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Question 7
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(a) State four ways in which rangeland is important in livestock production. [4 marks]
(b) If the recommended grazing area per cattle is 3m x 3m. Calculate in hectares the carrying capacity of the rangeland illustrated in the diagram below. [6 marks]
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114m 250m 250m |
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(c) State two benefits of each of the following management practices in animal production:
(i) dipping;
(ii) vaccination;
(iii) artificial insemination. [6 marks]
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This question was fairly attempted by the candidates. In 7(a), many of the candidates could state ways in
which rangeland is important in livestock production. However, in 7(b), majority of the candidates could
not calculate the carrying capacity of the illustrated rangeland per hectare. Nonetheless, in 7(c) (i-iii),
many candidates were able to state the benefits of managefnent practices in animal production. (i.e.
dipping, vaccination and artificial insemination).
The expected answers included:
Calculation of carrying capacity of range land
Area of a circle = Y2 1trl
The area of Y2 a circle = V:z 1trl
Where 1t = 22/7 or 3.142
then:
Area of the figure
= Area of half circle + Area of rectangle + area of half circle
= (Y1 x 1t x 57 m x 57 m) + (250m x 114m) + (Y1 x 1t x 57 m x 57 m)
= (Y2 x 22/7 x 57 m x 57 m) + (250m x 114m) + (Y1 x 22/7 x 57 m x 57 m)
= (5,106 m2) + (28,500 m-) + (5,106 m2)
= 38,711 m2
Area of land = 38, 711 m2 but 1 ha = 10,000 m2
.'. areaof land in ha
38,71 1m2 = 3.8.1
10,OOOm2
Grazing Area per cattle = 3m x 3m = 9m2
= 0.009 ha
Carrying capacity = Area of the range land
Grazing area per cattle
3.8711ha
0.0009ha
4301.2 cattle per 3.871] ha
Carrying capacity = 4301
OR - 4,301 cattle grazed on 3.8711 ha of range land
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