Cork Institute of Technology
Higher Certificate In Agriculture - Year 1
(National Certificate in Agriculture – Stage 1)
Summer 2005
Introduction to Animal Production
(Time: 3 Hours)
Instructions
Answer FIVE questions.
All questions carry equal marks.
Examiners: Mr. Eoin Horgan
Mr. Keith Kennedy
Ms Wendy Conlon
Mr. James O’Boyle
Animal Health and Welfare Section
1. Discuss (a) the causes of ill-health in livestock and (b) the role of Bio-security in
minimising this ill-health
Breeding and calving cows
2. Describe the signs of impending birth of a calf and discuss the birth process.
Calf Rearing Section
3. Discuss the development of the calf's digestive system from 0 to 8 weeks and feeds requires
at different stages in this development
Beef Production Section
4. Discuss (a) the health issues that must be addressed when rearing cattle in a calf-to beef
system and (b) the role of the different forages available to cattle in the 2-year system,
remembering that this is a 4-stage system.
Mid-season Lamb Production Section
5. Discuss (a) the main issues that must be considered when selecting ALL breeding stock for
a mid-season lambing flock and (b) the main nutritional feeding of a midseason-flock from
flock assembly to lambing
Spring milk production
6. Discuss the management of cows during the lactation period and describe the feeding of
cows during this period in relation to maximising farm profit.
(20marks)
OR
Mid-season Lamb Production Section
6. Discuss (a) the main issues that must be considered when selecting ALL breeding stock for a
mid-season lambing flock and (b) the main nutritional feeding of a midseason-flock from flock
assembly to lambing.
(20marks)
Alternative enterprises
7.
Discuss the management of a poultry enterprise. Your answer can be in relation to broiler
production OR free range egg production.
(20marks)
8.
Describe (name and explain the role/function) of the key regulating authorities, societies,
associations in either the thoroughbred or the non-thoroughbred (sport horse) sectors of the Irish
Horse Industry.
(20marks)
2