Page 168 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Activity 7.3
In group, perform the following tasks:
1. Select the class of livestock of your interest and use the knowledge of breeding
techniques (natural and AI) to judge, with reasons, which technique would you
recommend for breeding the type of animal of your choice.
2. Summarise your responses and present them in class.

Breeding season
A well-managed livestock farm or unit should have a breeding programme. The

breeding programme has the following components: breeding or mating season,
gestation period, lactating period and weaning period. The breeding season should
be predetermined so that parturition occurs at a favourable time of the year.

Factors to consider while planning to breed animals
(a) Season of the year: For ruminants, breeding or mating should be done at a time
of the year such that parturition will happen when there are enough pastures for
grazing. It should also be a period of less environmental stress, for example,
conducive weather conditions, freedom from parasite outbreaks and conducive
temperature for fertility.

(b) Availability of feed supplements: Before breeding animals, consider availability
of feed supplements like concentrates and minerals for lactating animals and
new borns.

(c) Market: Consider the demand of the products resulting from the programme.
For example, if breeding dairy cows, you should consider the market for milk.

Likewise, if breeding pigs, you should consider the market for the piglets or
other intended products.

(d) Handling facilities and infrastructure: At the time of parturition, young ones
need special care and attention. Before breeding animals, consider availability
of all necessary facilities and structures for the management, for example,
farrowing crates for sows.

(e) Quality control: Before breeding animals, you should plan and implement
the measures or strategies which will ensure good quality animals and their

products.

Student’
Student’s Book Form Twos Book Form Three
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