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Agriculture for Secondary Schools

(c) Land availability
The size of available land shall determine the type and number of animals that can
be kept and the rearing system that can be used. For example, in the area with
limited land size, it is a good practice for animals to be reared indoors. Hence, you
can use cut and carry system for dairy cattle, feedlot for beef cattle and battery cages
or deep litter systems for chicken.

(d) Water resources
All livestock enterprises need adequate amount of water. You need to ensure that
clean water is available all the time. Possible sources of water include rivers, dams,
wells, tap water and rainwater.

(e) Feed availability
Without feeds no animal can survive. When planning for livestock enterprise, one
needs to make proper feed budget before and after bringing animals on the farm
unit. Feed budgeting involves determination of available feed types and amount
needed to meet all animals’ requirements on the farm. It also involves consideration
of quantity and quality of feeds that can be produced in the farm and those to be
brought from other sources outside the farm.

(f) Markets of livestock and livestock products
Suitable type of livestock or livestock products are the ones that customers need
and can be able to purchase. For profitable livestock enterprise, it is also essential
to ensure that your livestock are properly managed and livestock products are well
handled until they reach markets to meet consumer’s requirements.

(g) Diseases and parasites prevailing in your area
In planning any livestock enterprise, you should identify the possible diseases and
parasites in your area that can affect your livestock. Based on this factor, prepare a
diseases and parasites control programme.

(h) Manure disposal
Livestock kept intensively normally produce a large amount of manure. Depending
on the location of the farm, manure can be a nuisance to surrounding community,
causing misunderstanding. It may also cause air pollution if not well disposed and
managed. You should think how you will dispose the manure that will be produced
on the farm.

Student’s Book Form Twos Book Form Three
Student’
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