Question 4
The diagram below illustrates methods of identification in farm animals. Study them and answer the questions that follow.
(a) Name each of the methods of identification illustrated in diagrams I, II, III and IV. (4 marks)
(b) State two advantages each of using the methods illustrated in diagrams I and II.
(4 marks)
(c) State two disadvantages each of using the methods illustrated in diagrams III and IV.
(4 marks)
(d) Give three reasons why identification of farm animals is important. (3 marks)
Observation
Candidates’ performance in Question 4 was below average.
- Most candidates could not identify the different methods of identifying farm animals as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the methods of farm animal identification.
- However, many candidates were able to give reasons why the identification of farm animals is important.
The expected answers include:
4. (a) Names of the means of identification in farm animals
I - Ear notching
II - Neck chain
III - Branding/skin branding
IV - Tattooing
- Advantages of using the methods of identification labelled I (Ear notching)
and II (Neck chain)
I (Ear notching)
- It can be read from a distance
- It is inexpensive
- Low maintenance of notching machine
- It is permanent
- It is relatively quick and simple to perform
- No economic part of the animal is affected
II (Neck chain)
- It is easy to apply
- It is painless to the animal
- It can be seen from a distance
- Cheap to carryout
- It has no effect on economic part of the animal body
(c) Disadvantages of methods of identification labelled III (Branding) and IV (Tattooing)
III (Branding)
- It causes pain to the animal
- It may cause loss in market value of the hide/hides and skin are destroyed
- It can cause infections through the marking
- The skin may heal thereby making the mark difficult to read
IV (Tattooing)
- It cannot be read from a distance - It causes pain to the animal
- It may lead to loss of blood - The tattoo may be defaced or altered easily
- It works less for animals with wooly ears or dark skinned animals
- It requires animal to be restrained when tattoo is being read
(d) Reasons why identification of farm animals is important
- Makes proof of ownership easy/to know ownership
- Makes record keeping easy
- Treatment/culling of sick/unproductive animals is easier
- Easy selection of replacement stock for the next breeding season/for breeding purposes
- To prevent stealing/loss of animal