(a) Name four breeds of chicken used for commercial egg production. 14 marks]
(b) State two functions of each of the following components in the diet of farm animals: (i) water (ii) minerals (ii) antibiotics (iv) protein [8 marks]
(c) Enumerate four advantages of the intensive system of rearing ruminants. [4 marks]
Explanation
(a) Breeds of chicken used for commercial egg production
-White leghorn Rhode Island Red
- New Hampshire
- Plymouth Rock
-Anstralop
- Brown Leghorn
- Light Sussex
- Barred Plymouth Rock
(b) Functions of the following components in the diet of farm animals
(i) Water
-The bodies of most animals contain 55 - 65% Water/ Constituent body fluid and blood
- Helps to digest feed
- Helps to get rid of waste materials
-Constituent of many body fluids and blood
-Involved in body metabolism
- Regulates body temperature
- Involved in the production of saliva
-Helps to maintain body turgidity
- Helps in the transport of nutrients
- Solvent for most body nutrients
(ii) Minerals
- Required by the body in certain quantities to ensure good health and productivity
-Present in muscles for muscle contractions
- Comprise about 3% of animal body
- Constituent of milk, egg and meat
-Maintain pH balance of body fluids/Acid-base balance
-Help in the formulation of hormones
-Regulate blood clotting
- Prevent diseases
- Promote body growth
-Help in formation of haemoglobin and protein/ constituent of protein
-Help in bone and teeth formation/prevent tooth decay
- Help in proper functioning of the nervous system.
(iii) Antibiotics
-Help the body to fight disease-causing micro-organisms
-Improve early growth of poultry, pigs and non-ruminants generally
-Increase absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract
-Help to heal sores/wounds in animals at
(iv) Protein
- Protein is used in the building of flesh/muscles
- Repairs worn-out tissues
-Helps in the formation of digestive juices and other intestinal secretions (enzymes and hormones)
-Protein may supply energy to the body
-Helps in the building of protective covering (skin/hair/feathers/wools/nails)
- It is a constituent of blood
-Required for the growth of young animals
-Helps in the formation of eggs and milk
-Helps in the formation of reproductive gametes
(c) Advantages of the intensive system of rearing ruminants
-It gives animals protection against environmental hazards/exposure to adverse weather conditions
-There is proper supervision of animals
-Record keeping is made easier
-It allows for automation e.g. use of automatic feeders and drinkers
-Protection against theft
-Protection against predators
-Indiscriminate mating is reduced
-Sick animals are easily identified
-Reduces incidence of disease infection
-Reduces incidence of pest infestation
-Ensures adequate and balance feeding
-Ensures provision of better health care
-Animals do not destroy farmers crops
-Allows efficient use of labour
-High stocking density for all species of animals
-It gives animals protection against physical hazards
-It enhances performance of the animals