Observation

Most candidates were able to state the advantages of grass-legume mixture in a pasture as well as mention the management systems used in keeping small ruminants. However, many candidates were unable to define artificial pasture and state the characteristics of each management systems used in keeping small ruminants.
The expected answers include:       

(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 balance 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