Page 98 - Agriculture Form Two

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Choosing the suitable breed
Selection of the breed is a personal preference based on objectives, favourable
livestock-keeping conditions and interests. This is extremely important to
consider as every animal has different requirements, so doing a thorough study
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on the animal of your choice is recommended. For example, if you want to raise
dairy cattle breeds, you will need a different type of house and management
than if you were raising beef cattle breeds. You’ll also need to purchase various
kinds of feed and bedding material. So, think exhaustively about what type
of livestock to be raised before making any decisions. All traits of economic
value, should be considered when selecting any breed of animal. The major traits
influencing productive efficiency in animals are reproductive performance or
fertility, maternal ability, milk production, meat deposition, carcass quality, egg
production, egg quality wool production and growth rate.

Livestock housing

Livestock housing refers to confining an animal in a built enclosure. A house
for livestock plays a vital role in protecting the livestock from extreme heat,
cold, wind, sunlight, and rain. It protects the animals from theft and wild animal
attacks. It provides a clean and comfortable environment and facilitates efficient
livestock management.

Generally, before constructing any livestock house, you need a farm layout plan
to indicate the position of the animal houses/buildings corresponding to their
uses. Some critical factors to consider when planning for farm animal housing
include topography and drainage, soil type, exposure to the sun, and protection
from wind and rain. Others are accessibility, durability, attractiveness, security,
water and power supply.

Characteristics of appropriate housing
Each livestock requires its appropriate housing to enhance the comfortability
of the animals and facilitate efficiency when carrying out managerial practices.
Generally, proper housing of farm animals should have the following features:
(a) Freedom to exhibit natural behaviour. This is because every farm animal
species has unique natural behaviours that differ from others.
(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.

90 Student’s Book Form Two

04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 90
Agriculture form 2.indd 90 04/10/2024 18:07