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Distinguish between flushing and steaming up in lowland sheep production - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question Question 1 - 2007
Question Question 1
Distinguish between flushing and steaming up in lowland sheep production. Describe the management of a lamb from birth to weaning. Give two reasons why shearing of... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Distinguish between flushing and steaming up in lowland sheep production - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question Question 1 - 2007
Step 1
Distinguish between flushing and steaming up in lowland sheep production.
Answer
Flushing refers to the practice of increasing the body condition of ewes before breeding by offering them higher nutrition or feeding supplements. This process typically involves changing the diet several weeks before mating to enhance ovulation rates and improve overall fertility.
Steaming up, on the other hand, is the practice of providing a richer diet to pregnant ewes towards the end of gestation. This ensures that the ewes have sufficient energy to support fetal growth and prepare for lactation after lambing.
Step 2
Describe the management of a lamb from birth to weaning.
Answer
The management of a lamb from birth to weaning involves several key steps:
- Immediate Care After Birth: Ensure that the lamb is breathing and help it stand to suckle from the ewe within the first few hours.
- Feeding: Provide colostrum, which is vital for the lamb’s immune system, in the first 12 hours. If the ewe fails to produce enough milk, consider using colostrum from another ewe or a commercial source.
- Health Monitoring: Check for any signs of health issues such as pneumonia or scours and provide necessary veterinary care.
- Housing and Environment: Keep the lambs in a clean and dry area to reduce the risk of disease.
- Weaning: Normally done at around 12-16 weeks of age, weaning should be gradual, and lambs should be provided with good quality feed and water.
Step 3
Give two reasons why shearing of sheep takes place.
Answer
- Wool Quality: Shearing is done to collect wool, which can be sold for various uses. Regular shearing ensures better wool quality by preventing matting and allows for a controlled growth rate.
- Animal Welfare: Shearing helps keep sheep cool during warmer months, preventing heat stress and skin diseases. It also aids in maintaining overall hygiene by removing dirt and parasites from the wool.
Step 4
In relation to any named disease of sheep, describe its cause, its symptoms and its control.
Answer
One common disease in sheep is Liver Fluke:
- Cause: Liver fluke is caused by the parasitic flatworm Fasciola hepatica, which typically infects sheep through ingestion of contaminated grass or water.
- Symptoms: Affected sheep may show symptoms such as weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and lethargy. Severe infections can lead to liver damage and even death.
- Control: To control liver fluke, farmers can implement management practices such as rotating grazing areas, using flukicides (medications specifically targeting liver fluke), and maintaining good flock health monitoring.