Question 3
(a) Mention five ways of preventing malnutrition in farm animals. [5 marks]
(b) Discuss rickets in farm animals stating two points each under the following headings:
(i) causes;
(ii) symptoms;
(iii) control measures;
(iv) animals which could be affected. [8 marks]
(c) Explain the term additive as used in animal nutrition. [2 marks]
(d) State five reasons why additives are included in animal feed. [5 marks]
Observation
Question 3 was the most popular question among the candidates although few candidates wrote on the prevention of diseases rather than malnutrition in farm animals in question 3(a). Some candidates also do not understand why additives are included in animal feed.
The expected answers include:
(a) Ways of preventing malnutrition in farm animals
- Provide sufficient ration
- Always feed balance diet
- Feed weaker animals separately
- Provide supplementary feed to animals
- Provide feed additives
- Deworm farm animals regularly
- Use appropriate stocking rate of farm animals
- Provide quality and adequate drinking water
- Protect animals from toxic plants and harmful substances
- Treat against ectoparasites/dip animals regularly
(b) Discussion on rickets in farm animals
(i) Causes
- Calcium deficiency
- Phosphorus deficiency
- Calcium-phosphorus imbalance
- Vitamin D deficiency
(ii) Symptoms
- Retarded growth
- Improper coordination
- Staggering gait
- Flexible and curved bones/bow leg
- Soft shelled/shelless eggs in poultry
- Low egg production in poultry
- Low milk production
(iii) Control measures
- Add bone meal/oyster shell to feed/provide calcium and phosphorus
- Supply balanced diet
- Exposure to moderate amount of sunlight
- Supplement feed with Vitamin D
(iv) Animals which could be affected
- Poultry e.g. Chicken, turkey - Rabbit
- Cattle - Donkey
- Sheep - Camel
- Goat - Horse
- Pig - Grass Cutter
(c) Explanation of additives as used in animal nutrition
- Ingredients added to a diet to perform a specific role e.g. to improve growth or feed efficiency
- Substances added to feed in small quantities which may or may not supply
Nutrients
(d) Reasons why additives are included in animal feed
- To provide appetite and encourage feed consumption
- To supply nutrients to farm animals
- To improve the nutritional value of feed e.g. enzymes, herbal products
- Prevention and treatment of some specific diseases
- To deworm farm animals
- For promoting growth
- As a binder to make certain/target nutrients available