(a) List four methods of identification in cattle production [4 marks]
(b) State three reasons for carrying out each of the following animal husbandry practices; (i) culling of poultry; (ii) dehorning of cattle. [6 marks]
(c) Mention the botanical names of four pasture legumes grown in West Africa [4 marks]
(d) State four ways of preserving harvested fish [2 marks]
Explanation
(a) Methods of identification in cattle production: Branding with hot iron, Tagging (Neck/Ear/Nose), Ear Notching, Tattooing
(b) Reasons for carrying out the following animal husbandry practices:
(i) Culling of poultry
– To remove unproductive birds from the flock
– To remove diseased birds from the flock to prevent spread of disease
– To remove aggressive or cannibalistic birds from the flock
– To remove pest infested birds from the flock
(ii) Dehorning of cattle
– To reduce the space required by cattle during feeding
– To ensure that the animals eat more peacefully
– To enhance the physical appearance of the cattle
– To ease the transportation of the cattle from one location to another
– To make handling easy
– To reduce aggressive tendencies in the flock and reduce injuries to individuals.
(c) Botanical names of pasture legumes grown in West Africa:
Calopogonium mucunoides, Centrosema pubescens, Pueraria phaseoloides, Stylosanthes gracilis, Mucuna utilis, Crotalaria juncea
(d) Ways of preserving harvested fish: Freezing, Smoking, Salting, Sun drying, Canning, Roasting, Irradiation, Steam cooking, Icing