Livestock Production I - JSS2 Agricultural science Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Livestock production plays a vital role in agriculture by providing diverse products essential for human consumption and other purposes. Livestock, such as cattle, goats, and poultry, contribute to sustainability by utilising marginal lands unsuitable for crop cultivation and converting low-quality feed into high-quality protein sources like meat and milk.

Different livestock species possess unique characteristics and uses that contribute to the diversity of livestock production systems. For example, cattle are primarily raised for meat and milk production due to their large size and high milk-producing capacity. Sheep are valued for their wool, meat, and milk production, while goats are known for their adaptability to various environments and browsing behaviour. Poultry species like chickens and ducks are raised for their meat and eggs, characterised by rapid growth rates and prolific egg-laying capabilities.

Small livestock, such as chickens and ducks, are characterised by their relatively small size, rapid growth rates, and high reproductive efficiency. They require less space and feed compared to large livestock and are typically raised intensively for meat and egg production. In contrast, large livestock like cattle and horses are much larger in size, require more extensive grazing or housing facilities, and have longer gestation periods and slower growth rates. Large livestock are often raised extensively on pasture or rangeland for meat, milk, and draft power, requiring significant land and resource inputs.

Cattle play a significant role in livestock production as they are primarily raised for meat and milk production worldwide. Cattle are valued for their large size, efficient conversion of forage into high-quality protein sources, and versatility in various production systems. Beef cattle provide a valuable source of meat, while dairy cattle are raised for milk production, contributing to the supply of essential nutrients like protein and calcium.

Poultry species, such as chickens and ducks, play a crucial role in livestock production due to their rapid growth rates, high reproductive efficiency, and short generation intervals. Chickens, for example, reach marketable size quickly and have prolific egg-laying capabilities, making them efficient producers of meat and eggs. Ducks are valued for their adaptability to various environments and high feed conversion efficiency, contributing to sustainable meat and egg production systems. Poultry farming requires less space and resources compared to large livestock, making it accessible to small-scale farmers and contributing to the supply of affordable protein sources worldwide.