(a) State four advantages if artificial insemination.
(b) State five functions of the rumen.
Explanation
(a) Advantages of artificial insemination
- It is cheaper to import semen/transport semen than the live male
- Optimal use of semen/one male can be used for several females
- The semen of a desired sire can be used even after death
- Less space is required to keep male animals for breeding purpose
- Saves the cost of maintaining males
- Semen of old/injured animals/overweight sires can be used
- It helps in planning breeding programme
- Minimal labour is required to keep sire for
- breeding purpose
- Prevents the spread of sexually transmitted diseases
- It aids better record keeping
- There is high rate of conception and productivity/breeding efficiency
(b) Functions of the rumen
- Temporary storage of food
- Digestion of feed nutrients
- Soften fibre/feed
- Fermentation of cellulose/fibre/feed
- Provides suitable environment for microbial protein synthesis
- Synthesis of vitamins B complex and K
- Production of enteric gas e.g CH4, CO2, H2
- Production of volatile fatty acids e.g. acetate, butyrate, propionate
- Absorption of certain nutrient occurs from the wall of the rumen
- Assists in the act of rumination
- Utilization of non-protein nitrogenous compounds
- Accommodates micro-organisms
- Mixing/churning of digesta/regurgitation
- Serves as passage way of digesta/chyme to the reticulum