This question was poorly attempted by the candidates. Most of the candidates
could not identify specimens H(Centrosema molle), I(Panicum maximum),
J(Tridax procumbens) and K(Grass hay) as required in 2(a). Also, most of
them could not state the advantages of having specimens H(Centrosema molle)
and I(Tridax procumbens) in a pasture as required in 2(b).
However, majority of the candidates were able to mention a monogastric and a
polygastric animal that could feed on specimen I(Panicum maximum) as required
in 2(c). Although, in 2(d), most of them could not describe the process of making
Specimen K(Grass hay).
The expected answers include:
(2) (a) Identification of Specimens H, I, J and K
Specimens
H - Centrosema molle/Centrosema pubescens
I - Panicum maximum
J - Tridax procumbens
K - Grass hay/dry grass
(b) Advantages of having Specimens H(Centrosema molle/Centrosema pubescens)
and I (Panicum maximum) in a pasture
- Serve as source of balanced ration to the animals
- Reduce evapo-transpiration/conserves soil water
- Reduce soil erosion
- Improve soil fertility/nitrogen fixation/improves soil cation exchange
capacity
- Improve the acceptability of forage by the animals
- Enhance digestibility of the forage
- Suppress weed growth
- Improve soil structure/percolation/infiltration rate
- Improve pasture yield
(d) Description of the process of making Specimen K(Grass hay)
- Harvest fresh grass before flowering
- Spread thinly on a drying platform
- Turn at intervals
- Dry the grass but retain the colour
- Pack/bail after drying
- Store/stack in a dry place
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