Photo AI
A table below indicates measured pre-weaning growth rates (g/day) of certain cattle crosses - NSC Agricultural Sciences - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 4
A table below indicates measured pre-weaning growth rates (g/day) of certain cattle crosses. | PARENTS OF CALVES | PASTURE CONDITIONS | AVERAGE DAILY GAIN OF C... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A table below indicates measured pre-weaning growth rates (g/day) of certain cattle crosses - NSC Agricultural Sciences - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
Step 2
4.1.2 Refer to the table above and select the parents that produced calves with the highest average daily gain from pastures in poor conditions.
Answer
The parents that produced calves with the highest average daily gain in poor conditions are the Hereford bulls (B) and Brahman cows (B), specifically indicated in the table with a gain of 425 g/day.
Step 3
4.1.3 Give TWO reasons for better performance of these calves.
Answer
- The offspring exhibit hybrid vigor (heterosis), which can lead to better growth rates and adaptability.
- The Brahman breed is well-suited for challenging conditions such as heat and poor feed quality, leading to improved survival and growth rates.
Step 4
4.1.4 Draw a bar graph to indicate the performances of crossings 1, 2 and 9 on poor, average and good pasture conditions.
Answer
To draw a bar graph, follow these steps:
- Label the X-axis as 'Number of Crossing' and include the values 1, 2, and 9.
- Label the Y-axis as 'Average Daily Gain (g/day)'.
- Represent the average daily gains for each crossing in separate bars for poor, average, and good pasture conditions as follows:
- Crossing 1: 425 (Poor), 704 (Average), 827 (Good)
- Crossing 2: 713 (Poor), 773 (Average), 884 (Good)
- Crossing 9: 725 (Poor), 848 (Average), 869 (Good)
- Ensure that each bar is clearly marked and distinguishable, and include a legend for clarity.