4.2 In the yearly management program, a dairy farmer will make provision for the following stages in the production cycle:

A) Artificial insemination
B) Calving
C) Milk production
D) Conception
E) Pregnancy

4.2.1 Deduce, from the information above, the stage that will precede the start of milk production in this dairy herd.

4.2.2 Rearrange any THREE of the above stages in sequential order. Write only the letters.

4.2.3 List TWO prerequisites for successful artificial insemination.

4.2.1 The stage that will precede the start of milk production in a dairy herd is (B) Calving. Milk production in cows typically begins immediately after calving, as they start producing milk to feed their newborn calves.

4.2.2 Three stages from the given options can be rearranged in sequential order as follows:

(A) Artificial insemination
(E) Pregnancy
(B) Calving

These stages represent a logical order in the reproductive and production cycle of dairy cattle.

4.2.3 Two prerequisites for successful artificial insemination in dairy cows are:

Detection of Estrus: It is crucial to accurately detect when a cow is in estrus (heat) because this is the period when she is fertile and ovulation occurs, making artificial insemination most effective.
Proper Handling and Storage of Semen: Semen must be stored at a proper temperature and handled carefully to maintain its viability. This ensures that the sperm are healthy and capable of fertilizing the egg when inseminated.