Page 207 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

6. (a) Suggest changes or improvements that have to be made to traditional
beef production systems in Tanzania?
(b) Explain how these changes would help to increase productivity?

FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
Housing for beef cattle

Beef cattle housing refers to the structures built to confine and protect the animals.
Proper housing keeps animals safe from predators and harsh weather conditions
like heavy rain, strong direct sunlight, cold winds and heat. It ensures comfort,
improves animal welfare, and helps to control diseases and parasites.
In Tanzania, the most common practice is loose housing. This means cattle are
kept in simple structures, mainly at night. During the day, they graze in rangelands,
paddocks or reserved pastures. Traditional kraals are widely used (refer to Figure
10.5). Generally, loose houses for beef cattle may have full walls or partly open
sides, and single-slope or double-slope roofs.

Figure 10.5: Cattle kraal
A basic shed built in a paddock is another example of loose housing. It is especially
useful in areas with high rainfall. In these areas, animals need shelter both during
the day and night. Figure 10.2 shows this type of shed. In open feedlots, which
are used for fattening systems, housing usually includes fences. It also has water
and feed troughs, along with feeding passage ways. In places with heavy rainfall,
sheds are also provided. These sheds help protect animals from wet conditions.

Regardless of the production system used, good beef cattle housing must meet
basic standards. including having ample space for movement and interaction as
well as easy access to clean water and feed. The shelter should let in fresh air and

198 Student’s Book Form Three

17/09/2025 14:12
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 198
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 198 17/09/2025 14:12