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Explain what is the importance of the identification collar - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2020
Question a
Explain what is the importance of the identification collar. Other than milking, identify two useful features of the automatic milking machine. 1. 2. Describe on... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain what is the importance of the identification collar - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2020
Step 1
Explain what is the importance of the identification collar.
Answer
The identification collar is crucial for monitoring the health and well-being of cows. It allows farmers to track important metrics, such as chewing rate and lactate levels, which can indicate the cow's health status and its reproductive cycle. This technology aids in early detection of potential health issues, helping to ensure the overall productivity and welfare of the herd.
Step 2
Other than milking, identify two useful features of the automatic milking machine.
Answer
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The machine can monitor the quality of milk produced by each cow, which helps in maintaining high standards of milk quality.
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It provides vital feedback on the performance of each cow, allowing for better herd management and targeted health care.
Step 3
Describe one other advancement in modern technology that you have studied, which has improved farm management and/or health and welfare of farm animals.
Answer
One significant advancement is the use of precision agriculture technology, such as GPS and drone monitoring. This technology allows farmers to analyze crop health, soil conditions, and resource use more efficiently. By applying treatments more accurately and monitoring livestock conditions remotely, farmers can optimize their operations and improve animal welfare.
Step 4
Propose two reasons for culling cows from the dairy herd.
Answer
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Culling is often necessary for improving the overall health of the herd; cows that are consistently unproductive or have chronic health issues can be removed to maintain farm productivity.
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Another reason for culling is to manage genetics; removing older or less desirable cows allows farmers to replace them with higher-performing heifers, thus enhancing the genetic quality of the dairy herd.