Observation

Question 5 was quite popular among candidates and performance was above average. However, many candidates defined the terms in animal nutrition in Question 5(a) instead of explaining them; thus losing marks. Furthermore, some candidates misconstrued nursery practices in tomato production with post-planting operations in crop production.

The expected answers include:
5. (a)  Explanation of terms in animal nutrition
(i)   Balanced diet

• A balanced diet is a diet that contains all the essential nutrients in the right quantity and quality for livestock feeding 
• The essential nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water                        

 (ii)   Maintenance ration

• This is the ration fed to farm animals in order to maintain normal functioning

of the body system

• Maintains animals’ body weight
• Supplied to non-productive animals                                                

          (iii)  Production ration                                                                                 
-  This refers to the ration fed to farm animals to enable them produce animal products
e.g. meat, milk, eggs.      
-  Supplies nutrients above maintenance ration.

          (iv)  Malnutrition
-   Malnutrition is a condition in which an animal shows evidence of nutritional
deficiency
-   Malnutrition occurs when a ration does not supply all the essential nutrients in
the right proportion and quality                                                                  

(b)  Effects of malnutrition on farm animals
-   Reduces productivity                                 -   Reduction in quality of animal products   
-   Causes diseases e.g. ketosis                        -   Reduces resistance to diseases                  
-   Loss of appetite/poor appetite                    -   Fatigue                     
-   Slow growth                                               -   Reproductive failure                                  
-   Could lead to death                                    -   Haemorrhage                                 
-   Anaemia                                                     -   Physical deformity
-   Poor appearance                                         -   Loss of weight/emaciation
-   Dullness                                                      -   Stunted growth                                                             -    Nervousness

(c)  Nursery practices in tomato production
-   Watering/irrigation                                      -   Rogueing                                                                            -   Shading                                                      -    Fertilizer application/manuring                                      -   Thinning                                                          -    Pest control                    
-   Pricking-out                                                -   Sowing of seeds                    
-   Disease control                                           -   Weeding
-   Preparation of nursery seedbeds/seed trays/ seed boxes