Surname & Initials:
Student Number:
Module Code: ANSM 415
Assessment: Practical
Examination
Instructor: Dr. Pico & Prof.
Lubout
, Question 1
a)
a) Bull has a masculine facial structure, appearing to have prominent muscling
(hump) along the neck and shoulder region. The legs are in sound structural
alignment properly situated underneath the 4 base angles of the animal’s body.
The prevalent darker tone along the shoulders indicating high libido. Testicles are
well developed with a desirable sheath and scrotum is of the correct suspended
length. Animals frame indicates great growth and functionality.
b) It is important to have a background understanding before making a decision
such as buying a bull, as they contribute to a large percentage (80%) of the calf-
crop genetics. Performance testing provides good insight about the bull that can
be used to come towards the relevant conclusions during the selection process
such as the heritability of economic traits. To help match the needs of the herd
with the right bull/sire to gain the desired traits in the progeny.
c) Buying a young bull
The decision is beneficial in the long run as a bull has a life span pf about 10 to
12 years, it is often advised that a bull be replaced or changed after about 4 or 5
years. With the new young bull the farmer can performance test the animal and
gain first hand insight it’s performance. The old bull, though already performance
tested, does not have the advantage of a longer productive lifespan and is more
susceptible to injury, hoof problems, structural problems and fertility issues. The
old bull will bear less returns on purchase investment. It is advised that the farmer
purchase a new young bull and invest in good nutrition and management to
sustain longevity and ensure a long productive lifespan which will guarantee
better returns on the purchase investment.
b)
a) Head structure is moderate and shoulders are not too bulky. One can clearly
see that this is a heifer as the ribs ridges are not visible along the edge of the
loin. The tail head is thick, with hip and pin bone widely spread indicating the
ability to give birth without serious difficulty.
b) Head structure is thin with lean and narrow shoulders. Short body frame and
correct alignment of the front and hind legs. Ribs are protruding and are slightly
visible along the coat. Back is not completely straight, has a slight arch towards
the mid vertebral area. Hip and pin bone is situated accurately as desired for
good womb capacity.
c) Heifer are not the same size, one is larger than the other. Larger heifer has a
more protruding facial structure. The pin and hock bone are not clearly visible
and the back is not straight. Smaller heifer has a smaller facial structure that is
more feminine. The short ribs are visible and back is straight.
Student Number:
Module Code: ANSM 415
Assessment: Practical
Examination
Instructor: Dr. Pico & Prof.
Lubout
, Question 1
a)
a) Bull has a masculine facial structure, appearing to have prominent muscling
(hump) along the neck and shoulder region. The legs are in sound structural
alignment properly situated underneath the 4 base angles of the animal’s body.
The prevalent darker tone along the shoulders indicating high libido. Testicles are
well developed with a desirable sheath and scrotum is of the correct suspended
length. Animals frame indicates great growth and functionality.
b) It is important to have a background understanding before making a decision
such as buying a bull, as they contribute to a large percentage (80%) of the calf-
crop genetics. Performance testing provides good insight about the bull that can
be used to come towards the relevant conclusions during the selection process
such as the heritability of economic traits. To help match the needs of the herd
with the right bull/sire to gain the desired traits in the progeny.
c) Buying a young bull
The decision is beneficial in the long run as a bull has a life span pf about 10 to
12 years, it is often advised that a bull be replaced or changed after about 4 or 5
years. With the new young bull the farmer can performance test the animal and
gain first hand insight it’s performance. The old bull, though already performance
tested, does not have the advantage of a longer productive lifespan and is more
susceptible to injury, hoof problems, structural problems and fertility issues. The
old bull will bear less returns on purchase investment. It is advised that the farmer
purchase a new young bull and invest in good nutrition and management to
sustain longevity and ensure a long productive lifespan which will guarantee
better returns on the purchase investment.
b)
a) Head structure is moderate and shoulders are not too bulky. One can clearly
see that this is a heifer as the ribs ridges are not visible along the edge of the
loin. The tail head is thick, with hip and pin bone widely spread indicating the
ability to give birth without serious difficulty.
b) Head structure is thin with lean and narrow shoulders. Short body frame and
correct alignment of the front and hind legs. Ribs are protruding and are slightly
visible along the coat. Back is not completely straight, has a slight arch towards
the mid vertebral area. Hip and pin bone is situated accurately as desired for
good womb capacity.
c) Heifer are not the same size, one is larger than the other. Larger heifer has a
more protruding facial structure. The pin and hock bone are not clearly visible
and the back is not straight. Smaller heifer has a smaller facial structure that is
more feminine. The short ribs are visible and back is straight.
