Page 219 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

eat too much fresh, green grass. Wet feed (silage or freshly cut forage) can also
cause the build-up of gases in the animal’s stomach. This makes the animal’s
belly swell and can cause pain or even death if not treated quickly and properly.

When signs of bloating appear in an animal, immediate action is required. Feeding
should be stopped, and the animal removed from the pasture. A veterinarian
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should be contacted immediately. If trained personnel are available, a stomach
tube can be used to release the gas. Certain oils or anti-bloat medicines, such as
vegetable oil or approved commercial products, may also help. Poor feeding may
also lead to other digestive problems, such as diarrhoea and constipation.

Furthermore, in some places, cattle graze near rubbish heaps or roadsides where
plastic bags, nylon strings, and other waste materials are common. Cattle may
accidentally swallow these materials while feeding. Most of these cannot be
digested, they can block the digestive system. This leads to loss of appetite,
bloating, constipation or even death. To prevent this, cattle should not be allowed
to graze in areas with plastic waste. Fencing off such areas and regular cleaning
of grazing fields are important management practices.

Dirty conditions can also harm cattle’s health. When cattle are kept in an unclean
environment with waste, mud, and leftovers, it creates a good environment for
pathogens and harmful organisms to grow. These germs can cause diseases,
and some insects, like flies, can spread pathogens to healthy animals. Dirty
surroundings also make cattle uncomfortable and may lead to skin infections or
stress. Keeping the shelter, feeding areas, and water sources clean helps prevent
illness and supports good health.

Injury from poor handling is another concern. Cattle can get hurt when they
are not handled properly. For example, when they are pushed roughly, kept on
slippery floors, or moved without care. Injuries may also happen during transport,
through fights between animals, or from broken fences and sharp objects in their
environment. These injuries can cause wounds, broken bones, or infections, and
may prevent the animal from feeding or properly.

Activity 10.5

Visit the school cattle farm or a nearby household with cattle or use relevant
video clips/documentaries for observations of the signs of good animal health by
performing the following tasks:
(a) Keenly observe the animals (look at their eyes, coat, movement, eating
habits, breathing, dung, urine, and overall behaviour) to identify sick and
healthy animals.

210 Student’s Book Form Three

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AGRICULTURE F3.indd 210 17/09/2025 14:12