SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
CLASS: JSS2
SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK TOPIC
1. Revision of last term’s work
2. Animals feed and feeding
3. Classification of livestockfeed
4. Factor to consider before deciding Animal Feeds
5. Farm animals diseases: definition and causes
6. Farm animal diseases- Bacterial
7. Farm animal diseases-Viral
8. Farm animal diseases-Fungal and Protozoan
9. Farm animal diseases-worms and nutritional
10. Revision
11. Examinations
WEEK TWO
ANIMALS FEED AND FEEDING
DEFINITION OF FEED=’
Feed refers to the food given to animals. They contain nutrient, element either alone or in
combination with other substances which supports the healthy growth and development of
livestock.
TYPES OF FEED
Animal feeds can be classified into four main groups according to the digestibility, quantity of
fibre, quantity required and moisture in the feed. The four groups of feeds are;
1. Concentrates: They are feed with a low proportion of fibre and water content. They are
easily digested by farm animals.
2. Roughages: Roughages are very low in protein and carbohydrate but high in fibre. They are
not easily digested by animals. Examples are hay, groundnut hulls, straw, bean pods and
maize Stover.
3. Succulents: These have high water content. They are easy to digest. Examples are freshly
cut/lush grass and legume plants (soilage), pumpkin, silage, melons and most green crops.
4. Supplements (minerals and vitamins): they are required in small quantities, low in energy,
protein and fibre but high in vitamins and minerals. They aid digestion and increase animals’
resistance to diseases.
FEEDING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR FARM ANIMALS
Common animal feeding equipment includes:
1. Hay racks
2. Feed troughs or bunks
3. Self-feeders
4. Watering facilities
NOTE: Farm animals should be provided with suitable shade while feeding particularly during
the dry season to reduce heat burden.
EVALUATION
1. Define animal feeds.
2. List three farm animals feeding tools and equipment.
GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Define animal feeds.
2. Mention and explain three types of animal feed.
3. Describe four tools and equipment commonly used for feeding livestock.
WEEK THREE
CLASSIFICATION OF LIVESTOCK FEED
FEED NUTRIENTS
These are substances obtained from feed and used by the body to promote growth,
maintenance and repairs of body tissues. About 21 chemical elements make up the various
feed nutrients needed for the nutrition of farm animals. The following shows the elements and
their chemical symbols.
Name of element Chemical symbol
Carbon C
Hydrogen H Non mineral elements
Oxygen O
Nitrogen N
Phosphorus P
Potassium K
Chlorine Cl
Magnesium Mg Macro mineral elements
Sulphur S
Calcium Ca
Sodium Na
Cobalt Co
Copper Cu
Fluorine F
Manganese Mn
Zinc Zn
Micro mineral elements
Molybdenum Mo
Selenium Se
Chromium Cr
Iodine I
Iron Fe
Classes of livestock feed nutrient
There are many types of feed nutrients suitable for livestock. It is important to understand the
main classes and its constituentelements and functions of animal feeds.
The major feed nutrients include:
1. Carbohydrates
These foods are needed by livestock for supplying the energy required by the body for
doing work and for the functioning of different organs of the body. Carbohydrates occur in
nature as starches, cellulose or fibre. They contain elements, such as carbon, hydrogen and
oxygen which are easily ‘burnt up’ or oxidized to produce energy. Examples are yams,
cassava, potato, rice and bread.
2. Fats
Fats contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Fats have more carbon and oxygen than
carbohydrates. They supply energy needed by the body for keeping the body temperature
at the correct level. Examples are milk, fatty seeds such as groundnuts, coconuts and cotton
seeds, animal by-products, fish by-products, cereals, roots and tubers.
3. Proteins
Proteins contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen and sometimes iron, phosphorus
and or sulphur. Proteins are found in the protoplasm of all animals and plants. They are
required by animals for growth and for the repair of worn-out tissues and organs of the
body. Examples of protein-rich foods include soybeans, cotton seeds, groundnut, peas and
beans as well as fish and meat.
Minerals
Minerals are necessary in an animal’s diet. They are required in small quantities only, except
phosphorus and calcium which are important for bone formation. Carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen and nitrogen are four of the twenty one elements that function in animal nutrition
and are called non-mineral elements.
Water
Water contains hydrogen and oxygen. Water is needed by farm animals to aid digestion and
distribution of food in their body. It also helps in the regulation of body temperature
through heat loss by evaporation from the skin and lungs. Water is contained in the feeds of
animals.
4. Vitamins
These are another group of substances which must present in very tiny amounts in the
rations of farm animals. They are essential for the proper and normal functioning of the
animal’s body. Their deficiency leads to ill-health of the animal. Vitamins contain carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen. Vitamins can be grouped into
i) Water-soluble e.g Vitamin B and C and
ii) Fat-soluble vitamins e.g Vitamin A, D, E and K.
EVALUATION
1. Differentiate between macro and micro elements.
2. Mention with examples types of vitamins you know.
WEEK FOUR
FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DECIDING ANIMAL FEED
Factors to consider before deciding animal feeds are
a. Age
b. Physiological status
c. Purpose of rearing the animals
d. Management system
Age
Younger animals require more proteinous feeds than the older animals.
Physiological status
Pregnant and lactating animas will consume more feed and need nutritious feed to sustain their
young ones and foetus.
Purpose of rearing the animals
Animals kept for production of milk, egg, worke.t.c will be fed with feed suited for that purpose
and will need more in terms of quantity than other animals.
Management system
Animals kept under intensive management system would require more quantity and quality
feed due to the fact that they are confined and cannot fend for themselves as compared to
animals kept under other management systems.
Definition of some terms associated with animal feeding
Diet is the amount of feed formulated to meet the specific need of an animal
Ration is the total amount of feed supplied to animal per day.
Abalancedration is a feed constituent that contains all essential nutrients in their appropriate
quantities before being offered to an animal. There are two types of balanced ration, they are
Maintenanceration: is the amount of feed given to an animal to within a 24 hour period just
enough for the animal to maintain its normal bodily functions without adding or losing live
weight.
Productionration: is the amount of feed given to a specific group of animal within a 24 hour
period to enable them produce appropriately.
Categories of animals fed production ration are:
1. Lactating animals for milk production.
2. Growers/Weaning animals to support growth.
3. Fattening animals to reach desired weight in good time.
4. Flushing for female animals prior to breeding.
5. Steaming up for pregnant animals prior to parturition.
6. Pregnant animals to support growing foetus.
7. Broilers to for rapid growth.
8. Layers for quality egg production.
WEEK FIVE
FARM ANIMAL DISEASE I
DEFINITION
Disease is any change in the normal function or well-being of farm animals caused by another
organism. Animals, like human beings, suffer from many serious diseases which may make
them sick and may cause their death in large numbers if they are not treated.
CAUSES OF DISEASES IN FARM ANIMAL
Five groups of organism which commonly cause animal disease; they are:
1. Bacteria
2. Viruses
3. Protozoa
4. Worms (parasitic nematodes)
5. Fungi
MODE OF TRANSMISSION OF FARM ANIMAL DISEASE
Disease-causing organisms can transit diseases to farm animals through the following modes:
i. Air (airborne)
ii. Water
iii. Direct contact with organism
iv. Bites from insects, ticks and mites
However, preventing exposure of farm animals to these sources of transmission of diseases, the
chances of farm animals being affected by diseases which can make them sick can be reduced.
SYMPTOMS OF FARM ANIMAL DISEASES
Symptom refers to the sign or indication of the presence of an abnormal condition in an animal.
Diseased animals show specific symptoms which farmers can recognize that there are changes
in the normal functioning of the bodies of farm animals. Farmers can recognize symptoms of
different diseases in their sick animals. Such sick animals are taken to veterinary doctors who
can prescribe medicines to cure the farm animals. Common symptoms of diseases in animals
include the following:
i. Stunted growth
ii. Reduced food utilization
iii. Rise in temperature- high fever
iv. Abortion in female animals
v. Sores and exudates from the skin
vi. Enlarged udder
vii. Stained blood in orifices
viii. Loss of hair (alopecia)
ix. Loss of weight (emaciation)
x. Loss of appetite (anorexia)
xi. Anaemia (shortage of blood)
EVALUATION
1. Define the term disease.
2. Mention how farm animals can be infected.
WEEK SIX
FARM ANIMAL DISEASES II
BACTERIA DISEASES
1. Anthrax:
Anthrax is a bacterial disease which attacks mammals’ especially herbivorous animals, such as
sheep and goats.
Mode of transmission: The disease is mostly transmitted by eating infected or contaminated
materials. It can also be transmitted through contact with affected animals and feeding
equipment and infected wounds.
Symptoms: Grinding of teeth, rise in temperature and convulsion. This disease can kill an
animal suddenly. It starts when the animal respires rapidly and stops feeding.
Method of prevention and control: Sick animals should be isolated. Vaccination of the animals
should be done regularly; proper sanitation should be maintained in all animal houses. Animal
that dies of the disease, together with all the beddings should be buried deep in the ground.
The animal house should be disinfected immediately.
Treatment: Sick animals should be isolated. The disease is treated with antibiotics such as
penicillin.
2. Typhoid:
This is a bacterial disease found mainly in poultry birds. It affects the intestines of the birds.
Mode of transmission: Through contact with the body fluids of infected birds.
Symptoms: The symptoms include high fever, tiredness and reddish droppings.
Method of prevention and control: Consult a veterinary doctor. Poultry birds should be
vaccinated against this disease.
Treatment: Consult a veterinary doctor.
3. Contagious abortion: This is a bacteria disease of cattle, goats and pigs. It is also
referred to as brucellosis.
Mode of transmission: This disease is transmitted through food and water contaminated with
discharge and aborted foetus.
Symptoms: This includes; still births, retained placenta, abortion during the 7 th to 9th month of
pregnancy and infertility in males.
Method of prevention and control: The affected animal should be isolated from the other
animals in the herd. All animals should be vaccinated before breeding. Animals should be given
food in very clean containers and surroundings.
Treatment: This is by vaccination.
4. Mastitis: This is bacterial disease that affects the breasts of cattle, sheep, goats and
pigs(swine).
Mode of transmission: The disease is transmitted into the breasts (mammary glands) of the
animals by bacteria from dirty floors and milkers through the teat and udders.
Symptoms: include fever, pains, swellings of the udder, blood in the milk and rise in
temperature of the animal.
Method of prevention and control:
a. The udder of animals should be properly washed before and after milking.
b. Milking by hand should be done in clean environments.
c. Hands to be used for milking must be well washed with soap and clean water before
commencing milking.
d. Overcrowding of diary animals should always be preventeD.
Treatment: The disease can be treated by injecting penicillin and other antibiotics in the body
of the affected animals.
5. Cowpox
This disease affects cows as well as sheep and poultry.
Symptoms
The udder of an affected cow is swollen; there are eruptions on the udder of cows.
Method of prevention and control: Disinfect all equipment used for feeding and milking cattle.
EVALUATION
1. Describe the method of prevention and control of the following
a. Mastistis
b. Cowpox
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. List three bacteria diseases you know.
2. State the mode of transmission, symptoms, method of prevention and control of the
following;
a. Anthrax
b. Typhoid
c. Contagious abortion
d. Mastistis
e. Cowpox
WEEK EIGHT
FARM ANIMAL DISEASES III
VIRAL DISEASES
1. Rinderpest or cattle plague: This is a serious and very contagious viral disease that
attacks cattle quickly. It can also attack sheep and goats. The disease is very deadly; it killed
thousands of cattle in Nigeria several years ago. It is found in the blood, tissue fluids and
secretions of affected animals.
Mode of transmission: it is transmitted through direct contact and also through contaminated
feed and water.
Symptoms: include rise in temperature, loss of appetite, blood stained diarrhea, difficulty in
breathing and frequent abortion. The major effect of the disease is high mortality.
Method of prevention and control: Immunization; vaccination is a good preventive measure as
no medical treatmenthas been successful. Affected animals should be isolated.
2. Foot and mouth disease: This is a virus disease of cattle, birds, goats, sheep and pigs.
The disease is highly contagious
Mode of transmission: The disease is transmitted by contact with affected animals.
Symptoms: The symptoms are fever, headache and swellings or blisters on the mouth, skin,
udder and salivation.
Method of prevention and control: The disease is better controlled than treated.Infected
animals, particularly cattle, are often destroyed by mass killing to prevent the disease from
spreading to other animals. It can be controlled by immunization and good sanitation. Infected
animals should be isolated from healthy animals.
3. Newcastle Disease
This is a viral disease of poultry.
Mode of transmission: it is transmitted through secretions from the birds and contact with
infected dead birds on the farm. The disease is also air-borne.
Symptoms: include coughing and sneezing, nasal and eye discharges, difficulty in breathing, loss
of appetite, diarrhea, paralysis and general weakness.
Method of prevention and control: proper sanitation should be maintained. Affected animals
should be quarantined. All animals should be vaccinated.
4. Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
Bird flu is also called Avian Influenza. This is now a very well-known disease which affects
poultry in many countries, including Nigeria. It is a highly contagious viral disease that is caused
by a virus affecting the respiratory, digestive and or the nervous system of poultry. In some
cases in some Asian countries, human have been reported to be affected by this disease.
Mode of transmission: This disease can be transmitted by direct contact with the secretions
from infected birds, especially the faeces. The disease can be transmitted indirectly through
contaminated water, animal feeds, equipment and even clothing. The virus penetrates into the
body through the respiratory and digestive systems.
Symptoms: Severe depression, refusal to eat, greatly reduced egg production, difficulty in
breathing, watery eyes, swollen face especially the comb and wattle which change colour to
blueish black, diarrhea, sudden death, with or without showing any symptoms. Ducks may
usually die without showing any symptoms.
Method of prevention and control:
i. Avoid contact between domestic poultry and wild birds.
ii. Separate different species of poultry raised on the same farm from one another.
iii. Quarantine newly acquired or re-introduced birds for example unsold birds taken to the
market.
iv. Do not allow unauthorized persons to visit the farm
v. Install foot baths with disinfectant at the entrance of all poultry houses in the farm.
vi. Wash hands and feet with clean water before entering and leaving poultry houses in the
farm.
vii. Frequently disinfect soiled materials and farm equipment.
viii. Make sure that the source of poultry feed and water are clean and not already
contaminated so that poultry are protected from infection.
ix. If poultry are dying in large numbers or you observe the symptoms described, call a
veterinary doctor immediately.
x. Bury or burn all dead birds and wash your hands and feet thoroughly with soap and
clean water after burning or burying the dead or infected birds.
5. Pneumonia: This is a virus disease of cattle. It attacks the lungs of cattle.
Symptoms: Symptoms include rise in temperature, vigorous breathing, loss of appetite and
discharge from the nose and eyes. (pneumonia can also be caused by bacteria).
Method of prevention and control: Proper sanitation should be maintained. Affected animals
should be quarantined. All animals should be vaccinated.
Treatment: The use of antibiotics or administering anti-viral medication.
6. Kata: This is a virus disease of goats, found in the southern parts of Nigeria. The disease
affects the respiratory and intestinal tracks of animals. It is also called peste des petits
ruminants/goat plague.
Symptoms: the signs of disease include coughing, discharge from the nostrils, scrabs on the lips
and other parts of the mouth and diarrhea.
Control: avoid over-crowding of animals.
Treatment: vaccination against the disease, no specific treatmentbut outbreak of the disease
should be reported to the veterinary doctor.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Mention three types of viral disease.
2. State the mode of transmission, symptoms, method of prevention and control of the
following diseases:
a. Rinderpest
b. Foot and mouth disease
c. Newscastle disease
d. Bird flu
WEEK NINE
FARM ANIMAL DISEASES IV
PROTOZOAN DISEASES
1. Trypanosomiasis (Nagana)
Trypanosomiasis, also called Nagana, is a deadly disease suffered by some breeds of cattle like
white Fulani and Red Bororo. The Ndama and Muturu cattle are resistant to this disease. It is
caused by a protozoan called Trypanosomes. Trypanosome parasites can be transmitted by
infectedtsetse flies when they bite humans. Persons who are infected with this parasite suffer
from the disease called sleeping sickness.
Mode of transmission: it is transmitted by female tsetse flies when they suck blood from an
infected animal and later transmit the parasites to the healthy animals when they suck their
blood. Female tsetse flies require the blood of mammals for the development of young larvae
inside the flies. Male tsetse flies do not suck blood therefore they cannot transmit this parasite.
Symptoms: Rise in temperature, dullness in appearance, sleepiness, nervous disorder, anaemia,
paralysis, the infected animal loses weight, becomes drowsy and may finally die.
Method of prevention and control: Destroy the tsetse fly habitat by clearing the surrounding
bushes and spray with recommended insecticides to kill the tsetse flies.
Treatment: Use drugs such as Bayer 205 or lomidine or consult a veterinary doctor.
2. Coccidiosis
This is a protozoan disease that attacks cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and rabbits.
Mode of transmission: It is transmitted through contamination with the faeces of infected
animals through feed, dirty water and soil contaminated with droppings.
Symptoms: Symptoms include Watery discharge, loss of appetite, anaemia, bloody faeces,
paleness, ruffled feathers and progressive emaciation and many animals may die.
Method of prevention and control: Droppings from infected poultry animals should be
properly separated from the healthy animals. High level of sanitation should be maintained in
poultry houses. Feed and water troughs should always be kept very clean. The disease can be
treated with many drugs that are recommended by veterinary doctors. .
FUNGAL DISEASES: diseases caused by fungi
1. Aspergillosis
This is a disease of poultry.
Mode of transmission: This disease is transmitted through the air (air-borne) by inhaling air
through the nostrils of birds. It is also transmitted through mouldy litter and feed, overcrowding
and contaminated incubators.
Symptoms: Symptoms include loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing, rise in temperature and
whistling noise.
Method of prevention and control: All sources of contamination should be removed. The
hatchery should be kept clean, water and feed spillage should be prevented.
2. Ringworm
This is a fungal disease that affects all farm animals.
Mode of transmission: This disease is spread through contact with infected animals and
bushes.
Symptoms: Ringworm is manifested in farm animals with the appearance of lesions on the skin,
skin irritation, loss of weight and loss of appetite.
Method of prevention and control:
a. All bushes around the farm should be cleared.
b. The affected skin should be treated with a mixture of sulphur and Vaseline.
c. In poultry, violet or iodine ointment should be rubbed on the ringworm lesions.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. State the mode of transmission, symptoms, method of prevention and control of the
following diseases:
a. Trypanosomiasis
b. Coccidiosis
c. Aspergillosis
d. Ringworm
WEEK TEN
FARM ANIMAL DISEASES
WORMS
There are several types of parasitic worms that attack farm animals. An attack may lead to
the death of an animal. Some of the worms live in the intestine, respiratory tract and
various organs of the body.
Examples of worms
1. Tapeworms
2. Roundworms, and
3. Liver fluke
Symptoms of worm infection
The signs of worm infection in the animal depends on where the worms are living in the body of
the animal. Generally these signs include the following:
1. Coughing
2. Diarrhea
3. Loss of weight
4. Anaemia
5. Worms in faeces.
Control of worm infection:
Worm infection in farm animals can be controlled through the following means:
1. The affected animals should be isolated and treated with worm expellers
2. Grazing of animals on pasture should be avoided. The animal faeces should be removed
at regular intervals. Water and feeds should not be contaminated by the faeces.
3. Farm animals should be well fed so that they can resist the effects of worms.
Nutritional bloat
This is a disease of cattle, sheep. Goats and rabbits.
Mode of transmission: It is contacted through eating succulent fodder and blockage of the
digestive tract especially in cattle.
Sypmtoms: Sypmtoms include swollen digestive tract and enlargement of the bowel.
Method of prevention and control: The feeding of succulent fodder should be reduced. The
animal should be fed with protein supplement. Cattle, sheep and goats should not be allowed
to eat a lot of seeds.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF ANIMAL DISEASES
To maintain animals in good, healthy condition, the farmer must pay attention to the following
general guidelines:
1. Only clean and healthy animals should be brought into the herd
2. Lots should be drained in order to make them dry and free from stagnant water
3. Farm animals with contagious diseases should be isolated.
4. Farm animals should be tested at least once a year for brucellosis, tuberculosis and
other diseases.
5. All farm animals should be vaccinated against diseases common in the locality as a
preventive measure.
6. Disinfect housing and equipment regularly
7. Use only recommended insecticides and their application methods for the control of
parasites.
8. Do not allow animals to lie on cold floors
9. Isolate newly acquired animals for a minimum of three weeks (quarantine) before they
are mixed with other animals.
10. Spray newly acquired animals with insecticide to control lice; also check for internal
parasites and treat infected animals.
11. Seek the advice of the veterinary doctor.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. State the symptoms of worm infections.
2. Mention three control of worm infections.
3. Explain the transmission, symptoms, prevention and control of bloat disease.
4. State five general guidelines for prevention and control of animal diseases.
5. Mention three examples of worms.
6. List three symptoms of worm infection.
WEEK TEN
REVISION
WEEK ELEVEN
EXAMINATION
