the male reproductive system and the parts of the female reproductive system in a farm animal, and learn exactly what each part does. You will follow fertilisation itself, from ovulation through mating to the fused egg implanting in the uterus, and see why the timing of service around oestrus, and an awareness of how long pregnancy lasts in each species, are the two pieces of knowledge that make the difference between an empty pen and a full one.
Objectives
- Identify the parts of the male reproductive system
- Identify the parts of the female reproductive system
- State the functions of the parts of the reproductive system
- Explain the process of fertilisation in farm animals
- Distinguish between the reproductive system of a male and a female farm animal
Mind map
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Flashcards
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Reproductive System. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which male reproductive organ produces both sperm and the hormone testosterone? A. Epididymis B. Vas deferens C. Testes D. Prostate gland Answer: C
- In the female reproductive tract of a farm animal, fertilisation normally takes place in the: A. Uterus B. Cervix C. Vagina D. Oviduct Answer: D
- Which of the following is an accessory gland of the male reproductive system? A. Epididymis B. Seminal vesicle C. Vas deferens D. Testis Answer: B
- The muscular structure that stays tightly closed to separate the uterus from the vagina, except at mating and birth, is the: A. Cervix B. Oviduct C. Ovary D. Vulva Answer: A
- A doe goat with an average gestation period of 150 days is served on 1st January. She is expected to kid at about the end of: A. March B. April C. May D. July Answer: C
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Revision Questions
Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Reproductive System from previous years
Question 1 Report
(a) Explain each of the following terms as used in animal production: (i) flushing: (i) dystocia: (iii) parturition.
(b) State five ways in which fencing is important in livestock production.
(c) Mention five ways in which rearing of rabbits is important.
(d) List four disadvantages of deep litter system in poultry production.
Answer Details
(a) Terms in animal production
- (i) Flushing: Giving extra or improved feeding (high-energy ration) to breeding females a few weeks before mating in order to raise the ovulation rate and improve conception.
- (ii) Dystocia: Difficult birth; the difficulty an animal experiences when giving birth.
- (iii) Parturition: The act of giving birth, that is the expulsion of the young from the body of the mother.
(b) Five ways fencing is important in livestock production
- It keeps animals within the farm and prevents them from straying.
- It keeps out predators and thieves.
- It allows controlled grazing and paddocking.
- It separates animals of different classes, ages or sexes.
- It helps control breeding and the spread of disease, and marks the farm boundary.
(c) Five ways rearing of rabbits is important
- It is a source of white meat rich in protein.
- It is a source of income.
- Rabbits are prolific and breed rapidly.
- They need little space and small capital to start.
- They provide fur or skin, and their droppings serve as manure.
(d) Four disadvantages of the deep litter system
- Diseases and parasites spread easily through contact with droppings.
- Damp litter releases ammonia which causes respiratory problems.
- Cannibalism and egg eating are common.
- It is difficult to keep records of individual birds and eggs may become dirty.
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