(a) (i) State two features of the housing used in pig production - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question Question 1 - 2019

Well insulated housing reduces heat loss or prevents over-heating (in summer), which contributes to the health of the pigs and can improve weight gain.

1. Allows bonhams to suck.
2. Prevents the bonhams from being crushed by the sow.

The length of gestation for a sow is approximately 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days, which totals about 110 to 118 days.

The average litter size for a sow ranges from 9 to 12 bonhams.

Bonhams are given an iron injection to prevent anaemia, as their natural iron supply from the sow's milk is low in iron.

Lysine is included in the diet as it is an essential amino acid necessary for proper growth and development.

A creep area allows bonhams access to high temperatures (around 30 °C) or keeps them safe from being crushed by the sow.

Hill (mountain) sheep production typically involves poorer quality grass, while lowland sheep production has access to better quality grass.

Hill sheep are often grazed on rougher terrain, while lowland sheep can graze on well-managed pastures.

Hill sheep tend to produce fewer lambs compared to lowland sheep production, where more lambs are produced due to better conditions.

Hill sheep usually have a lower stocking rate due to the rough landscape, while lowland sheep can sustain a higher stocking rate.

Hill sheep production requires lower labour input compared to lowland sheep production, which necessitates more management and supervision.