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Section outline
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Welcome message
Dear Students
Greetings and welcome to the Module of Basics of Agricultural Sciences. It is with pleasure that we would like to welcome you to this fantastic module. This module comprises four components including Introduction to Crop Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, Soil Sciences, and Forestry Production. You are all requested to read the available teaching materials. It is our sincere hope that you will find the module interesting and very useful for you as a future Agricultural Scientists career. We wish you all the best and success in your studies.
Basic of Agricultural Sciences is a second semester module, which will help you to understand the principles of crop production, soil science, animal production and forest production. This module also is a foundation to all students in CAVM. Any question please fill free to ask your Lecturers.
Thank you for choosing CAVM.
Learning outcomes:
After successful completion of the module students are expected to be able to:
- Explain concepts and basic principles in crop production, soil science, animal production and forestry.
- Conduct analysis of selected crops and soils and record on a computer tabular reports laboratory practicals and field work.
- Apply the basic techniques to improve soil quality, crop, animal and forestry production.
Activities:
The activities consist of:
- Lectures
- Laboratory classes
- Group works / Seminars
- Directed exercises
- Field visits/ Practicals
- Individual/Group assignments
- Written assay
Literature:
Read textbooks, published papers and scientific materials that can be accessible through the University of Rwanda Library website: https://library.ur.ac.rw/
- The Learning and teaching strategy, assessment strategy, and literature are provided under each learning unit and in the module outline.
- Language of Instruction: English
- Continuation courses:
- Module credits: 15
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Allocation of study and teaching hour:
- Contact hours:
- Lectures: 45
- Seminars/workshops: 3
- Practical classes/laboratory: 24
- Self study hours:
- Strutucted exercises: 10
- Set reading etc. : 18
- Self-directed study : 25
- Assignments - preparation and writing: 15
- Examination - revision and attendance : 10
- Contact hours:
Total hours: 150
Module facilitators:
- Dr. Fashaho Aloys (aloysfashaho@gmail.com)
- Thacienne Uwiringiyimana (thacienne20@yahoo.fr)
- Hamim Abbas ( hamimabbas77@gmail.com)
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This module has four learning units:
1. Introduction to Soil Science
2. Introduction to Crop Production
3. Introduction to Forestry and Agro-forestry
4. Introduction to Animal Production
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Dear students, this is the chat room. This chat room will help to discuss with you. Any problem can be asked and you will get the answer in this chat room.
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Dear students try to read the attached materials and search your own, then for any clarification do not hesitate to post on this platform for further clarification and share.
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Dear students,
you are required to read this important document because it gives more information about the module. The attached document is a PEBL (Partnership for Enhanced and Blended Learning) of the module of Basic Agriculture Sciences. By reading the PEBL, you will have a common understanding on the aim of the module, get a picture on brief description of module, know the intended learning outcomes of the module, Indicative content and the assessment strategies. Besides, it indicates all information related to all learning units you will cover, the teaching duration for each unit as well as the knowledge, skills and attitude you will acquire on completion of this module.
Thank You!
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Dear Students,
The storyboard is here attached to show you the module schedule. Please read it to find the weekly topics and units to be covered, intended learning outcomes, activity where students engage with outcome, where and how is the outcome assess and learning resources.
Good luck
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Dear students, welcome to the unit of Introduction to Soil Science.
Aims of the unit
This unit of introduction to soil science provides fundamental knowledge and practical application in soil science to students. It provides an understanding of soil functions, composition and formation, soil physical and chemical properties, soil organic matter and organisms, essential nutrients, soil survey and classification.
Learning outcomes
After successful completion of the unit students are expected to be able to:
- Explain concepts on soil functions, composition and formation.
- Characterize soils on the basis of their physical, chemical and biological properties.
- Apply/relate soil properties to basic management options of the soils.
Indicative content:
- Soil concepts, function, composition and formation,
- Soil physical properties,
- Soil Chemical Properties,
- Soil organic matter,
- Soil organisms,
- Essential plant nutrients and factors affecting their availability,
- Soil survey and classification.
Teaching strategies:
- Lectures
-Laboratory classes
-Group works /Seminars
- Assignments / E-tivities
- Directed exercises
- Field visit
References
Read textbooks, published papers and scientific materials on Soil science that can be accessible through the University of Rwanda Library website: https://library.ur.ac.rw/ and materials uploaded below.
Good luck
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Dear students, attached is the course outline of Introduction to soil science. It describes topics covered by the unit and practicals to be conducted in laboratory and on field.
Good luck
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Dear Students, after watching this video on factors of soil formation distinguish the active and passive factors. It will also help you to discuss the e-tivity 1.1.
Good luck
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Dear students, read the given book focusing on the soil physical properties p 1 - 5, and discuss the influence of soil pores and structure on permeability and movement of air, water and plant roots through a soil. It will also help you to discuss e-tivity 1.1 and e-tivity 1.2.
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Dear students, after watching the two videos on soil texture determination discuss about soil fractions (sand, silt and clay) and soil textural classes obtained in each soil layer of the soil profile described. By following the uploaded videos you will be able to apply methods of texture determination in our practical session under field condition which will be done in October 2021. It will also help you to discuss e-tivity 1.2.
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Dear students, read the given materials on soil organic matter and discuss about its sources, decomposition, forms and functions. They will also help you to discuss e-tivity 1.3.
Good luck
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Dear students, you are required to read the given reading materials (Lecture notes, Soil-water-plant p1-5) and watch videos (soil-forming factors, soil texture) for unit 1, Introduction to soil science, and attempt all questions to prove that you are able to demonstrate the skills of the key features of blended learning.
The quiz will last 2 hours, you are allowed two attempts.
Avoid plagiarism because is against UR rules and regulations.
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Students mustMark as done
Dear students, you are required to read the given reading materials and watch the video on unit 1, Introduction to soil science, and discuss the given question to prove that you are able to demonstrate the skills of the key features of blended learning.
The quiz will last 3 hours, you are allowed two attempts.
Avoid plagiarism because is against UR rules and regulations.
Good luck
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Students mustMark as done
Dear students, you are required to read the given reading materials (lecture notes and link on soil organic matter) for unit 1, Introduction to soil science, and attempt all questions to prove that you are able to demonstrate the skills of the key features of blended learning.
The quiz will last 2 hours, you are allowed two attempts.
Avoid plagiarism because is against UR rules and regulations.
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Students mustMark as done
Dear students, you have linked to Lecture Notes - Introduction to Soil Science for your reference.
Good luck.
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Learning unit outline/content
Historical development of crop production, constraints to productivity of crops cultivated in Africa, measures of improving crop production in Africa, classification of plants by life cycle, reproduction in plants and cropping systems, differences between sexual and asexual reproduction, Some concepts used in vegetative propagation, natural methods of asexual reproduction, artificial methods of asexual reproduction, cropping systems, fertilizers and their uses, fertilizer principles, addition of plant nutrients to the soil, chemical fertilizers, time and method of fertilizer application, how to determine fertilizer needs, sowing and planting, seed quality, seed germination, factors affecting seed emergence and seed germination, seed dormancy, crop development, time of sowing/planting for new establishment, methods of seed sowing and spacing/planting population.
Learning outcome
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Define the principles of crop husbandry,
- Differentiate the processes of crop production,
- Identify the hunger signs of plant nutrition and fertilization and different cropping systems,
_ Apply agricultural practices to the respective practical under field condition
intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:
-Use and apply different basics knowledge of crop husbandry in crop production. Start by reading course notes
Teaching strategies:
- Lectures
-Laboratory classes
-Group works /Seminars
- Assignments / E-tivities
- Directed exercises
- Field visit
Good luck
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Students mustMark as done
Dear students!
The attached below video will show and explain some management practices done in crop production. By following the video you will be aware about the advantages and disadvantages of applying agriculture practices in crop production, why should we apply agriculture practices and consequence of poor management practices in crop production.
Please follow the video to acquire more knowledge in crop production and to increase the yield and quality of your agriculture produces.
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Dear students! This chat room will help to discuss all questions you may have in the unit of introduction to crop production. Comments, questions and any other important contributions are helpful. You are required to participate.
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Dear students!
You are invited to follow the movie on plant propagation methods. By watching the movie you will be able to differentiate the major plant propagation methods and apply them in our field practical.
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Dear students!
By reading the introduction part of the attached article on grafting technique, you will acquired knowledge on grafting technique and by following the uploaded video you will be able to apply grafting technique in our practical session under field condition which will be done in October 5th, 2021.
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Dear students!
This article will help you to get knowledge on the major causes of failure in grafted plants, you are required to read from 2 to 10pp of this article. After reading the indicated pages, you will be able to select a high quality scion and rootstock to use in grafting. Therefore, by reading the indicated pages of the attached article you will perform field practical on grafting. Selection of scion will be an individual practical, non reading of the article will cause failure in selection of good scion.
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Dear students!
Make a group of two people and discuss on the attached question. This question will help you to understand the unit of Introduction to crop production. The marks of this question will be considered as CAT.
Good Luck
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Dear students!
This is an individual work. This activity will help to evaluate your level of understanding this unit of Introduction to crop production especially the chapter of plant propagation methods. This activity will be marked as CAT. you are required to read careful the question and answers before submission.
Good Luck
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Dear students!
Below topic show the complains of farmers on the use of chemical fertilizers. I would like to invite you to attend a group discussion which will take place on 15th September 2021 at 2:00 PM. Attendance is compulsory.
Most farmers have complained on the use of chemical fertilizers by saying that: the application of chemical fertilizers cause the soil to be changed into acidic soil and cause lower productivity of many field. Do you agree with this statement? Yes/No. why?
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The attached teaching notes has four chapters. Chapter one will give an overview on the historical development of crop production, second explain the propagation methods used in plant and cropping systems done in agriculture, the third chapter indicate different types of fertilizers which are used in agriculture, methods of applying fertilizers and the importance of nutrients to the plant. Chapter five will explain some basic knowledge on sowing and planting. I will explain some factors that influence sowing and planting.
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Dear Students! This is an individual Quiz. The duration for quiz will be 30 min and only one attempt is allowed. You are required to read the teaching notes before attempting the quiz.
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Dear students, you are warmly welcome to this course. Below is the brief presentation of the Introduction to Forestry module component.
Learning outcomes
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Define Concepts and Principles of forestry and agroforestry and various management practices.
- Differentiate the role of forestry and agro-forestry plants to the environment
- Apply forestry and agroforestry principles in the management of forests and environment as a whole.
Course content
Following is is the content of this unit:
- General introduction (definition of terms and principles of forestry and agroforestry)
- Tree and its environment (Physical, chemical and biological factors)
- Tree management (nursery, establishment, pruning, thinning, pollarding, harvesting and interaction)
- Forestry and agroforestry products (woody and non woody products) and services ( soil and water conservation, ornamental service, climate change mitigation, social and financial benefits, etc...)
Good luck
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Dear students, you are welcome again to this course. I kindly request you to post to the chat room any general questions you may have on the course. Kindly also indicate any issues you would like to be discussed at the beginning of this course which you think may contribute to the better running of our classes.
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This section introduces the Module Component: Introduction to Forestry. It defines key terminologies, describes global vegetation types and their interaction with climatic characteristics; outlines benefits of forests to the environment and mankind.
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Reference File PDFStudents mustMark as done
Read pp. 35-134 of: Faber-Langendoen (2016). Classification and Description of World Formation Types
Accessed from https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr346.pdf , on 5 Sepember 2020.
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Describe the different world biomes and with two named types of your choice, discuss tree adaptation and growth as affected by individual and total environmental factors. Which differences in the factors that affect the biomes and do how they affect tree adaptation in the two biomes you have chosen?
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Dear students, this section introduces you to the tree growth and its environment.
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Reference File PDFStudents mustMark as done
Fowells and Means.. The Tree and Its Environment
Accessed on 26 June 2019 at: https://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/lter/pubs/pdf/pub1167.pdf
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This topic introduces tree growth and measurements of single/individual trees and stands/forests. It discusses tree growth types: primary and secondary growth with related basic anatomical features; it discusses tree competition in a stand and implications to tree growth, individual tree quality, tree and and stand volume or yield.
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Bunch et al. 2004. Tree Growth, Forest Management, and Their Implications for Wood Quality
Accessed on 10 April 2019 from: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/pnw576.pdf
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Reference 2 File PDFStudents mustMark as done
University of California 2007. Tree Growth and Competition
Accessed on 5 September 2020 from: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/320229w0
https://escholarship.org/uc/item/320229w0
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Reference 3 File PDFStudents mustMark as done
Aakala et al 2013. Influence of competition and age on tree growth in structurally complex
old-growth forests in northern Minnesota, USA609.9 KB -
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Relate tree crown to tree growth, taper and quality of produced wood. Can tree/stand silvicultural management lead to better quality timber from the trees? Explain.
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The topics defines terminologies, classifies forest products: forest and tree based goods and services partitioned into wood based goods/products, non-timber forest products/goods, forest ecosystem functions/services. A list of the products and goods is provides and discussed. Forest products and services are further described as provisioning, regulating and supporting. Illustrations, examples and practical applicability of these are made to general and Rwandan contexts.
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Pandey et al. 2016. Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) for Sustained Livelihood: Challenges and
Strategies154.8 KB -
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With specific case studies to Rwanda, discuss the role of non timber forest products to household and rural community development. Do you think this an alternative to invest in?
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The topic introduces you to climate change phenomenon. It defines important terminologies, discusses global warming and the factors that cause it. Discusses adaptation to and mitigation of climate change; Discusses the role of deforestation as a significant contributing factor to global warming and the value of tree planting and forest conservation to climate change mitigation. The chapter covers causes and impacts of climate change as well as forests contribution to climate change .
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Reference File PDFStudents mustMark as done
Brack (2019). Background Analytical Study. Forests and Climate Change. Accessed on 5 September 2020 from:
https://www.un.org/esa/forests/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/UNFF14-BkgdStudy-SDG13-March2019.pdf
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What effects on Rwandan forest ecosystems would you expect to occur if climate change continues at a steadfast rate for the next bi- od tri-decades? Are there indications that forest trees will adapt or perish?
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Dear students,
This unit will introduce you about the component of animal husbandry where you will learn about the production of livestock in general, its challenges as well as advantages in daily activity of the household.
Having successfully completed this component, students should be able to :
- Describe and differentiate the main breed and production systems management of livestock;
- Explain different prevention methods of diseases in animal farms;
- Improve the nutrition, production, reproduction and genetics of Ruminant and Non-ruminant animals;
- Apply the management of livestock in increasing both livestock and crop production.
Good luck
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Dear students,
You are required to read the given reading materials which will help you to understand the structure of the course where its describes the topics covered theory and practices as well as books and others resources which will help you to understand this component.
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Reference File PDFStudents mustMark as done
Dear students,
The link will help you to find out the books which will help you to understand and work on different assignments.
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Dear students,
Dear students,
The given reading materials which introduces you to the Introduction to Animal Production which will help you to understand and work on the e-tivities 4.1
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Dear students,
Aims: In this activity you are going to develop your understanding on animal husbandry
Instructions:
The quiz will be done online and will be grading with grading criteria and you will receive feedback two days after form closing date.
To be able to do such Quiz/Work you are requested to read resources provided for this purpose.
The quiz will take only 15 minutes and will be done on August 15th 2021
Time located 15 minutes
Each questions carry 1 marks
Total marks equal 8
Fill in the answers in the space provided
- Give the name of one Ruminant and Non-ruminant animals
- A ruminant animal has………………………………. stomach whereas a non-ruminant has…………………………………..stomach
- State two advantages of Artificial Insemination………………
- Give one advantage of keeping domestic animals…………
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Dear students,
You are required to read the given chapter two of the teaching materials which will help you to understand the role of livestock and its impact in the environment. Please use this material to work on the e-tivity 4.2
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Aims: In this activity you are going to develop your understanding on the role of livestock and its impact on the environment.
Instructions:
The quiz will be done online and will be grading with grading criteria and you will receive feedback two days after form closing date.
To be able to do such Quiz/Work you are requested to read resources provided for this purpose.
The quiz will take only 15 minutes and will be done on August 25th 2021
Time located 10 minutes
Each questions carry 1 marks
Total marks equal 6
Fill in the answers in the space provided
- State any two impacts of increasing the ambient temperature on livestock:………………, ……………………………
- Give two roles of livestock to the country ………… ………..
- Give two roles of livestock to the household…………….. ………
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Dear students,
You are required to read the given chapter three of the teaching materials which will help you to understand and main breeds of livestock and their characteristics in term of production and reproduction. Please use the materials to work on the e-tivity 4.3
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Aims: In this activity you are going to develop your understanding on the main breeds of livestock and their characteristics.
The quiz will be done online and will be grading with grading criteria and you will receive feedback two days after form closing date.
To be able to do such Quiz/Work you are requested to read resources provided for this purpose.
The quiz will take only 15 minutes and will be done on September 15th 2021
Time located 20 minutes
Each questions carry 1 marks
Total marks equal 10
Fill in the answers in the space provided
- State any two Ruminants and give one breed of each specie:……………………………, ………………………………………
- State any two Non-Ruminants and give one breed of each specie:………………………………, ………………………………………
- Give the names of two dairy goat breed
- Give the name of two dairy cow breed
- Give the name of wool sheep breed
- Give the name of heavy rabbit bread
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Dear students,
You are required to read the given chapter four of teaching materials which will help you to understand the the effects of climate on livestock production and diseases spread. Please use the materials to work on the e-tivity 4.4
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Dear students,
Watch this video and it will help you to understand the effect of climate change on livestock production but also help you to work on the e-tivitie 4.4.
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Aims: In this activity you are going to develop your understanding on the effect of climate change on the livestock production
Instructions:
The quiz will be done online and will be grading with grading criteria and you will receive feedback two days after form closing date.
To be able to do such Quiz/Work you are requested to read resources provided for this purpose.
The quiz will take only 15 minutes and will be done on September 20th 2021
Time located 10 minutes
Each questions carry 1 marks
Total marks equal 6
Fill in the answers in the space provided
- State any two impact of climate change on livestock production specie:………………, …………………………………
- What are the consequences of the overgrazing to the livestock and the soil?:………………, ………………………………
- Give two impacts of a long dry season to the livestock…………., ………..
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Dear students,
You are required to read the given teaching materials which will help you to understand the causal agents and control of different diseases in animal production. Please use the material to work on e-tivity 4.5
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Aims: In this activity you are going to develop your understanding on the sources of diseases, causal agents and diseases controls in livestock production
Instructions:
The quiz will be done online and will be grading with grading criteria and you will receive feedback two days after form closing date.
To be able to do such Quiz/Work you are requested to read resources provided for this purpose.
The quiz will take only 15 minutes and will be done on September 30th 2021
Time located 10 minutes
Each questions carry 1 marks
Total marks equal 10
Fill in the answers in the space provided
- Give at least two forms of bacteria which cause disease in livestock
- Give a name of parasitic disease in livestock
- What is the characteristic of a virus?
- State two method of disease prevention
- State any two common diseases of poultry
- State any two common diseases of rabbit
- What is the cause of coccidiosis in rabbit and poultry production?
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Dear students,
You are required to read the given teaching materials which will help you to understand the breeding systems and different reproduction practices in animal production with some advantages and disadvantages of each. Please use this material and video to work on the e-tivity 4.6
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Dear students,
This video contribute to the understanding of animal breeding and genetics. I will will also help to work on the e-tivitie 4.6
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Dear students,
You are required to read the given reading materials which will help you to understand the production and processing of different types of livestock products and their byproducts.
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Dear students,
The Watching of this video will help you to understanding the breeding systems in domestic livestock but also help to work on the e-tivitie 4.6 as well.
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Aims: In this activity you are going to develop your understanding on domestic animal breeding and reproduction
Instructions:
The quiz will be done online and will be grading with grading criteria and you will receive feedback two days after form closing date.
To be able to do such Quiz/Work you are requested to read resources provided for this purpose.
The quiz will take only 15 minutes and will be done on September 24th 2021
Time located 20 minutes
Each questions carry 1 marks
Total marks equal 10
Fill in the answers in the space provided
- State two method of breeding ………………
- State three breeding systems…………
- State three advantages of Artificial Insemination………………
- State two method of selection……………… …………………………
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Dear students!
Attached is the last paper of the module of Agricultural Sciences, this will help you to be familiar with the final assessment.
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