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Comment on each of the following in relation to weanlings, from first winter housing until they are put out on grass the following spring - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question d - 2017
Question d
Comment on each of the following in relation to weanlings, from first winter housing until they are put out on grass the following spring. (i) Housing (ii) Diet (... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Comment on each of the following in relation to weanlings, from first winter housing until they are put out on grass the following spring - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question d - 2017
Step 1
(i) Housing
Answer
Proper housing for weanlings is crucial for their growth and development. Recommended features include:
- Slatted buildings or cubicles: These should include straw bedding or loose housing for comfort.
- Fresh water supply: Ensure that clean, fresh water is always available.
- Well-ventilated environment: Adequate ventilation helps to prevent respiratory problems.
- No draughts: Position the housing to avoid exposure to cold winds.
- Adequate floor space: Provide sufficient space for movement based on the number of animals.
- Good hygiene: Regularly clean housing to prevent diseases.
Step 2
(ii) Diet
Answer
The diet of weanlings during this period should consist of:
- Silage: Incorporate good quality silage or hay, with a recommended dry matter digestibility (DMD) of 70% - 75%.
- Concentrates or meals: Supplement the diet with concentrates to meet energy needs and promote growth. This balanced diet supports healthy skeletal and muscle development.
Step 3
(iii) Control of disease and parasites
Answer
Effective disease and parasite control is necessary to ensure the health of weanlings:
- Deworming: Administer doses for worms, either orally or via injection, as appropriate.
- Vaccinations: Ensure vaccinations are up to date to protect against common diseases.
- Adequate ventilation: Maintain a well-ventilated area to reduce disease transmission.
Step 4
Step 5
(v) Compensatory growth
Answer
Compensatory growth is important as it maximizes the growth rate after weanlings transition to pasture:
- Refeeding: The extra growth that weanlings exhibit after being let out to grass can be attributed to a high plane of nutrition. A recovery period following any prior restrictions in food availability supports this. Supplying adequate nutrients will enable them to catch up in weight and frame size.