Page 227 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

2. (a) What are two challenges farmers face when detecting heat in cows that
graze freely?
(b) Suggest practical ways to improve heat detection in such systems.

3. (a) What qualities should a good breeding bull have?
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(b) Explain how poor management of the bull before and during the
breeding season can affect the whole herd.

4. (a) What actions should be taken immediately if a newborn calf is too weak
to suckle on its own?
(b) Why is this important for the calf’s survival?

5. (a) What are the two main reasons for castrating male calves in a beef cattle
herd?

(b) At what age and by what method is it best done for the animal’s well-
being?

6. (a) How does proper identification of cattle help in breeding and herd
improvement?
(b) Mention at least two methods used and explain their advantages.

7. Compare disbudding and dehorning in terms of timing, pain, and safety.
Which method would you recommend and why?

8. (a) Why is it important to monitor the growth of calves?

(b) If a weighing scale is not available, what alternative method can be used
and how?

Beef cattle harvesting and carcass processing
Beef cattle are raised mainly for meat production. When animals reach the right
size, age, or condition, they are selected for removal from the herd. This is known
as harvesting. Some selected animals are sold alive, while others are slaughtered
for meat. Slaughter and meat processing must follow proper steps to ensure
hygiene, safety, and good meat quality.

Harvesting of beef cattle
Harvesting of beef cattle begins with the selection of animals to be removed
from the herd. These animals may include mature bulls, unproductive cows,

218 Student’s Book Form Three

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