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Discuss the role of the following in sheep production: a raddling harness footrot - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2010
Question 5
Discuss the role of the following in sheep production: a raddling harness footrot. Suggest four reasons why dairy farmers find it necessary to reseed their paddock... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Discuss the role of the following in sheep production: a raddling harness footrot - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2010
Step 1
a) a raddling harness
Answer
A raddling harness plays a crucial role in sheep production by assisting in the mating process. It enables farmers to identify which ewes have been bred by rams, allowing for effective management of the breeding cycle. Through the use of colored powders, the harness indicates successful matings, which helps in monitoring ewe fertility and predicting lambing dates. This practice aids in culling decisions for ewes that fail to conceive, ensuring that only productive animals are maintained within the flock.
Step 2
a) footrot
Answer
Footrot is a significant concern in sheep production as it is a bacterial disease that can lead to severe pain and lameness in affected animals. Infected sheep may experience reduced feed intake, ultimately impacting their overall health and productivity. The condition can spread quickly among the flock, necessitating strict hygiene measures and possible vaccination protocols. Managing footrot is vital for maintaining the welfare of sheep and optimizing meat and wool production.
Step 3
b) Suggest four reasons why dairy farmers find it necessary to reseed their paddocks on a regular basis.
Answer
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Maintaining Nutrient Levels: Over time, paddocks can become depleted of nutrients. Reseeding helps restore essential minerals and promotes better forage quality.
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Improving Pasture Health: Regular reseeding helps combat issues like overgrazing or undergrazing, which can lead to a decline in pasture health and density.
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Managing Weeds: Reseeding allows farmers to manage weed populations more effectively, reducing competition for nutrients and space in the paddock.
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Enhancing Livestock Performance: Quality pastures lead to improved livestock productivity by providing better nutrition. This can result in higher milk yields and overall better animal health.
Step 4
b) Suggest a suitable seed mixture that could be used when re-seeding a paddock.
Answer
A suitable seed mixture for reseeding a paddock could include perennial ryegrass and Italian ryegrass. This combination enhances pasture quality and resilience, offering a robust forage option for dairy cattle.
Step 5
c) Explain the significance of the leaf-to-stem ratio in relation to silage quality.
Answer
The leaf-to-stem ratio is a critical factor in determining silage quality. Leaves contain higher concentrations of sugars and proteins compared to stems, which primarily consist of cellulose. A higher leaf-to-stem ratio indicates a better nutritional profile, leading to higher dry matter digestibility (DMD) in silage. Silage with a favorable leaf-to-stem ratio is more palatable for livestock, directly influencing their intake and overall health. Conversely, a low leaf-to-stem ratio may result in lower digestibility and reduced energy availability for the animals.