(a) (i) Define the term brooder as used in poultry production. [2 marks]
(ii) List four characteristics of a good layer. [4 marks]
(b) State four reasons for providing suitable housing for livestock. [4 marks]
(c) Give the scientific names of three fish species commonly stocked in a pond. [3 marks]
(d) State three qualities of a good pasture plant. [3 marks]
Explanation
a)(i) Definition of a brooder: A brooder is a device in which newly hatched chicks are tended by the provision of heat until they develop enough feathers.
(ii) Characteristics of a good layer:
-Large well developed combs and wattles.
-Bright red and smooth comb and wattles.
-Bright eyes.
-Moist, wide vent/cloaca.
-Thin and pliable pubic bones.
-Expanded, soft and pliable abdomen.
-Absence of broodiness.
-Soft loose skin.
- Must have short clutch.
- Absence of cannibalistic tendencies.
-Bleached shank/beak.
-Glossy plumage.
-Short beak.
-Broad and square head.
(b) Reasons for providing suitable housing for livestock are to:
-Protect animals from rain/cold weather conditions.
-Protect animals from the direct rays of sunlight.
-Restrict the movement of the animals.
-Protect the flock from theft.
-Facilitate management through grouping of livestock according to age and purpose.
- Protect the young ones from danger/predator.
- Prevent indiscriminate mating.
- Ensure maximum utilization of feed and water.
- Facilitate close observation/monitoring/veterinary care.
- Prevent damage of cultivated crops.
- Prevent them from contracting diseases from outside.
- Prevent them from pest infestations.
- Facilitate accurate record keeping.
(c) Scientific names of fish species commonly stocked in a pond :
-Clarias spp.
-Chrysichtys nigrodigitatus
- Gymnarchus niloticus
-Tilapia spp.
-Lates nilotica
- Gyprinus carpio
-Heterotis niloticus
-Labeo spp,
-Heterobranclues spp.
- Hypothmichitys spp.
(d) Qualities of a good pasture
-Ability to regenerate fast after being browsed.
- Ability to withstand trampling effects of the grazing animals.
- Highly palatable.
- High in nutrient value.
- Ability to withstand extremes of climatic conditions.
- Moderate moisture content/succulent.
-High leaf to stem ratio.