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A farmer is producing early lambs for the Easter market - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question c - 2021

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A farmer is producing early lambs for the Easter market. The lambs were born in January with an average birthweight of 4 kg. The lambs were weighed every two weeks a... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A farmer is producing early lambs for the Easter market - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question c - 2021

Step 1

Calculate the average daily liveweight gain (DLG) of the lambs over the 16-week period (112 days).

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Answer

To find the average daily liveweight gain (DLG), we can use the formula:

DLG=Final Weight−Initial WeightNumber of DaysDLG = \frac{\text{Final Weight} - \text{Initial Weight}}{\text{Number of Days}}

Here, the final weight is 51 kg (at 16 weeks) and the initial weight is 4 kg (at birth).

Thus,

DLG=51−4112=47112≈0.42 kg/dayDLG = \frac{51 - 4}{112} = \frac{47}{112} \approx 0.42 \text{ kg/day}

This means the average daily liveweight gain of the lambs is approximately 0.42 kg/day.

Step 2

The farmer aims to sell the lambs at a minimum average liveweight of 45 kg. Using the graph, determine the minimum number of weeks for the lambs to reach this liveweight.

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Answer

From the graph provided, we see that the lambs reach 45 kg at approximately 14 weeks. Therefore, the minimum number of weeks for the lambs to reach this liveweight is 14 weeks.

Step 3

Briefly describe what this information tells the farmer about the growth rate of the lambs.

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Answer

The information indicates that the lambs are gaining weight at a consistent rate. The straight line on the graph suggests that the growth rate is proportional to age, meaning that they are likely being fed adequately and growing uniformly without fluctuations.

Step 4

Suggest a suitable diet a farmer would feed lambs from birth to slaughter in order for the lambs to reach a slaughter weight of 45 kg in the minimum number of weeks as stated at part (i).

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Answer

A suitable diet for the lambs would include:

  • Colostrum: For initial growth and immunity.
  • Hay: As a fibrous feed to promote healthy digestion.
  • Milk replacer or concentrates: To provide necessary proteins and nutrients for rapid growth.
  • Grass or silage: To ensure a balanced nutritional intake, promoting steady weight gain.

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