(a) (i) Define the term culling as used in livestock production.
(ii) State two reasons why culling is practiced in cattle production.
(b) Mention one major function each of ptyalin, rennin and pepsin during digestion of feed in rabbits.
Explanation
(a) (i) Definition of culling as used in cattle production;
Culling is the removal of animals from the flock for specific reasons
(ii) Reasons for culling;
- For immediate financial gain
- To avoid the spread of diseases
- To prevent animals with undesirable trait from reproducing
- To remove unproductive animals
- To reduce competition for feed
- To reduce competition for space
- To reduce competition for water
(b) Major function of ptyalin, renin and pepsin during digestion of feed in rabbit
Ptyalin: It is an amylase/enzyme which converts/digests starch to maltose/dextrin in the mouth
Renin: It is an enzyme which helps in the coagulation/curdle of milk protein in the stomach
OR
Digestion of casein to casinogen in the stomach
Pepsin: It is an enzyme which converts proteins to peptones and or polypeptides in the stomach