(a) (i) Define the term culling in poultry production. [2 marks]
(ii) Mention three benefits derived from culling [3 marks]
(b) State four ways of preventing diseases in a sheep flock. [4 marks]
(c) Discuss the practice of paddocking as a way of improving rangeland. [4 marks]
(d) State three fishery regulations. [3 marks]
Explanation
(a)(i) Definition of culling in poultry production: Culling is the removal of diseased or poorly performing or destructive birds from a flock.
(ii) Benefits derived from culling:
-The incidence and spread of poultry diseases is minimized.
-The incidence and spread of poultry pests is minimized.
-The extra cost of feeding unproductive birds is eliminated.
-A larger floor space is available for the rest of the birds.
-Egg pecking is minimized.
-Cannibalism is minimized.
-Hen-day production percentage is increased.
(b) Ways of preventing diseases in a sheep flock
-The house should be cleaned and washed at intervals.
– The bedding materials including the feaces and urine should be removed at intervals.
-The sick animals should be culled.
-Sick animals should be separated and treated.
-There must be regular dipping of the animals against ecto-parasites
-Sheep should be dewormed at intervals with appropriate antihelmintics.
-The feeding trough and water trough should be properly cleaned.
– Sheep should be vaccinated against common diseases/use of prophylactic drugs.
– All animals being introduced should be quarantined.
-Foot baths should be provided.
-Bury dead animals.
-Feed animals with balanced diet.
(c) Paddocking as a way of improving rangeland
– Entails partitioning of rangedland with fences into small plots.
-Animals graze in each partition/paddock by rotation.
-Paddocking allows regeneration of forage crops. It prevents build-up of pests.
-It prevents selective grazing of grasses and legumes.
-It prevents build-up of diseases.
(d) Fishery regulations
– Prohibition of dumping of toxic materials/industrial wastes in fishing areas or water.
– Prohibition of the use of chemicals in fishing.
– Certification that fishes to be sold to the public safe for human consumption.
– Forbids the killing of endangered aquatic animals.
– Protection of territorial waters of various nations.
– Mesh size regulation enforcement to protect immature fishes.
– Catch quota regulation which limit the quantity a fisherman can harvest.
-Prohibition of the use of explosives,
-Enforcement of close season regulation
– Electro-fishing is outlawed except for research purposes