Define caponization and deworming in livestock production, and state three reasons for culling farm animals.

3. (a) Define the following terms as used in livestock production and management:

(i) caponization:
Caponization is the surgical removal of the testicles of male chickens (cockerels) to prevent the development of secondary male characteristics, resulting in a larger, more tender bird called a capon.

(ii) deworming:
Deworming is the process of administering anthelmintic drugs to livestock to eliminate or reduce the parasitic worm burden in their digestive tracts and other organs.

3. (b) State three reasons for culling farm animals.
I. To remove diseased or unhealthy animals from the herd/flock to prevent the spread of illness.
II. To eliminate unproductive or old animals that are no longer economically viable for breeding or production.
III. To remove animals with undesirable genetic traits or poor temperament to improve the overall quality of the herd/flock.