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Give a scientific reason why each of the following tasks is carried out on farms: (a) Silage pits are rolled - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question Question 1 - 2013
Question Question 1
Give a scientific reason why each of the following tasks is carried out on farms: (a) Silage pits are rolled. (b) Sheep are walked through a foot-bath. (c) Milkin... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Give a scientific reason why each of the following tasks is carried out on farms: (a) Silage pits are rolled - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question Question 1 - 2013
Step 1
(a) Silage pits are rolled.
Answer
Rolling silage pits is essential as it excludes air, creating anaerobic conditions that promote fermentation. This process supports the growth of lactic acid bacteria, which are crucial for preserving the silage, preventing spoilage, and reducing the pit size.
Step 2
Step 3
(c) Milking cows are fed dairy rations.
Answer
Feeding milking cows specialized dairy rations provides essential minerals and nutrients that support milk production. This ensures that cows reach their peak yield, enhances their body condition score (BCS), and increases both milk quality and quantity.
Step 4
(d) Hay is introduced to the diet of a calf about one week after birth.
Answer
Introducing hay to a calf's diet around one week after birth is important for the faster development of the rumen. This process helps to establish a scratch factor that aids in rumen health and introduces beneficial bacteria into the digestive system.
Step 5
(e) Slurry is agitated from outside slatted houses.
Answer
Agitating slurry from outside slatted houses is necessary to prevent the buildup of harmful gases and to ensure legal compliance. This process helps manage waste effectively, reducing the risk of harm to both animals and humans due to toxic gas exposure.