Page 116 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

have a fairly developed caecum. In the caecum, a limited microbial activity produces
volatile fatty acids from fibre degradation. There is also a very limited synthesis of
B-vitamins. However, the utilisation of quantities of vitamins produced is limited,
thus pigs must be provided with B-vitamins in their diets.

Activity 5.2
Perform the following tasks:
1. Visit a nearby slaughter slab and observe the digestive system(s) of the
slaughtered animal(s). Identify the different sections of the digestive systems
2. Record and share your observation in class.
3. Poultry are monogastric animals, however their digestive system is slightly
different from that of pig. In groups, discuss the differences and present your
response in class for discussion.

Exercise 5.2
Answer the following questions:
1. What do you understand by the term digestion?
2. Draw a well labelled diagram of a ruminant digestive system.
3. Differentiate between ruminants and monogastric herbivores’ digestive system.
4. Name the main volatile fatty acids produced during fermentation in the rumen.
5. What are the products of rumen fermentation?
Types of livestock feeds

Livestock feeds can be broadly classified into two major groups; roughages and
concentrates. The categories of these feeds are summarised in Figure 5.8 and
elaborated in the next sub-sections.

Animal Feedstuffs

Roughages Concentrates

Natural and Crop Energy-rich Minerals &
planted forages residues Vitamins Protein-rich

Mainly from Mainly from
cereal grain animals, oil seeds
by-products and pulses

Mainly from shells,
animal skeletons, soil and
pharmaceutical industries
Figure 5.8: Categories of animal feedstuffs

Student’
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AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 105 10/01/2025 12:31