a) Define the term artificial pasture as used in animal production.
b) State six advantages of grass-legume mixtures in a pasture.
c) (i) Mention three management systems used in keeping small ruminants. (ii) State three characteristics of each of the management systems mentioned in (c)(i).
Explanation
(a) Definition of artificial pasture; This is an area of land covered with forage crops and established by man for feeding livestock/ruminants.
(b) Advantages of grass-legume mixture in pastures;
Productivity is high/high yield Animals get balanced diet Reduces soil erosion Improves soil structure Mixture smother weeds/controls weeds Reduces leaching of nutrients Provides variety for animals Reduces evapotranspiration Improves feed intake/palatability/acceptability Extends the growing season of forages Legumes improve soil fertility/fixation of nitrogen to soils
(c)(i) Management systems for keeping small ruminants;
Free range/extensive system Intensive system Semi intensive system
(ii) Characteristics of Management systems; Extensive system
Poor healthcare Uncontrolled breeding Low input/low performance Poor/no record keeping Animals could be injured/killed/stolen Low output/delayed growth Animals are not confined/no housing structure Animals are allowed to fend for themselves Animals are exposed to adverse environmental conditions Results in conflict between crop and livestock farmers
Intensive system
- Animals are confined
Animals are adequately fed High input High output Proper record-keeping Controlled breeding Control of diseases Control of parasites/pests Control of predators Protection from unfavourable environmental conditions
Semi-intensive system
Supplementary feeding is given Some healthcare is provided Animals are confined at night Moderate output Moderate input Difficult keeping records Animals can be injured/killed/stolen Housing is provided Animals have opportunity to roam about
