WAEC Livestock Farming OBJ and Essay Questions and Answers 2026/2027

2026 WAEC Livestock Farming OBJ and Essay Questions and Answers

PAPER 1 – OBJECTIVE TEST (1–60)

Time Allowed: 1 Hour

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

1. Answer ALL questions.
2. Each question is followed by four options A–D.
3. Choose the most appropriate answer.
4. All questions carry equal marks.

 

Real Answers

WAEC LIVESTOCK FARMING

 

NUMBER ONE

 

(1ai)

(α) Cannibalism:

(i) Avoid overcrowding of birds in the pen.

(ii) Debeak the birds / provide adequate feed and water.

 

(β) Shell-less eggs:

(i) Feed birds with calcium-rich feed.

(ii) Provide vitamin D supplements / balanced ration.

 

(γ) Wet litter

(i) Ensure proper ventilation in the poultry house.

(ii) Replace wet litter regularly and repair leaking drinkers.

 

(1aii)

(i) Deficiency of calcium in feed.

(ii) Lack of vitamin D / disease affecting egg formation.

 

(1aiii)

Deep litter system.

 

(1b)

(i) Farm diary: A farm diary is a daily record book in which all farm activities and events are recorded for future reference.

(ii) Balance sheet: A balance sheet is a financial statement showing the assets and liabilities of the farm at a particular time.

(iii) Inventory record: An inventory record is a list showing the quantity and value of farm inputs, equipment and livestock on the farm.

 

(1c)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) High yield of forage.

(ii) Fast growth rate.

(iii) Palatable to livestock.

(iv) Resistant to pests and diseases.

(v) Ability to withstand drought and grazing.

(vi) Easy to establish and maintain.

(vii) High nutritive value.

(viii) Ability to regrow quickly after cutting or grazing.

 

WAEC LIVESTOCK FARMING

 

NUMBER TWO

 

(2a)

(PICK ANY FOUR)

(i) Nutrition and quality of feed.

(ii) Age of the sheep.

(iii) Health status/diseases and parasites.

(iv) Breed or heredity.

(v) Proper management practices.

(vi) Environmental conditions/climate.

(vii) Body weight and condition of the sheep.

 

(2b)

(PICK ANY TWO)

(i) Swine fever (hog cholera).

(ii) Foot and mouth disease.

(iii) African swine fever.

(iv) Swine influenza.

(v) Pseudorabies disease.

 

(2c)

(PICK ANY TWO)

(i) Stimulate contraction of the uterus during birth.

(ii) Promote milk production and milk let-down.

(iii) Relax the pelvic muscles and cervix for easy delivery.

(iv) Initiate and regulate parturition.

(v) Help in expulsion of the placenta after birth.

 

(2d)

Draw the diagram

 

(2e)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Enlargement of the udder.

(ii) Swollen vulva with mucus discharge.

(iii) Restlessness and frequent lying down and standing up.

(iv) Relaxation of pelvic ligaments/sunken tail head.

(v) Loss of appetite.

(vi) Isolation from other animals.

(vii) Frequent urination and tail raising.

(viii) Enlargement and reddening of the vulva.

 

https://t.me/freewassceditto

 

3(b) Two conditions that could necessitate isolation of farm animals:

1. Disease outbreak or sickness.
2. Injury or after giving birth.

 

3(c) Four operations that require restraining of farm animals:

1. Vaccination
2. Castration
3. Dehorning
4. Branding

 

3(d) Four factors that could affect milk yield in goats:

1. Breed of the goat
2. Quality of feed
3. Health condition
4. Age of the goat

 

3(e) Four products obtained from honey bee:

1. Honey
2. Beeswax
3. Royal jelly
4. Propolis

 

4(a)(i) Castration is the removal or destruction of the testes of a male animal to prevent reproduction.

 

4(a)(ii) Three precautions during castration using incision method:

1. Use sterilized instruments.
2. Ensure the animal is properly restrained.
3. Apply antiseptic to prevent infection.

 

4(a)(iii) Three reasons why castration is important in livestock production:

1. To control breeding.
2. To reduce aggressiveness in male animals.
3. To improve meat quality.

 

(4ai)

Castration is the removal or destruction of the testes of a male animal to prevent reproduction.

 

(4aii)

(i) Use clean and sterilized instruments.

(ii) Properly restrain the animal before operation.

(iii) Apply antiseptic to the wound after castration.

 

(4aiii)

(PICK ANY THREE)

(i) Prevents indiscriminate breeding.

(ii) Makes animals more docile and easier to manage.

(iii) Improves meat quality and fattening ability.

(iv) Prevents transmission of undesirable traits.

(v) Reduces fighting among male animals.

(vi) Controls sexual behaviour in animals.

 

(4b)

(PICK ANY THREE)

(i) To detect sick or injured animals early.

(ii) To observe animals before they are disturbed or fed.

(iii) To enable quick treatment and management.

(iv) To identify animals that refused feed or water.

(v) To reduce spread of diseases among animals.

(vi) To check the cleanliness and condition of the housing unit.

 

(4ci)

(α) Debeaking:

Debeaking is the partial removal or trimming of the beak of poultry birds to prevent cannibalism and egg eating.

 

(β) Hoof trimming:

Hoof trimming is the cutting and shaping of overgrown hooves of animals to maintain proper movement and prevent hoof diseases.

 

(γ) Wound dressing:

Wound dressing is the cleaning and treatment of wounds with antiseptics and protective materials to promote healing and prevent infection.

 

(4cii)

(PICK ANY THREE)

(i) Prevents hoof diseases and infections.

(ii) Makes movement easier for the sheep.

(iii) Improves feeding and grazing efficiency.

(iv) Prevents overgrowth and cracking of hooves.

(v) Reduces lameness in sheep.

(vi) Improves the overall health and productivity of the animal.

 

WAEC LIVESTOCK FARMING

 

NUMBER FIVE

 

(5ai)

(i) Meat.

(ii) Milk.

(iii) Eggs.

 

(5aii)

(i) Ploughing of land.

(ii) Transportation of farm produce.

(iii) Pulling farm implements and carts.

 

(5aiii)

(i) Hides and skins for leather.

(ii) Wool and hair for textiles.

(iii) Bones and horns for craft works.

 

(5b)

(i) Eggs.

(ii) Meat.

(iii) Feathers.

(iv) Manure.

(v) Blood meal.

 

(5c)

Incubation is the process of keeping fertile eggs under suitable temperature, humidity and ventilation conditions until they hatch into chicks.

 

(5di)

75% of 250 chickens = 75/100 × 250

= 187.5 ≈ 188 eggs per day

Therefore, number of eggs expected in 20 days =

188 × 20 = 3760 eggs

Answer = 3760 eggs.

 

(5dii)

If 1 egg tray contains 30 eggs,

Number of trays needed = 3760 ÷ 30

= 125.3

Therefore, 126 egg trays will be needed.

 

(6a)

(i) It serves as a storage chamber for ingested feed before digestion.

(ii) It provides a site for microbial digestion of cellulose and fibrous materials.

(iii) It helps in the fermentation of feed to produce volatile fatty acids used for energy.

(iv) It assists in mixing and regurgitation of food during rumination.

 

(6bi)

=CIRCULATORY SYSTEM=

(i) Heart

(ii) Arteries

(iii) Veins

 

(6bii)

=EXCRETORY SYSTEM=

(i) Kidneys

(ii) Ureters

(iii) Urinary bladder

 

(6c)

(i) It promotes rapid growth and proper body development.

(ii) It increases egg production and improves egg quality.

(iii) It improves resistance to diseases and infections.

(iv) It reduces mortality and improves productivity.

 

(6di)

Dressed carcass refers to the body of a slaughtered animal after the removal of the blood, feathers or skin, head, internal organs and other unwanted parts, ready for sale or consumption.

 

 

(6dii)

(i) The bird is slaughtered by cutting the throat to allow proper bleeding.

(ii) The feathers are removed after scalding the bird in hot water.

(iii) The internal organs are removed through evisceration.

(iv) The dressed bird is washed, chilled and prepared for packaging or marketing.

LIVESTOCK FARMING
01-10: BBBCCDBCCC
11-20: BACCBCCCDA
21-30: AABADBCACD
31-40: CBABABDABD

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

SECTION A: GENERAL PRINCIPLES (1–20)

1. Livestock farming refers to the rearing of
A. Crops only
B. Farm animals for food and income
C. Fish only
D. Wild animals
Answer: B

2. An example of ruminant animal is
A. Pig
B. Goat
C. Poultry
D. Rabbit
Answer: B

3. The stomach of a ruminant has
A. Two compartments
B. Three compartments
C. Four compartments
D. Five compartments
Answer: C

4. The first compartment of a ruminant stomach is
A. Omasum
B. Rumen
C. Abomasum
D. Reticulum
Answer: B

5. Artificial insemination involves
A. Natural mating
B. Surgical breeding
C. Manual introduction of semen
D. Crossbreeding only
Answer: C

6. The male cattle used for breeding is called
A. Cow
B. Bull
C. Heifer
D. Calf
Answer: B

7. A balanced ration must contain
A. Carbohydrates only
B. Proteins only
C. All essential nutrients
D. Vitamins only
Answer: C

8. The process by which birds shed feathers is
A. Moulting
B. Brooding
C. Incubation
D. Hatching
Answer: A

9. The gestation period of cattle is about
A. 150 days
B. 200 days
C. 280 days
D. 320 days
Answer: C

10. Dehorning is done mainly to
A. Beautify animals
B. Increase milk
C. Prevent injury
D. Improve weight
Answer: C

11. Concentrate feeds are rich in
A. Fibre
B. Energy or protein
C. Water
D. Roughage
Answer: B

12. Roughages are rich in
A. Fibre
B. Fat
C. Protein only
D. Minerals only
Answer: A

13. A common disease of poultry is
A. Anthrax
B. Newcastle disease
C. Trypanosomiasis
D. Foot rot
Answer: B

14. Vaccination helps to
A. Cure all diseases
B. Prevent diseases
C. Increase weight only
D. Replace feeding
Answer: B

15. Castration is carried out to
A. Improve temperament
B. Increase fertility
C. Produce milk
D. Cause disease
Answer: A

16. A broiler is reared mainly for
A. Eggs
B. Meat
C. Feathers
D. Breeding
Answer: B

17. The housing system where birds move freely is
A. Battery cage
B. Deep litter
C. Free range
D. Intensive
Answer: C

18. The removal of wool from sheep is
A. Milking
B. Shearing
C. Docking
D. Branding
Answer: B

19. Branding is used for
A. Feeding
B. Identification
C. Treatment
D. Vaccination
Answer: B

20. Silage is preserved by
A. Drying
B. Fermentation
C. Burning
D. Salting
Answer: B

SECTION B: BREEDING, FEEDING & MANAGEMENT (21–40)

21. Crossbreeding aims at
A. Reducing productivity
B. Improving desirable traits
C. Causing disease
D. Reducing fertility
Answer: B

22. The heat period in female animals is called
A. Ovulation
B. Oestrus
C. Gestation
D. Lactation
Answer: B

2026 WAEC Livestock Farming OBJ and Essay Questions and Answers

23. The young of a goat is
A. Lamb
B. Kid
C. Calf
D. Foal
Answer: B

24. The process of egg formation in birds is
A. Ovulation
B. Incubation
C. Fertilization
D. Moulting
Answer: A

25. Foot and mouth disease affects
A. Fish
B. Cattle
C. Poultry
D. Rabbits
Answer: B

26. The process of selecting superior animals for breeding is called
A. Culling
B. Selection
C. Docking
D. Branding
Answer: B

27. A heifer is a
A. Young male cattle
B. Mature cow
C. Young female cattle that has not calved
D. Castrated bull
Answer: C

28. The period between conception and birth in animals is known as
A. Oestrus
B. Lactation
C. Gestation
D. Ovulation
Answer: C

29. The main purpose of debeaking in poultry is to
A. Improve egg size
B. Prevent cannibalism
C. Increase fertility
D. Beautify birds
Answer: B

30. The young of sheep is called
A. Kid
B. Lamb
C. Calf
D. Piglet
Answer: B

31. The practice of removing testicles in male animals is
A. Docking
B. Castration
C. Branding
D. Dehorning
Answer: B

32. A layer is reared mainly for
A. Meat
B. Wool
C. Eggs
D. Hides
Answer: C

33. The best method of controlling internal parasites is through
A. Branding
B. Vaccination
C. Deworming
D. Castration
Answer: C

34. A good livestock house should have adequate
A. Darkness
B. Ventilation
C. Overcrowding
D. Dampness
Answer: B

35. The practice of isolating sick animals is known as
A. Segregation
B. Quarantine
C. Vaccination
D. Selection
Answer: B

36. The process of preserving green forage in airtight condition is
A. Hay making
B. Silage making
C. Drying
D. Salting
Answer: B

37. Hay is produced by
A. Fermenting green grass
B. Drying fresh grass
C. Burning forage
D. Freezing feed
Answer: B

38. The removal of horns in cattle is called
A. Docking
B. Castration
C. Dehorning
D. Moulting
Answer: C

39. The female pig is called
A. Boar
B. Sow
C. Heifer
D. Ewe
Answer: B

40. A poultry house should be located
A. Near stagnant water
B. In a noisy area
C. On well-drained land
D. In a swamp
Answer: C

SECTION C: HEALTH & FARM MANAGEMENT (41–60)

41. External parasites include
A. Tapeworm
B. Roundworm
C. Ticks
D. Bacteria
Answer: C

42. Internal parasites live
A. On the skin
B. Inside the body
C. In water
D. In soil
Answer: B

43. The practice of removing weak animals is called
A. Selection
B. Culling
C. Castration
D. Branding
Answer: B

44. Colostrum is
A. First milk after birth
B. Water
C. Feed
D. Vaccine
Answer: A

45. Record keeping helps farmers to
A. Waste money
B. Monitor productivity
C. Increase disease
D. Reduce breeding
Answer: B

46. Overcrowding leads to
A. Healthy growth
B. Stress and disease
C. Increased feed
D. Better ventilation
Answer: B

47. The ideal brooding temperature for chicks is about
A. 10°C
B. 20°C
C. 32–35°C
D. 50°C
Answer: C

48. Trypanosomiasis is transmitted by
A. Mosquito
B. Tsetse fly
C. Housefly
D. Bee
Answer: B

2026 WAEC Livestock Farming OBJ and Essay Questions and Answers

49. A veterinarian is responsible for
A. Marketing
B. Animal health
C. Feed supply
D. Construction
Answer: B

50. Lactation refers to
A. Egg laying
B. Milk production
C. Breeding
D. Feeding
Answer: B

51. The removal of part of a pig’s tail is
A. Docking
B. Branding
C. Castration
D. Dehorning
Answer: A

52. The main purpose of housing is to
A. Decorate animals
B. Protect animals
C. Limit feeding
D. Reduce breeding
Answer: B

53. Minerals are essential for
A. Bone formation
B. Feather growth only
C. Colour
D. Weight only
Answer: A

54. Clean water is important because it
A. Spreads disease
B. Aids digestion
C. Reduces growth
D. Causes stress
Answer: B

55. Selection in breeding improves
A. Weak traits
B. Undesirable traits
C. Productivity
D. Disease spread
Answer: C

56. The process of preserving fish feed is
A. Smoking
B. Fermentation
C. Silage making
D. Drying
Answer: D

57. An example of monogastric animal is
A. Sheep
B. Cow
C. Pig
D. Goat
Answer: C

58. Poultry litter should be changed to
A. Increase smell
B. Prevent disease
C. Reduce feed
D. Stop egg laying
Answer: B

59. Artificial brooding uses
A. Hen only
B. Electricity or heat source
C. Sunlight only
D. Cold water
Answer: B

60. Livestock farming contributes to national economy through
A. Disease spread
B. Food and employment
C. Waste
D. Pollution
Answer: B

PAPER 2 – ESSAY

Time Allowed: 2 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

1. Answer Five (5) questions only.
2. Question 1 is compulsory.
3. All questions carry equal marks (20 marks each).
4. Illustrate your answers with well-labeled diagrams where necessary.
5. Credit will be given for clarity, correct terminology, and logical presentation.

QUESTION 1 (COMPULSORY)

(a) Define livestock farming.

(b) State and explain five importance of livestock farming to the Nigerian economy.

ANSWER:

(a) Livestock farming is the rearing and management of domesticated animals for food, income, and other economic purposes.

(b) Importance:

1. Source of Food – Provides meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products.
2. Employment Generation – Creates jobs in farming, processing, and marketing.
3. Income Generation – Farmers earn revenue from livestock sales.
4. Raw Materials Supply – Provides hides, skins, wool, and manure.
5. Foreign Exchange Earnings – Export of livestock products boosts national revenue.

QUESTION 2

Discuss the digestive system of ruminant animals under the following headings:

(a) Parts of the stomach
(b) Functions of each part

ANSWER:

Ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats have a four-compartment stomach:

1. Rumen – Largest chamber; fermentation of food by microorganisms.
2. Reticulum – Traps foreign materials; works with rumen.
3. Omasum – Absorbs water and nutrients.
4. Abomasum – True stomach; secretes digestive enzymes.

These compartments allow efficient digestion of fibrous feed.

QUESTION 3

Explain the following livestock management practices:

(a) Castration
(b) Dehorning
(c) Branding
(d) Docking

ANSWER:

(a) Castration – Removal of testes to control breeding and improve meat quality.
(b) Dehorning – Removal of horns to prevent injury.
(c) Branding – Marking animals for identification.
(d) Docking – Cutting off part of the tail (common in sheep).

These practices improve management efficiency and safety.

2026 WAEC Livestock Farming OBJ and Essay Questions and Answers

QUESTION 4

(a) Define balanced ration.

(b) List and explain six classes of livestock feed nutrients.

ANSWER:

(a) Balanced ration is feed that contains all essential nutrients in correct proportions.

(b) Classes of Nutrients:

1. Carbohydrates – Energy source.
2. Proteins – Growth and repair.
3. Fats and Oils – Concentrated energy.
4. Vitamins – Regulate body processes.
5. Minerals – Bone formation and blood production.
6. Water – Essential for metabolism.

QUESTION 5

Describe common diseases of livestock under the following headings:

(a) Causes
(b) Symptoms
(c) Control measures

ANSWER:

Examples:

1. Foot and Mouth Disease
   • Cause: Viral infection
   • Symptoms: Blisters, lameness
   • Control: Vaccination, quarantine
2. Newcastle Disease (Poultry)
   • Cause: Virus
   • Symptoms: Respiratory distress
   • Control: Vaccination
3. Trypanosomiasis
   • Cause: Tsetse fly
   • Control: Fly control, medication

QUESTION 6

Explain housing systems used in poultry production.

ANSWER:

1. Deep Litter System – Birds kept on floor covered with litter.
2. Battery Cage System – Birds housed in cages; easy egg collection.
3. Free-Range System – Birds roam freely outdoors.

Each system has advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, hygiene, and productivity.

QUESTION 7

Discuss breeding methods in livestock production.

ANSWER:

1. Inbreeding – Mating closely related animals; fixes desirable traits.
2. Outbreeding – Mating unrelated animals; improves vigor.
3. Crossbreeding – Mating different breeds; combines desirable traits.
4. Artificial Insemination (AI) – Use of collected semen; improves genetic quality.

Breeding improves productivity and disease resistance.