(a)(i) Explain the term malnutrition as used in animal production (2 marks) (ii) State four effects of malnutrition on farm animals. (4 marks)
(b) Write short notes on the following methods of rangeland improvement: (i) rotational grazing.(ii) reseeding (iii) controlled stocking (6marks)
(c) State four objectives of animal improvement programmes west Africa. (4 marks)
Explanation
(a)(i) Explanation of malnutrition in animal production: Malnutrition is an unhealthy condition caused by feeding farm animals on wrong kinds of ration, on inadequate feed, or even on too much feed. OR Malnutrition occurs when animal fails to utilize food nutrients because of ill-health, even though the nutrients may be available in the feed.
(ii) Effects of malnutrition on farm animals: Slow or retarded growth. Loss of weight/emaciation. Low production/ reduced egg laying in birds/decrease in milk production in cow, etc. High mortality rate in young animals. High susceptibility to disease attack. Physical deformities such as rickets, osteomalacia, etc.
(b) Methods of rangeland improvement: (i) Rotational grazing: Rangeland is divided into units called paddocks. Animals are grazed on each paddock on rotational basis. Grazing in the rangeland should be planned and strictly adhered to. The previously grazed paddock should regenerate before the animals are returned there.
(ii) Reseeding: This is planting seeds of grasses and legumes in a depleted rangeland. It is a way to improve the quality of the pasture with improved seeds of legumes and grasses. The rangeland is allowed to rest for good growth of the sown grass and legume species.
(iii) Controlled stocking: Number of animals in the range should be controlled. Rangeland should be stocked to its maximum carrying capacity. Over-stocking should be avoided to check depletion of rangeland, Over-stocking should be discouraged to prevent disease, pest and parasite infestations. Over-stocking may lead to soil degradation/erosion.
(c) Objectives of animal improvement programmes in West Africa: The objectives are to: (i) improve the quality of the products.(ii) increase livestock production (iii) increase feed utilization efficiency, (iv) increase resistance to diseases,. (v) improve prolificacy in animals, (vi) improve on the body conformation of animals. (vii) increase tolerance to pests. (viii) increase adaptation to climatic conditions. (ix) upgrade the existing stock.