Methods Of Animal Improvement
Overview
A herder near Sokoto wants calves that grow faster without losing the White Fulani's famous heat tolerance. A poultry keeper in Ibadan wants birds that lay like an exotic hybrid but survive a Nigerian backyard on local feed. Neither farmer can wish a better animal into existence. What they can do is choose who mates with whom, generation after generation, and that single choice is the whole of animal improvement.
In this lesson you will meet the four methods examiners expect you to know inside out: selection, crossbreeding, inbreeding and outbreeding. You will learn what each one does to a herd's genes, work through realistic farm scenarios that decide which method fits which goal, and master the advantage and disadvantage of each, the exact comparison WAEC sets almost every year.
Objectives
- State the methods of animal improvement
- Explain selection as a method of animal improvement
- Explain crossbreeding as a method of animal improvement
- Distinguish between inbreeding and outbreeding
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method of animal improvement
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Methods Of Animal Improvement. 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 method of animal improvement combines animals of two different breeds to produce offspring that may outperform both parent breeds? A. Selection B. Crossbreeding C. Inbreeding D. Outbreeding Answer: B
- Mating a sire to his own daughter is an example of: A. Crossbreeding B. Outbreeding C. Inbreeding D. Selection Answer: C
- The improved performance often shown by the first-cross offspring of two different breeds is called: A. Inbreeding depression B. Hybrid vigour C. Genotype drift D. Betterment Answer: B
- A herd that has been mated among close relatives for several generations begins to show smaller litter sizes and weaker offspring. This is best described as: A. Hybrid vigour B. Inbreeding depression C. Heterosis D. Selection response Answer: B
- Which method of animal improvement chooses the best-performing animals within a single breed as parents of the next generation? A. Crossbreeding B. Outbreeding C. Selection D. Hybridisation Answer: C
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Recommended Books
Past Questions
Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Methods Of Animal Improvement from previous years
Question 1 Report
(a) Explain each of the following terms as used in the slaughtering of farm animals:
(i) scalding
(ii) singeing:
(iii) evisceration.
(b) Name four agents involved in the marketing of farm animals and animal products
(c) State five marketing functions that could be performed to facilitate the sale of chicken and eggs.
(d) Name three stages in the life cycle of a roundworm.
(e) Mention two methods of animal improvement.
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