(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