Page 155 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

General features of a good dairy shed.
A good dairy shed must be clean, well-ventilated and safe to reduce disease risks
and improve animal comfort. Concrete floors are the best because they are easy
to clean and do not stay wet. The floor should slope slightly towards a furrow or
channel to carry away waste. The roof must protect animals from heat and rain.
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Local or modern materials may be used based on cost and availability. Side walls
or open fences should allow free movement of fresh air. An example of a zero-
grazing unit, showing its layout and housing arrangement, is provided in Figure
9.2. It includes a sleeping area, feeding and watering space, drainage lines, and
a milking corner.

Structures for different animal groups
Different animal groups need different types of housing. Calves need warm,
clean dry pens with soft bedding. Each calf should be kept in a separate pen to
reduce disease spread, although group pens are also used. Heifers need enough
space to feed, walk and rest, whereas, milking cows require clean and calm areas
with good access to feed and water. Dry cows should stay in quiet spaces to rest
and prepare for calving.
Bulls need special housing for safety. A strong fence or wall is required to prevent
escapes or injuries. They should have space for limited movement and feeding.
Weaners and growing cattle can stay in group pens. However, each group pen
must house animals of similar age and size to reduce fighting or bullying.

Ensure there is an isolation pen in the dairy farm. It is used to separate animals that
are sick, injured or newly introduced to the farm. Even animals returned or bought
from markets should be isolated for some days, as per the recommendations of
livestock officers, before joining the herd. This helps to prevent disease spread to
healthy animals. The isolation pen should be located away from the main herd,
yet easily accessible. It must have its own feed and water troughs. The structure
should be strong, safe, and marked. Table 9.1 presents an ideal space for different
animal groups.

146 Student’s Book Form Three

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AGRICULTURE F3.indd 146 17/09/2025 14:12