Page 67 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Chapter

Four

Livestock housing

Introduction
Livestock respond favourably to feeding, hygiene and other sorts of good management
all of which are possible in a system with proper housing. In this chapter, you will learn
about the meaning and purpose of livestock housing, characteristics of appropriate
housing for different types of livestock and different housing designs for various types
of livestock. The competencies developed from this chapter will enable you to provide
suitable housing for different types of livestock.

The meaning and purpose of livestock housing
Livestock housing refers to confinement of animals in a purpose-built enclosure. It
plays an important role in protection from extreme heat, cold, wind, sunlight and
rains. It provides clean and comfortable environment. It provides protection from
theft and attack from wild animals. It reduces possibilities of diseases and mortalities.
It allows for efficient management of livestock, for example, it facilitates watching
livestock with ease. Housing also promotes good welfare.

Characteristics of appropriate housing

Production processes become efficient when farm animals are provided with proper
housing. Preferably, proper housing of farm animals should have the following
characteristics:
(a) Freedom to exhibit natural behaviour
(b) Easy accessibility to adequate food and water as well as environmental
requirements for maintenance of health and vigour
(c) Freedom of movement to stand, stretch and lie down

(d) Light during the daylight hours
(e) Visual and social contact with other animals

(f) Accommodation that provides protection from bad weather, which neither
harms nor causes distress
(g) Rapid identification and treatment of vices, injuries, diseases and parasites

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