Animal Husbandry Paper 2 May/June 2015

Question 4

(a)   Define the term Animal husbandry.                                           [2 marks]

(b)   State four ways in which farm animals are important to humans.  [4 marks]

(c)    Explain each of the following terms as used in animal production:

     - ovulation;
     - oestrus.                                                                                 [4 marks]

 

      (a) List five signs that indicate that a ewe is approaching parturition.  [5 marks]

     (b) A ewe was serviced on May 1, 2014. Determine the expected date of lambing of the ewe.   [5 marks]

                                                                                          

Observation

 

This question was well attempted by the candidates.  In 4(a-b), most of the candidates were able to define the term animal husbandry as well as state the ways in which farm animals are important to humans.

Also, in 4(c)(i-ii), most of the candidates were able to explain the terms ovulation and oestrus. More so, in 4(d), majority of the candidates were able to list the signs that indicate that a ewe is approaching parturition. However, most of them were unable to determine the expected date of lambing of the ewe as required in 4(e).

The expected answers include:

(4) (e)  Determination of expected date of lambing of the ewe

            Gestation period for ewe = 140 – 150 days   

Duration of gestation
May = 31 days                     
June = 30 days                    
July = 31 days                     
August = 31 days    
September= 17 – 27 days  
Lambing date = September 22+5 days