Question 4
(a) Explain each of the following terms as used in livestock production:
- parasite; [2 marks]
- pest. [2 marks]
(b) Name three:
(i) ectoparasites of sheep; [3 marks]
(ii) insect pests of sheep. [3 marks]
(c) State four damages that could be caused by pests in cattle. [4 marks]
(d) Give six signs that could be observed in a sick rabbit. [6 marks]
Observation
Question 4 was the most popular question and nearly all candidates attempted it. Many candidates were able to explain parasites and pests in livestock production as well as name the ectoparasites and insect pests of sheep. However, few candidates had challenges mentioning damages caused by pests in cattle.
The expected answers include:
(a) Explanation of terms used in livestock production
(i) Parasite:
- Parasites are organisms that infest livestock
- They can be ectoparasites or endoparasites
- They obtain nutrients from animals
- Cause damage to the animal/host
(ii) Pest:
- Pests are organisms that attack animals, stored products, animal products and farm structures
- They could be insect or non-insect pests
- They cause damage to farm produce
- They contaminate farm produce
(b) (i) Ectoparasites of sheep
- Lice
- Ticks
- Mites
- Sheep keds
- Fleas
- Bugs
(ii) Insect pests of sheep
- Housefly
- Blowfly
- Tsetsefly
- Soldier ants
- Wool maggot⁄ maggot
- Botfly/warble flies
- Sheep lice⁄ lice
- Biting midges⁄ mites
- Black flies
- Mosquitoes
- Stable fly
(c) Damage caused by pests in cattle
- Shortage of blood/anaemia
- Could lead to death
- Coma
- Unthriftiness/rough coat
- Transmits diseases/vectors of diseases/sickness
- Irritation
- Damage the hide/reduces the quality of hide
- Loss of yield/produce
- Causes wounds
- Reduces market value
(d) Signs that could be observed in a sick rabbit
- Isolation
- Loss of appetite/Anorexia
- Loss of weight/emaciation
- Oozing of blood from natural openings
- Rough fur/coat
- Swellings of the joints
- Increase in body temperature
- Diarrhoea
- Blood-stained faeces
- Anaemia
- Ocular discharge
- Ear discharge
- Nasal discharge
- Pneumonia
- Coughing/sneezing
- Excessive salivation
- Distended stomach
- Lameness
- Coma
- Dullness/unthriftiness
- Low water intake
- Constipation
- Difficult breathing
- Death
- Weakness
- Wobbly gait/waddling gait
- Undue noise making
- Abortion
- Alopecia/loss of hair