Page 216 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

resistance. Young animals, pregnant animals, and those raised for fattening
should be prioritised during deworming. Furthermore, good nutrition improves
resistance against worms. Effective pasture management, such as rotating grazing
areas and avoiding overcrowding, helps to limit parasite exposure. Any newly
introduced animal must be dewormed before mixing with the existing herd.
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
Table 10.3 summarises the common internal parasites, their effects on cattle, and
appropriate management practices.
Table 10.3: Common internal parasites, their effects, and management methods

Internal Effects caused Management methods
parasite
• Diarrhoea • Deworm be done at the start of the

• Poor growth dry season and early rains
Roundworm • Weight loss • Use rotating types of dewormers to
avoid resistance while prioritising
• Rough coat vulnerable animals (young, pregnant,

or fattening)
• Competes for • Use effective deworming drugs
nutrients, causing
Tapeworm • Maintain clean feeding areas to
stunted growth and prevent contamination
digestive problems
• Damages the liver • Deworm using flukicides

Flatworm • Anaemia • Avoid grazing in swampy or poorly
(liver fluke) • Swelling under the drained areas where flukes live and
jaw (“bottle jaw”) multiply easily.

Diseases: Diseases are a major cause of poor health in beef cattle. They reduce
growth, weaken the animals, lower meat production, and can even lead to death.
Some cattle diseases can also spread to humans, so it is important to prevent and
control them early.

Many dangerous cattle diseases are caused by tiny living organisms called
pathogens. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and rickettsia. These
pathogens can enter the body in different ways. Cattle can get infected by drinking
contaminated water, eating contaminated feed, or breathing in air that carries
pathogens Infections, bites from parasites such as ticks or tsetse flies (vectors)
may also come from touching sick animals, cuts and wounds, or contact with
dirty equipment and shelters.

Student’s Book Form Three 207

17/09/2025 14:12
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 207 17/09/2025 14:12
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 207