Page 170 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

active, eat well, and have a smooth coat. Common infectious diseases at this
stage include East Coast Fever (ECF), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), and Foot
and Mouth Disease (FMD). A vaccination schedule should be followed based on
advice from a livestock extension worker. Deworming should be done every three
months, or as recommended in the area. External parasites such as ticks should
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be controlled through regular spraying or dipping (using approved acaricides).

Grooming and hoof care practices
Grooming keeps animals clean and allows early detection of injuries or parasites.
Brushing removes dirt and improves blood flow. It also helps animals to stay
calm. Hooves should be checked regularly and trimmed if they are cracked or
overgrown. Proper hoof care helps animals walk well and prevents leg injuries.
Trimming should be done with clean tools by a trained person or livestock
extension worker.

Bull and heifer management
Careful selection of bulls and heifers is essential for future herd productivity
and profitability. They must be handled gently but firmly, as some can become
aggressive with age. Bulls selected for breeding should be between 18 and 24
months old, with a strong body, healthy legs, and normal, equal-sized testicles. A
suitable breeding bull shows interest in cows in heat and can mount confidently.
Bulls that are sick, aggressive, or poorly developed should not be selected/used
for breeding.
Heifers are ready for breeding when they are 15 to 18 months old and have
reached at least 60% of their expected adult weight. They must be well developed
in body and not too thin or too fat.

Selection and culling of growing dairy animals
Selection is the process of choosing the best animals for breeding or future milk
production. Animals selected should be healthy, well-grown, and have good body
structure. Record-keeping helps to track performance and supports selection
decisions. Animals with poor traits and conditions should be culled. Culled
animals can be sold or slaughtered. Generally, proper management of growing
animals reduces future losses, improves herd quality and forms the foundation of
a secure and successful dairy enterprise.

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