Page 210 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

distances in search of water and forage. They may have seasonal migrations. This
is common in rural areas with large open lands. Feed quality in this system often
changes with the season and environment. During the rainy season, grasses are
fresh and full of nutrients. During the dry season, grass becomes dry, scarce, and
low in nutrients, which can slow animal growth.
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In the semi-intensive system, cattle graze during the day and may get extra feed
where they are confined after grazing. This improves their nutrition, especially
when the pasture is poor. In a semi-intensive system, sometimes land can be
divided into sections (paddocks) by live fences. This allows animals to graze
one section at a time while the others are allowed to regrow (refer to Figure
10.6). This system of rotating grazing areas helps to maintain pasture health and
supports better cattle nutrition.

Figure 10.6: Section of pasture with paddocks

In the intensive system, also called feedlot feeding (refer to Figure 10.7), cattle are
kept in sheds and fed a well-specialised fattening meal. These animals may also
be grazed in paddocks with improved pasture, sometimes irrigated and fertilised
using rotational grazing. Feed and water are provided in the sheds as well as in
the paddocks. Tethering is not recommended for beef cattle. It limits movement,
reduces feed intake, and is not good for raising large or fast-growing animals.

Student’s Book Form Three 201

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AGRICULTURE F3.indd 201 17/09/2025 14:12
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 201