(a) Name the five main regions of the vertebral column of a sheep.
(b) State one specialized function of each of the regions of the vertebral column of a sheep.
(c) Explain each of the following terms as used in Animal husbandry:
(i) lactation;
(ii) Rumination.
Explanation
1 (a) Main regions of the vertebral column of a sheep
- Cervical/neck region
- Thoracic/chest region
- Lumbar/abdominal region
- Sacral/pelvic region
- Coccygeal/caudal/tail region
(b) Specialized functions of the regions of the vertebral column of a sheep
Cervical/neck region: Allows head movement in all directions/supports the head
Thoracic/chest region: Site of attachment of the ribs/supports the ribs
Lumbar/abdominal region: Site of attachment of apaxial muscles and muscles for breathing/supports the abdominal region
Sacral/pelvic region: Site of attachment of hind limbs/pelvic girdle
Coccygeal/caudal/tail region: Site for insertion of the muscles that move the tail / supports the tail
(c) (i) Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young.
(ii) Rumination or cud-chewing is the process by which the cow regurgitates previously consumed feed and chews it further