Ruminant Animal Production: Digestive System Anatomy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the predominant coat color of the Balami breed of sheep?

White

What is a distinguishing feature of Sahel goats?

Short ears and horns in both sexes

Where are Sahel goats commonly found in Nigeria?

Sahel or desert areas

Which goat breed is known for being well-adapted to nomadic life?

Maradi or Red Sokoto goat Signup and view all the answers

Which breed of sheep is considered one of the largest in Nigeria?

Balami Signup and view all the answers

What color is the skin coat of the Maradi or Red Sokoto breed of goat?

Red Signup and view all the answers

At what age does a well-managed ram typically attain puberty under intensive management system?

6 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended mating ratio of ram to ewe on a farm?

1:20 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for excess rams on the farm that are not required for mating?

Wether Signup and view all the answers

Why must the hooves of a ram be adequately trimmed?

To prevent foot rot Signup and view all the answers

When is a buck typically used for mating?

12-18 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the average gestation period for a cow?

283 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the salivary glands in ruminants?

To neutralize the acidity in the rumen Signup and view all the answers

How does the tongue and lips help ruminant animals in the digestion process?

By picking and rolling plant material into the mouth Signup and view all the answers

How does the day length affect reproduction in sheep and goats?

It doesn't affect reproduction in these animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the management practice described for a pregnant ewe?

Providing proper shelter Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of mastication in ruminants?

To chew and break down plant material Signup and view all the answers

Which dentition type is found in young animals according to the text?

Deciduous dentition Signup and view all the answers

What is parturition in sheep, cattle, and goats commonly called?

Calving Signup and view all the answers

What is described as 'kidding' in goats?

The act of giving birth in goats Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the oesophagus in ruminants?

Swallowing and regurgitating food Signup and view all the answers

Why is housing considered important in cattle production?

To prevent diseases and provide comfort Signup and view all the answers

How many types of dentition are mentioned in the text for ruminants?

2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ear notching in animals?

To help with identification Signup and view all the answers

How is ear notching done in animals?

By cutting a specific shape on the ear Signup and view all the answers

What do skin and horn branding involve?

Using a hot iron to write numbers or names on the skin or horn Signup and view all the answers

What is drenching in animal care?

Giving the animals medicine to drink Signup and view all the answers

How often are animals de-wormed according to the text?

At least two times in a year Signup and view all the answers

Why is hoof trimming done in animals?

To prevent harboring germs or diseases Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ruminant Anatomy and Digestion

The digestive process in ruminants starts in the mouth, where the combination of the tongue and lips help pick and roll plant material into the mouth.
The teeth, specifically incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, aid in mastication or chewing of the plant material.
There are two types of dentition in ruminants: deciduous dentition (found in young animals) and permanent dentition (found in mature animals).

Mouth and Oesophagus

The mouth has salivary glands that secrete saliva with a pH of around 8.2, which stabilizes the pH of the mouth and reduces acidity in the rumen.
The oesophagus is a tubular column through which food is swallowed and regurgitated for re-chewing.

Breeds of Ruminants

Sheep Breeds

The Balami breed of sheep has a convex facial profile, large droopy ears, and a thin long tail.
Mature rams weigh between 45-65 kg, while ewes weigh between 35-40 kg.

Goat Breeds

The Sahel breed of goats has a short, fine coat (white, black, red, or spotted), medium to large body size, short ears, and horizontal or drooping horns in both sexes.
The Maradi or Red Sokoto breed of goats has a red skin coat, well-suited for leather production.

Management of Rams

Management of rams is crucial for successful breeding and production.
Rams should be fed a good mixture of grasses and legumes, with concentrates added at 300-500 gm per head per day.
Hooves must be regularly trimmed to prevent overgrowth and foot rot.

Management of Bucks

Bucks must attain the age of about 12-18 months before being used for mating.
The gestation period for goats is an average of 150 days.

Housing and Equipment in Ruminant Production

Housing is an integral part of management in cattle production.
Housing requirements vary for intensive and extensive systems of cattle production.

Identification Methods

Tattoing, ear notching, skin and horn branding, and drenching are common identification methods used in cattle production.
Ear notching involves cutting a specific shape on the ear to indicate numbers, with the position of the cut denoting different numbers.

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