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3. (a) Describe four grassland management practices used to achieve high quality silage - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2011
Question 3
3. (a) Describe four grassland management practices used to achieve high quality silage. (b) Explain why a young animal should receive colostrum in the first day o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3. (a) Describe four grassland management practices used to achieve high quality silage - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2011
Step 1
Describe four grassland management practices used to achieve high quality silage.
Answer
To achieve high quality silage, the following grassland management practices are essential:
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Selection of Grass Species: Using high-quality ryegrass or clover species that are suitable for silage production can enhance the overall quality and nutritional value of the silage.
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Fertilization Regimen: Proper fertilization, such as applying nitrogen and phosphorus, is crucial to promote healthy grass growth, leading to a better quality of forage.
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Timely Cutting: Grass should be cut at the correct growth stage, typically when they reach the leafy stage at around 6 weeks, to maximize digestibility and nutrient content in the silage.
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Moisture Management: Ensuring the right moisture level during ensiling helps in fermentation. It is important to monitor and adjust moisture before, during, and after the cutting process.
Step 2
Explain why a young animal should receive colostrum in the first day of life.
Answer
A young animal should receive colostrum within the first day of life because it is vital for several reasons:
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Nutritional Support: Colostrum provides essential nutrients that are crucial for the animal’s early development, acting as a nutritious first meal.
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Immune Protection: It contains antibodies that are absorbed into the bloodstream and help build the young animal’s immune system, protecting it from diseases in the critical early days.
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Digestive Aid: Colostrum is easier to digest than regular milk, helping the infant animal to adapt to feeding and aiding its digestive system in becoming functional.
Step 3
Outline the main features of strip-grazing.
Answer
The main features of strip-grazing include:
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Movable Electric Fencing: This allows for the controlled grazing of animals in a specific area, moving the fence each day to provide fresh pasture.
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Scheduled Grazing: It promotes advanced grazing strategies, allowing for efficient management of pasture utilization.
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Water Supply: Ensuring a movable water supply helps to keep livestock hydrated and encourages them to utilize the strips fully.
Step 4
Give two advantages and two disadvantages of strip grazing in the feeding of fodder roots to sheep.
Answer
Advantages of strip grazing include:
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Efficient Utilization: Strip grazing allows sheep to access fresh feed each day, leading to better foraging behavior and reduced wastage.
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Improved Soil Health: It helps in preventing overgrazing in one area, maintaining soil structure and promoting regrowth of pasture.
Disadvantages of strip grazing include:
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Potential Damage to Soil Structure: Heavy trampling may lead to soil compaction, which can hinder root development and water absorption.
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Labor Intensive: Managing electric fencing and moving livestock requires more labor and planning than traditional grazing methods.