Page 98 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Generally, the intensive housing system for goats and sheep offers the greatest
protection for animals from both predators and parasites. The system may also make
the best use of limited land resources. However, this system increases labour and
capital investment required for facilities.

Note: As seen in cattle, housing for goats and sheep may need to be equipped with
dips or spray race for controlling ecto-parasites under the advice of local
extension worker. If the number of animals is small, spraying against ecto-
parasites can be done in the crush using knapsack sprayer. Similarly, a foot

bath may also be provided at the entrance of the farm/house to prevent the
spread of diseases.

Activity 4.4
Pay a visit to a school and nearby farm; choose type and class of either goat or sheep
commonly found and suggest its suitable housing.

Housing for pig
Pig housing has to give adequate protection against direct sunlight and rain as pigs

are sensitive to heat and cold. The floor and wall should be strong to withstand the
rooting habits of pigs. Concrete floor is durable and easy to clean. The walls may
be of bricks, finished smoothly and doors of iron or strong wooden planks. Feed
and water troughs may be placed along the front to facilitate feeding from outside.
Depending on climate of the area, shade, wallowing facility or cooling mechanisms
such as sprinkling of water or washing should be provided to maintain thermal
comfort to pigs. This is because pigs thrive well in temperature range of 20 - 25 C.
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The design of pig house should be such that all animals are observable easily from
outside and the labour requirement is low. Boars, pregnant and dry sows, gilts and
growing pigs are usually kept in open yards with partially sheltered area. Farrowing
sows are housed in completely enclosed houses or pens. Simple and low cost houses

constructed with locally available materials are preferred in rural areas. Multi-
purpose pens, which can be used for all categories of pigs, can also be designed
according to the recommended floor space requirement. Individual or group housing
in pens or cages made up of vertical galvanised iron pipes or mild steel rods as well as
farrowing crates can be adopted in large and high technological farms. Uncastrated
males should not be housed together with females beyond the age of 4 months in
order to avoid inbreeding.

Student’
Student’s Book Form Twos Book Form Three
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