Page 157 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Chapter

Seven

Reproduction and breeding of livestock

Introduction
Reproduction and breeding are important to continue the existence of all living
things. In this chapter, you will learn the meaning of reproduction and breeding in
livestock, reproductive system of farm animals, and reproductive cycles in relation
to breeding of livestock. In addition, you will learn techniques of breeding as well
as livestock genetic improvement. The competencies developed from this chapter will
enable you to properly select and breed animals so as to improve genetic make-up
and productivity of livestock.

The concept of reproduction and breeding in livestock
Production of new individual (offspring) into existence is done through breeding
and reproduction. Reproduction refers to the process where gametes from the male
animal are allowed to meet with those of female animal to form a zygote and starts
developing to an embryo. In livestock, it assumes a sexual process where a union
(fertilisation) of an egg (ovum) and a sperm cell (spermatozoon) occurs to form an
embryo (conception) that starts to grow into a young animal (pregnancy). Breeding
is a way or method that is employed in producing offspring for next generation. This
is done such that the genetic make-up of the offspring is improved or maintained.
The aim is to improve the herd performance from generation to generation.

Reproductive systems of farm animals

Reproductive system is an animal body system comprising of organs and accessory
glands which work together to produce gametes. Such a system differs between
males and females and between animal classes. The reproductive system of
mammals such as cattle, goat, sheep, pig and rabbit is different from that of avian
livestock such as poultry. In female bird, the reproductive cell (gamete, ovum or
egg), unlike that of mammals, the ovum is large and enclosed with a food supply for
embryo development. In male birds, the testicles are located in the abdominal cavity
along the backbone. In this section, the general reproduction system of cattle and a
chicken is discussed.

Student’s Book Form Three
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AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 146
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 146 10/01/2025 12:31