Page 77 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

water periodically or is given water on a continuous basis. If water is limited, the
length of the trough should allow as many animals as possible to drink at the same
time. For a single animal, provision of trough space of between 0.6 m and 0.7 m is
recommended. For free choice, the trough should be sized for two to three animals
at a time.

Similarly, feed trough is a constructed container to provide the animals with the
space to get feeds. Proper designing of feed troughs is important to keep animal
feeds clean, within reach and encourage animals to eat the whole diet mix. The
size of a feed trough depends on the number and size of animals kept. Mature cow
requires 60 - 90 cm length by 36 - 90 cm width per cow. The feeding area should
always be clean so as to avoid animals from catching diseases that can arise due to
dirtiness. Figure 4.3 shows an example of a concrete feeding trough in a small-scale
dairy farming.

Concrete feed trough

Figure 4.3: Concrete feed trough

Calving pen: This is a special structure found in a dairy cattle shed for a cow to
calve. It allows proper calving to take place. The pregnant animals are transferred to
this pen 2 to 3 weeks before the expected date of calving. It should have an area not
less than 3.5 m by 4.8 m and the maximum dimensions not exceeding 6 m by 6 m. It
should be provided with sufficient soft bedding. It should be provided with sufficient

Student’s Book Form Three
66

10/01/2025 12:31
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 66 10/01/2025 12:31
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 66