Observation

Majority of the candidates found it easy to differentiate between natural mating and artificial mating making specific reference to artificial insemination as artificial method of animal mating. Candidates were able to mention the methods of natural mating as well as state the importance of protein in animal diets.
The expected answers include:
4.(a) (i)   Difference between Natural Mating and Artificial Mating in Farm Animals

Natural Mating: This occurs when the male animal services a female animal that is on heat without any assistance from human                                                                                               While;
Artificial Mating: is also known as Artificial Insemination and is the act of introducing spermatozoa artificially into the vagina of a female animal on heat. It does not involve mating or coitus between male and female animals.                                                                                                      
(ii) Methods of Natural Mating in Farm Animals

• Flock/Pasture mating
• Pen mating
• Stud/Hand mating                                                       

(b) (i) Functions of Protein in Animal Nutrition

• For growth/ building of flesh
• Essential in cell maintenance
• Repairing and replacing worn-out tissues
• Forming body protective coverings such as hair, nails wool, feather and horns
• Production of enzymes
• Production of hormones
• Production of antibodies
• Formation of eggs, milk, blood and muscles/ other tissues
• Formation of reproductive gametes         

(ii) Sources of Animal Protein

• Fish meal
• Blood meal
•  Insects
• Maggots
• Poultry offal
• Shrimps head meal
• Feather meal
• Meat meal
• Milk
• Earthworms
• Egg

(c)  Benefits of Rangeland in Animal Production

• Source of cheap feed for ruminants
• It provides accommodation for farm animals since in most cases the animals live there on permanent basis
• It provides an atmosphere of maximum exercise for the animals because most rangelands are usually very extensive
• If the area is fenced, there is protection of animals from thieves, predators and other natural hazards
• They provide the protein and energy needs of ruminant animals since legumes are often times present in rangeland
• Diseases and pests can easily be identified and controlled in well-managed pasture land
• Rangeland makes it possible for unproductive land to be used for pasture establishment
• Natural mating is facilitated by the combined management of the males and females together which makes it unnecessary for the herdsman to look for animals on heat before mating