a) Define the term artificial pasture as used in animal production.
b) State six advantages of grass-legume mixtures in a pasture.
c) (i) Mention three management systems used in keeping small ruminants.
(ii) State three characteristics of each of the management systems mentioned in (c)(i).
b) State six advantages of grass-legume mixtures in a pasture.
c) (i) Mention three management systems used in keeping small ruminants.
(ii) State three characteristics of each of the management systems mentioned in (c)(i).
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Correct Answer: Option
Explanation:
(a) Definition of artificial pasture;
This is an area of land covered with forage crops and established by man for feeding livestock/ruminants.
(b) Advantages of grass-legume mixture in pastures;
Productivity is high/high yield
Animals get balanced diet
Reduces soil erosion
Improves soil structure
Mixture smother weeds/controls weeds
Reduces leaching of nutrients
Provides variety for animals
Reduces evapotranspiration
Improves feed intake/palatability/acceptability
Extends the growing season of forages
Legumes improve soil fertility/fixation of nitrogen to soils
(c)(i) Management systems for keeping small ruminants;
Free range/extensive system
Intensive system
Semi intensive system
(ii) Characteristics of Management systems;
Extensive system
Poor healthcare
Uncontrolled breeding
Low input/low performance
Poor/no record keeping
Animals could be injured/killed/stolen
Low output/delayed growth
Animals are not confined/no housing structure
Animals are allowed to fend for themselves
Animals are exposed to adverse environmental conditions
Results in conflict between crop and livestock farmers
Intensive system
- Animals are confined
Animals are adequately fed
High input
High output
Proper record-keeping
Controlled breeding
Control of diseases
Control of parasites/pests
Control of predators
Protection from unfavourable environmental conditions
Semi-intensive system
Supplementary feeding is given
Some healthcare is provided
Animals are confined at night
Moderate output
Moderate input
Difficult keeping records
Animals can be injured/killed/stolen
Housing is provided
Animals have opportunity to roam about
(a) Definition of artificial pasture;
This is an area of land covered with forage crops and established by man for feeding livestock/ruminants.
(b) Advantages of grass-legume mixture in pastures;
Productivity is high/high yield
Animals get balanced diet
Reduces soil erosion
Improves soil structure
Mixture smother weeds/controls weeds
Reduces leaching of nutrients
Provides variety for animals
Reduces evapotranspiration
Improves feed intake/palatability/acceptability
Extends the growing season of forages
Legumes improve soil fertility/fixation of nitrogen to soils
(c)(i) Management systems for keeping small ruminants;
Free range/extensive system
Intensive system
Semi intensive system
(ii) Characteristics of Management systems;
Extensive system
Poor healthcare
Uncontrolled breeding
Low input/low performance
Poor/no record keeping
Animals could be injured/killed/stolen
Low output/delayed growth
Animals are not confined/no housing structure
Animals are allowed to fend for themselves
Animals are exposed to adverse environmental conditions
Results in conflict between crop and livestock farmers
Intensive system
- Animals are confined
Animals are adequately fed
High input
High output
Proper record-keeping
Controlled breeding
Control of diseases
Control of parasites/pests
Control of predators
Protection from unfavourable environmental conditions
Semi-intensive system
Supplementary feeding is given
Some healthcare is provided
Animals are confined at night
Moderate output
Moderate input
Difficult keeping records
Animals can be injured/killed/stolen
Housing is provided
Animals have opportunity to roam about