Page 72 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

accessibility, durability and attractiveness, water and power supply, surroundings
security, labour and farm layout. These considerations are briefly explained here.

Topography and drainage: A livestock building should be at a higher elevation than
the surrounding ground to offer a good slope for drainage for the wastes of animals
and rain water. It also helps to avoid stagnation from within the building. A levelled
area is preferred as it requires less site preparation and thus reduced cost of building.
Low lands and depressions as well as closeness to places of bad odour should be
avoided.
Soil type: Foundation soil should not be too dehydrated or desiccated. This is
because such a soil is susceptible to considerable swelling during rainy season and
exhibit numerous cracks. The cracks may also cause cracks in floors and walls of
buildings. In addition, if land is not plenty, spare fertile soil for cultivation rather
than for building.

Exposure to the sun and protection from wind and rain: Livestock buildings
should be located to a maximum exposure to the sun. Buildings should be placed so
that direct sunlight can reach the platforms, gutters and feed troughs in the animal
shed. If possible, the long axis of the livestock barns should be set in the east-west
direction so as to have the maximum benefit of the sun. Livestock buildings should
also be located to maximum protection from prevailing strong winds. Moreover,
roofs have to be secured in a way that they protect animals from rain. This can be
achieved by ensuring that roofs are water-proof and they are provided with sufficient
over-hang to prevent rain water splashing inside the houses.

Accessibility: Livestock houses should be situated in such a way that easy accessibility
to the buildings is always desirable. This is important for bringing in materials or
inputs and transporting out produce and /or products.

Durability and attractiveness: The durability of the structure is obviously an
important criterion in livestock buildings. It is always attractive when the buildings
open up to a beautiful view and add to the attraction of the farm’s natural surroundings.

Water and power supply: Abundant supply of fresh, clean and safe water should
be available at affordable cost. Since a modern livestock farming always handle
powered equipment which are also economical, it is desirable to have an adequate
supply of power. The power supply may be solar, wind or electricity. Power supply
is also important for lighting the house or surroundings during night hence facilitates
security. It also aids activities that are carried out at very late evening or very early
morning.

Student’s Book Form Twos Book Form Three
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