Page 143 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Figure 6.7: Egg eating in layers

Source: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0039/4647/9689/files/chickens-eating-from-egg.jpg

Preventive measures against egg eating
(a) Keep the inside of laying nest dark.

(b) Improve feed quality and quantity especially minerals (calcium and phosphorus)
to keep good quality egg shells.
(c) No eggs should stay in the nests overnight after the last collection to avoid the
habit of sitting on eggs during night hours. Remove any contents of broken or
cracked egg.

(d) Provide ad libitum clean water to avoid thirst. Water will enhance digestion and
other metabolic activities.

Self-suckling: This is the behaviour of an animal suckling her own milk. It can
be prevented by applying a plate or anti-suckling shield to a mouth which fits into
nostrils and in front of the mouth. This will form a barrier between mouth and teats.
It can also be prevented by applying muzzle and tying an animal close to the ground.

Milk suckling by other adult animals: This behaviour involves a cow or bull
suckling milk from the udder of a cow. Normally, cattle suckle milk from herd mates
and choose the same lactating animal. This vice may lead to loss of milk yield
and damage to teats. It can be minimised by proper feeding management and herd
supervision. It can also be controlled by fitting anti-suckling protectors to animals
with such behaviour in order to prevent the process of suckling.

Student’s Book Form Three
132

10/01/2025 12:31
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 132
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 132 10/01/2025 12:31