3RD Term S1 Agricultural Science
3RD Term S1 Agricultural Science
SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK TOPIC
1 Simple farm tools
2 Farm power
3 Farm mechanization
4–5 Anatomy and physiology of farm animals
6–7 Reproduction in farm animals
8 Environmental physiology
9 – 10 Livestock management (pig and cattle)
11 Revision
12 Examination
REFERENCES
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O. A. Iwena
Agricultural Science WAEC PQ
Practical approach to animal production and health by Akinlade J. A. et al.
General outlook to livestock production by Akinlade J. A. et al.
Essential biology for Senior Secondary Schools by M. C. Michael
Wikipedia
WEEK ONE
SIMPLE FARM TOOLS
CONTENT
Examples of farm tools
Description of simple farm tools
Functions of tools
Maintenance of simple farm tools
Farm tools are simple handy tools constructed by the farmer or local crafts men to carry out
some basic farming operations. Farmers who grow crops and keep animals usually use some
simple tools to help make their work easier and faster.
EXAMPLES OF FARM TOOLS
1. Cutlass 2. Hoe 3. Bolt and nut 4. Shovel 5. Garden fork
6. Hand fork 7. Axe 8. Screw driver 9. Digger 10. Head pan
11 Spanner 12. Mallet 13. Budding knife 14. Plier 15. Harvesting knife
.
16 Crowbar 17. Sickle 18. Wheel barrow 19. Shear 20. Emasculator
.
21 Mattock 22. Hammer 23. Watering can 24. Chisel 25. Pruning saw
.
EVALUATION
1. List seven types of farm tools used for post planting activities.
2. How can we maintain simple farm tools?
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena pages 88 – 101.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Which of these farm tools is used for weeding?A. Cutlass B. Watering can C. Rake
THEORY
1. Describe four tools used in carrying out pre planting operations.
2. Which farm tool is used for pruning and preparing stem cutting?
WEEK TWO
FARM POWER
CONTENT
Definition of farm power
Sources of farm power
Advantages and disadvantages of farm power
EVALUATION
MECHANICAL POWER
This requires the use of series of machines to carry out farm operations. Power transmitted
through engines can come directly or indirectly from electricity or from the burning of fuel.
EVALUATION
1. What are the advantages of mechanical power over work animals
2. State two disadvantages each of A. work animals B. mechanical power
ELECTRICAL POWER
This is power derived from electricity or generator. It is a neat or clean source of energy. It is
used to operate electric motors. Motors are used to operate many modern appliances such as
heater, incubator, mixer and some power tools. Electrical power is also measured in watts.
SOLAR POWER
This is the power derived from radiation, light and heat reaching the earth from the sun. This
energy is the ultimate source of energy and it can be converted into electrical energy by
installing solar panels. Solar energy is trapped into photo – voltaic cell or solar collectors which
is then converted into electrical energy and stored in batteries or used directly.
Solar Power
These solar panels convert energy from sunlight and can be used to generate electricity.
EVALUATION
1. Outline four uses each of A. solar power B. electrical power
2. What are the disadvantages of electrical power
WIND POWER
This is the power generated by wind movement. Wind power is made possible through the use
of windmill that helps to pump water out of the boreholes or in generating electricity.
A water-pumping windmill in spring, Arizona, provides water for agricultural use. The blades, or sails, are mounted
at an oblique angle on the horizontal shaft. The fantail rudder steers the bladed wheel into the wind to maximize
the windmill’s efficiency.
WATER POWER
This is the power derived from water flowing in rivers, oceans, dams etc. It is used in hydro-
electric stations to drive the turbines. A turbine is a rotating engine with its blade driven by
water.
Electricity Generators
Generators at the Bonneville Dam in Oregon produce electricity as water flows through large turbines and drives
the axles of the generators. The Bonneville Dam is located on the Columbia River between the states of Oregon
and Washington. The Bonneville plant is one of many hydroelectric stations in the northwestern United States.
EVALUATION
1. State four uses each of A. water power B. wind power
2. Mention two disadvantages of wind power
BIOGAS
A method of generating power by making use of farm wastes, especially animal dung, urine etc
collected and processed to produce methane gas.
ADVANTAGES OF BIOGAS
1. A cheap source of power.
2. It can be used to generate heat for brooding chicks.
3. It can be used for cooking and drying.
4. It can also be harnessed to generate electrical energy.
5. It can easily be controlled.
DISADVANTAGES OF BIOGAS
1. It requires expertise which may not be easily available.
2. It is expensive to set up and maintain.
3. It is not a common source of power.
4. It is restricted to where animals are reared on a commercial basis.
5. If not properly handled, it can lead to fire incidence.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What is farm power?
2. What are the sources of farm power?
3. State three advantages and disadvantages each of
a. Wind power b. Water power c. Solar power d. Electrical power e. Animal power
f. Biogas
4. State three uses of biogas
5. List three sources of hydroelectric power
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science Chapter for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena pages
14, page 122 - 129.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The most common source of farm power drying grains in West Africa is A. heat engine
B.sun C.waterD.electricity
2. ____ can be harnessed to generate electricity. A. PetrolB. Animal dung C. Biogas
D. Turbines
3. The most unreliable source of farm power is A. Wind B. Water C. Electricity D. Machines
4. Water power is harnessed and converted into electrical power by A. blade B. grains
C. turbines D. hovercraft
5. The fastest and most efficient source of farm power is ____ power.A. Solar B. Animal
C. Mechanical D. Biogas
THEORY
1. List two farm operations each requiring the use of A. Machine B.Electricity C.Wind
D.Solar radiation
2. In what way is human power the most important source of farm power?
WEEK THREE
FARM MECHANIZATION (TRACTORIZATION)
CONTENT
Definition
Advantages of mechanization
Disadvantages of mechanization
Problems of mechanization
Prospects of mechanization
EVALUATION
1. State five advantages of farm mechanization.
2. State five disadvantages of farm mechanization.
EVALUATION
1. Define mechanization
2. Outline five problems of farm mechanization in Nigeria
PROSPECTS OF MECHANIZATION
1. Farmers should be educated to accept modern system of mechanization.
2. Provision of loans to enable farmers to purchase farm machines.
3. Farmers should pool their resources together to buy farm machines.
4. Land tenure system should be reviewed to make land available for farming.
5. Simple and less expensive machines should be developed for farmer to acquire.
6. There should be engineering personnel trained to work on machines.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What is mechanization?
2. Outline five problems of agricultural mechanization.
3. State five advantages and disadvantages of farm mechanization.
4. State five limitations of farm mechanization.
5. State five possible ways of improving agriculture through mechanization.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena pages Chapter
13, page 117 – 121.
Answer the following questions from WAEC PAQ 2005 theory question 2, 1992 theory
question 2
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Which of the following is an advantage of farm mechanization? A. Carrying out many
farm operations with ease B. Displacing many farm workers C. Exposing soil to direct
effect of sunlight D. polluting the environment
2. In which of the following operationscan a tractorbe effectively used for? A.Fertilization
B.Harvesting C.PloughingD.Stumping
3. Mechanization in West Africa is limited by the following except?A. Size of farm holdings
B. Technical Knowhow C. Capital D. Labor
4. Which of the following gives the correct order of usage of tillage implements in a virgin
land A. Harrow Plough RidgerB. Harrow RidgerPloughC.Ridger Plough Harrow
D. Plough Harrow Ridger
5. Which crop is best cultivated by mechanical means?A.Cassava B.Cocoa C.Maize D.Oil
palm
THEORY
1. What is mechanization?
2. State four advantages and disadvantages each of mechanization in agriculture.
WEEK FOUR
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF FARM ANIMALS
CONTENT
Digestive system
Circulatory system
Reproduction system
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Digestive system and digestion
Digestion in ruminant (polygastric) animals
Digestion is the breakdown of foods substances in the digestive tract into absorbable forms.
This process starts from the mouth through mastication which increases the surface area and
allows microbes to have quicker access to act the food substances.
Farm animals are grouped into two main classes based on the nature of the alimentary canal or
digestive tract. There are polygastric (ruminant) animals and monogastric (non – ruminant)
animals.
Cattle for example when feeding gather some quantity of grasses with its tongues and grip it
firmly between the upper jaw and the teeth of the lower jaw; it jerks its head and swallows the
grasses. The grasses pass through oesophagus and enter the rumen, where digestion of
cellulose by bacteria takes place.
When the cattle has filled its rumen, it lies down quietly and by anti–peristaltic movement of
the stomach the undigested grass or cud passes from the rumen to the reticulum from where it
goes back to the oesophagus and back to the mouth to be masticated (this process is referred
to as regurgitation). It then chews the food properly into a semi-liquid cud (bolus) with the
premolars and molars which re-swallowed. The cud moves into the omasum and passes into
the last chamber, abomasum where gastric juice containing digestive enzymes are secreted into
3RDTERM/AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE/SS 1 Page 12
Name: ______________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
the semi–digested food to form the chyme. The chyme goes into the small intestine through
the duodenum where further digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place. The undigested
material then passes out through the anus as dung.
EVALUATION
1. What are ruminant animals? Give five examples.
2. Describe briefly digestion in cattle.
EVALUATION
1. What are non-ruminant animals?
2. List the digestive enzymes in A. stomach B. small intestine C. pancreas D. liver and their
functions.
The domestic fowl is a monogastric animal that possesses a simple stomach. The fowl has no
teeth but the food is picked up by the beak. The food then passes on to the crop through
oesophagus. The food is stored temporarily in the crop, there moistened and fermented by
some bacteria. The food now passes on to the proventriculus (glandular stomach) where
digestive juice such as pepsin and amylase are secreted on the food.
From the proventriculus, the food moves to the gizzard where grinding of the food takes place.
From the gizzard, the food moves to the small intestine where further digestion and absorption
takes place. The undigested food materials are removed from the digestive tract as faeces.
EVALUATION
1. Describe briefly digestion in domestic fowl.
2. Differentiate between ruminant and non-ruminant animals.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena pages chapter
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Circulatory system consists of all the tissues and organs that are involved in the transportation
of materials through the blood round the body offarm animals. Farm animals possess closed
circulatory system. This means that oxygenated and deoxygenated blood does not mix. They
also display a pattern of double circulation(this mean that for one complete circulation to occur,
the blood must pass through the heart twice; first to the lungs for oxygenation and then on
return to the other parts of the body) or single circulation as in the case of fish.Circulatory
system has three (3) main divisions. These are:
a) The Blood
b) The Blood vessels, and
c) The Heart
THE BLOOD: Mammalian blood is made up of plasma andblood Cells, which are;
1. Plasma-liquid part of the blood. It contains water, blood proteins (e.g
fibrinogen),dissolved mineral salt, waste product, digested food.
2. The Blood Cells(corpuscles)
a) Red blood cells (Erythrocytes): biconcave, circular in shape and no nucleus when
matured, contain iron pigment called haemoglobin that helps to transport oxygen,
produced in bone marrow,
b) White blood cells (Leucocytes): irregular in shape, few than red blood cells, have
nucleus, produced in lymphatic tissues. They defend the body against foreign bodies.
c) Blood platelets (Thrombocytes): irregular or star-shaped, tiny, non-nucleated,
produced for blood clotting.
THE BLOOD VESSELS: these are a network ofspaces in the body through which material are
movedfrom one part of the body to the other with the aid of blood. There are three major
blood vessel, they are:
1. Artery: carries blood away from the heart to other part of the body. It further
divides into arterioles.
2. Vein: this vessel caries blood back to the heart from other parts of the body. It
further divides to form veinous.
3. Capillaries: tiny bloods vessel around tissues and organs where arteries and veins
meets.
THE HEART: This is a muscular organ responsible for pumping blood round the body. Each pump
action of the heart isknown a heartbeat. The heartis located in the thoracic cavity of the body,
protected by the pericardium. It consists offour chambers:the upper: auricle (right and left), the
lower: ventricles (right and left). A central wall divides the right and left part of the heart called
septum. The auricles and ventricles are divided on the right by a tricuspid valve and on the left
by a mitral/bicuspids valves.
EVALUATION
1. What is circulatory system?
2. List the functions of blood.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena chapter 29,
page 269 – 272
Essential Biology for Senior Secondary Schools by M. C. Micheal page 230 - 237
Vagina is a fibro muscular tube of 7.5 to 10cm in length, situated anterior to the rectum and
anal canal and posterior to the bladder and urethra. It is the organ of copulation, deposition of
semen, and exit from uterus during parturition. The accessory organ of the female reproductive
system includes outermost portion of the vagina (vestibule). The cowper’s glands also called
bartholin’s gland is 1.5 to 2.0cm in length located above the perineal gland. It secretes mucus to
provide vaginal lubrication.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Describe the female reproductive system.
2. What are the similarities of monogastric and polygastric animals in the area of
digestion?
3. What are the main components of circulatory system?
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena chapter 29,
page 281 – 283
Essential Biology for Senior Secondary Schools by M. C. Micheal pages 337 - 345
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Stomach of ruminant animals is made up of the following except A. gizzard B. reticulum
C. abomasum D.manyplies
2. Digestion of food start in farm animal from A. mouth B. caecum C. small intestine
D. stomach
3. Which of these is not part of the male reproductive organ A. testes B. oviduct
C. epididymis D. vas deferens
4. The part of the female reproductive system responsible or lubricating the vaginal is
known a ____ A. mucus B.perineal gland C.cowper’s gland D. epididymis
5. ____ is a major constituent of blood A.HaemoglobinB. WaterC. CalciumD. Serum
THEORY
1. Describe digestion in a named polygastric animal.
2. Differentiate between monogastic and polygastic animals.
3. What are sphincters?
WEEK FIVE
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
CONTENT
Respiratory system
Nervous system
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Respiratory system includes all the organs and tissues associated with the exchange of gases
between the animal and its environment, leading to the release of energy. The purpose of
respiration is to supply oxygen to the cell which burns down food to release energy.
C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O + ENERGY
(Glucose) (Oxygen) (Carbon dioxide) (Water) (ATP)
TYPES OF RESPIRATION
1. Aerobic respiration: This is the type of respiration that takes place in the presence of
2. Anaerobic respiration – This is the type of respiration that takes place in the absence of
oxygen. Anaerobic respiration is also known as fermentation.
C6H12O6 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + ENERGY
(Glucose) (Alcohol) (Carbon dioxide) (ATP)
RESPIRATORY ORGANS
This refers to organ such as the lungs in land animals and gills in aquatic animals.
Land animals use lungs for respiration. Other organs that aid respiration in land animals are the
nostrils (two external openings of the nasal cavity in vertebrates that admit air to the lungs),
pharnyx,Larynx (situated just below where the tract of the pharynx splits into the trachea and
the oesophagus). The trachea (windpipe) is a cartilaginous tube that connects the pharynx and
larynx to the lungs, allowing the passage of air, and so is present in almost all air-breathing
animals with lungs. The trachea extends from the larynx and branches into the two primary
bronchi. Epiglottis disallows entrance of food particles into the trachea. bronchi is a passage of
airway in the respiratory system that conducts air into the lungs.The bronchioles or bronchioli
are the passageways by which air passes through the nose or mouth to the alveoli (air sacs) of
the lung. Alveoli are tiny sacs within the lungs that allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to move
between the lungs and bloodstream.
The lungs
PROCESS OF BREATHING
Breathing process is an activity that takes place consciously or not, process of breathing moves
air in and out of the lungs. Inward movement of air is called inhalation while exhalation is the
outward movement of air from the animal body.
Aquatic animals use gillswhich are located on both side of the head region for respiration.
Thegills are in threes or fours arranged in the gill chamber. Each gill consist of a gill filament
where gaseous exchange takes place, gill raker that prevent particlesfrom entering the gill
chamber, gill arch on which the gill filament are built. The gill chamber is closed externally by
operculum.
3RDTERM/AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE/SS 1 Page 19
Name: ______________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
EVALUATION
1. Define Respiration.
2. List and explain the two types of respiration.
3. How does fish respire in water?
4. Represent Aerobic Respiration in chemical equation
5. Describe the process of respiration in a named animal?
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena chapter 29
page 272 – 274
Essential Biology for Senior Secondary Schools by M. C. Micheal page 248 - 258
NERVOUS SYSTEM
The nervous system includes all the organs and tissues which enable farm animals to respond
to changes in their environment. The change in the environment is called stimulus and the
reaction of the living things to the stimulus is response. The nervous system is made up of two
parts;
Central Nervous System: This includes the brain and the spinal cord. Both are made up of
thousands of nerves and neurons. The functions of C.N.S. are correlation of impulses from
various sense organs and storage of impulses as information.
Peripheral Nervous System: This consists of cranial and spinal nerves. The P.N.S. mediates
between animals and its external environment.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Write brief notes on a) Respiratory system b) Nervous system
2. Distinguish between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena chapter 29
page 274 – 276
Essential Biology for Senior Secondary Schools by M. C. Micheal page 313 – 324
Answer the following questions from WAEC PAQ 1994 theory question 8
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The lungs is to rabbit while____ is to fishes A. trachea B. Gill C.bronchiD.oesophagus
2. The wind pipe in the respiratory system of land animals is the A. Larynx B. Pharynx
C. alveoli D. trachea
3. Which of the following performs the same function in the gills as epiglottis A. Chamber
B. Filament C. Operculum D.Raker
4. The changes in environment that triggers response in animals is called A. Action
B. Response C. Stimuli D. impulse
5. The structural and functional unit of the nervous system is the ____ A. spinal cord
B. brain C. neurons D. spinal fluid
THEORY
Describe briefly a simple reflex action in animals and state four examples
WEEK SIX
REPRODUCTION IN FARM ANIMALS
Reproduction is the process that gives rise to young in farm animals; it is the ability of animals
to birth young. This process starts when the animal is sexually matured. Time of sexual maturity
varies between animals, in cattle it takes up to 15 months, in goat and sheep about 6 months,
poultry about 18 weeks etc. The following terms are associated with reproduction in farm
animals.
OESTRUS CYCLE
This is the interval from the end of one heat period to the beginning of another. It is under the
influence of hormone called oestrogen.It is the sexual cycle that occurs in all female animals if
the animal is not pregnant. The period varies among farm animals:
Cow – 20 – 21 days
Ewe – 17 – 21 days
Sow – 14 – 28 days
Doe (goat) – 17 – 21 days
Doe (rabbit) - spontaneous
OVULATION
HEAT PERIOD
This is the period in which female animals have the urge to copulate or accept the male animal.
The female show signs of readiness to mate. It is controlled by oestrogen. It varies among farm
animals
Cow => 5 – 24 hours
Ewe => 35 – 36 hours
Sow => 40 – 48 hours
Doe (goat) => 40 – 50 hours
Doe (rabbit) =>spontaneous
In summary, ovulation (release of eggs) then heat period (receptivity to mating) then oestrus
period (preparatory period for next ovulation)/pregnancy if there is successful mating that
leads to fertilization.
EVALUATION
1. Differentiate between oestrus cycle and heat period.
2. List the duration of ovulation in cow, pig, goat and rabbit.
MATING
This is also called coitus or copulation (sexual intercourse). This is the act in which the penis of
the male animal is inserted into the vaginal of the female animal leading to introduction of
sperm into the vagina. Mating could be natural or artificial.
NATURAL MATING
It occurs when a male after identifying a female on heat, mates with the female animal.
Examples of natural mating include:
B. PEN MATING
This form of mating occurs in pigs and poultry. A male is given a specific number of female
depending on the strength of the breed. About 1 male to 20 females on heat
C. STUD MATING
A male (stud)with proven qualities is kept in a room in this type. Any female that is on heat is
led to it for mating and thereafter the female is removed.
ARTIFICIAL MATING
This is called artificial insemination, which involves the act of inserting the spermatozoa
artificially into the vagina of female animals on heat. The sperm is collected from a male animal
with desired characters with the aid of an artificial vagina, massage method, etc. Sperm
collected is stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C.
EVALUATION
1. Explain briefly the term artificial mating.
2. Mention two advantages and two disadvantages of artificial mating
3. State two ways of collecting semen from male animals.
4. Differentiate between ovulation, heat period and oestrus cycle
5. List five sign of heat in animals.
FERTILIZATION
This is the fusion of the male and female sex cells spermatozoa and ovum respectively. This
process occurs in the Fallopian tube or oviduct.
IMPLANTATION
This is the attachment of zygote (fertilized egg) to the wall of the uterus after fertilization. The
zygote develops into a foetus and continues to grow till time of parturition.
GESTATION PERIOD
This is a period between fertilization of an ovum to the birth of young ones, conception and
birth. During gestation, female animals do not come on heat. It is under the control of hormone
called progesterone (Pregnancy hormone).
PARTURITION
This is the act of giving birth in farm animals. It marks the end of pregnancy and the beginning
of lactation. The act of parturition for each animal is unique.
Cow – Calving
Sow – Farrowing
Ewe – Lambing
EVALUATION
1. Write short note on: i) Gestation ii) Parturition
2. State five signs of parturition in farm animals.
3. What name is given to parturition ina) Sheepb) Cattlec) Pig
LACTATION
This is the period during which the female releases milk from its udder immediately after
parturition and thereafter. Lactation is under the control of hormone called oxytocin, it can be
increased by injecting animal with oxytocin.
Lactation is also be stimulated by the presence of the young ones, presence of a milker, the use
of hand to rub the udder and the use of machine to milk the cow. The milk from goat is the best
and richest of all the animals. Milk collected from animals is made fit for consumption via a
process known as pasteurization.
COLOSTRUM
This is the milk produced immediately after parturition within the first five days of milk
production is essentially colostrum. It is yellowish-white milk. It is important for the new born
animals to take colostrum because
1. It contain some anti-biotic against diseases to which the mother has been exposed.
2. It enables the new born to get immunity against diseases
3. It is rich in protein especially albumin and globulins
4. It is rich in vitamins.
5. It is highly digestible and has a laxative effect which helps the young ones to expel the
feaces.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O. A. Iwena pages 281 –
288.
Essential Biology for Senior Secondary Schools by M. C. Micheal pages 337– 344.
Answer the following questions from WAEC PAQ 2007 theory question 7, 2016 theory
question 4 and 5c, 1991 theory question 7, 1994 theory question 7 and 2015 theory
question 4b
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The interval from the end of a heat period to the beginning of another is ____
A. ovulation B.anaestrusC.oestrus cycle D. implantation
2. The following are influence by oestrogen hormone except A. lactation B. ovulation
C.oestrusD. heat
3. Natural mating predisposes animals to ____ diseases A. cholera B. venereal C. malaria
D.dounch
4. A male animal with desirable characters kept mainly for mating is called a ____
A.dounchB. stud C. bull C. heifer
5. The gestation period of a pig is A. 150 days B. 114 days C. 32 days D. 280 days
THEORY
1. Write short note on the development of an embryo.
2. Describe the right positioning of a lamb prior to expulsion.
WEEK SEVEN
REPRODUCTION IN FARM ANIMALS II
CONTENT
Processes of egg formation in poultry
Male and female reproductive hormones
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. List five animal hormones and function.
2. What are the functions of the following in the processes of egg formation in poultry?
a) Ovary
b) Oviduct
c) Magnum
d) uterus
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena chapter 30
page 288 – 290.
Answer the following questions from WAEC PAQ 2015 theory question 4a
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
THEORY
1. Draw and label the diagram of an egg.
2. List five reproductive hormones, site of secretion and their functions.
WEEK EIGHT
ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
CONTENT
Definition
Effect of changes in climate on growth, milk production and egg production
Environmental physiology refers to the effects of the environment on the growth and
performance of farm animals. It is the study of the environment in relation to the response of
farm animals. The effects could be high or low in nature. Moderation is the target for optimum
growth and performance.
CLIMATE
Climate refers to the atmospheric condition of a place over a period of time. It is marked by
rainfall, wind, temperature, humidity, sunlight etc.
RAINFALL
1. High rainfall increases pests like tsetse flies, and diseases
2. High rainfall causes chilling of young ones
3. High rainfall does favor rearing of dairy animals
4. Extremes of rainfall do not favor growth of grasses for foods
CONTROL OF RAINFALL
1. Shelter
2. Rain break
3. Drainage channels
4. Building orientation
WIND
1. Wind aids the spread of air-borne diseases e.g. tuberculosis; and death eventually
2. Moderate wind velocity promotes good ventilation.
3. Scare animals producing undesirable level of growth hormones.
CONTROL OF WIND
1. Shelter
2. Wind break
3. Openings
4. Building orientation
TEMPERATURE
1. High temperature causes a reduction in food intake; low temperature encourages more
feed intake
2. High temperature reduce spermatogenesis and libido in males
3. High temperature causes heat stress and reduced activity.
4. It may result in death of animals; in adult animals e.g birds, young animal e.g chicks and
production animals e.g layers
5. It increase water intake in hot weather and reduces water intake in cold weather.
6. It is necessary for incubation of eggs
7. It lowers yield e.g. lower egg production
8. It affects product storage period under high climatic condition
9. High temperature affects the young ones e.g. hatching of egg is reduced.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
1. It is very important in physiological processes e.g. incubation.
2. High humidity compounds stress.
3. Low humidity induces rapid water loss from animal body and thus increases their water
intake
4. High humidity encourages the spread of diseases
5. High humidity causes feeds to go moldy
6. Causes chilling of young ones
CONTROL OF HUMIDITY
1. Fixing humidifiers or open trays filled with water to increase humidity
2. Allowing free ventilation when the humidity is high
3. Avoidance of spilling of water to reduce humidity or dampness e.g. in poultry house
LIGHT
1. Controls egg laying in hens
CONTROL OF LIGHT
1. In short daylight, provide extra illumination
2. There should be openings to promote lighting e.g. use of wire meshing and glass as
reasonable parts of building construction.
3. Cover up windows with dark cloth to reduce light intensity.
A favorable climate cteris paribus should give room for farmers to make optimum gain from
their enterprise. To this end, farmers ought to keep things in check such as
A. Installing fans and air conditioners
B. Plan for good ventilation when constructing animal house
C. Used building materials that are poor conductors of heat
D. Painting walls of animal house white to reflect sun rays
E. Construct farm houses east west direction
F. Use mesh in place of brick wall at some heights
G. Install humidifiers or open trays filled with water to increase or reduce humidity.
And try to control all they can to ensure their investment do not go to waste.
EVALUATION
1. What is environmental physiology?
2. Write short notes on the effect of changes in rainfall and wind on growth in farm
animals.
3. State two air-borne diseases that affect farm animals.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Environmental Physiology from Essential Agriculture by O.A. Iwena pages 292-294
Answer the following questions from WAEC PAQ 2007 theory question 8 and 2000
theory question 7
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The instrument used to measure the relative humidity is A.thermometer
B.anemometer C.hygrometer D.hydrometer
2. Which of the climate factors is likely to have the greatest effect on animal production in
Nigeria? A. temperature B.air movement C. rainfall D.pressure
3. The factors that can predispose animals to diseases include the following except A. poor
housing B. malnutrition C. immunity D. physical injuries
4. The effects of high environmental temperature on dairy cows include the following
except A. fever B.high feed intake C.high water intake D.low milk production
5. The equatorial rain forest belt is not usually used for cattle production because of the A.
low relative humidity B.absence of natural grasslands C.incidence of Tsetse flies
D.dense vegetation
THEORY
1. Discuss brieflyA.rainfall B.light C.temperature in relation to poultry production.
2. Write short note on the effect of temperature on brooding of chicks.
WEEK NINE
LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT
CONTENT
MANAGEMENT OF A MONOGASTRIC ANIMAL (PIGS)
- Terms used in pigs management
- Breeds of pigs
- Characteristics of pigs
- System of rearing pigs
- Housing, feeding and hygiene
- Management of pigs
Pigs are non-ruminant animals in the genus sus, within even-toed ungulate family suidae. They
are primarily reared for meat.
BREEDS OF PIGS
Hampshire Yorkshire (Largewhite) Poland china Landrace
Berkshire Large black West African dwarf Duroc
CHARACTERISTICS OF PIGS
1. Pork is a good source of protein
2. It has a short gestation period of 114 days ( 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days)
3. Pigs are prolific animals, it farrows twice a year with 8-14 piglets per litter.
4. Have excellent dressing percentage (the ratio of meat to bone is very high)
5. Excellently converts feed to meat
6. Matures quickly (6 – 9 months)
7. They are polyestrus (they can breed at any time of the year)
8. Their salvage value is high
EVALUATION
1. List five breeds of pigs.
2. List and explain five terms used in pig management.
3. Outline five characteristics of pigs
SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEM
In this system, housing is provided for the pigs and they are allowed to move out to feed on
INTENSIVE SYSTEM
In this system, pigs are confined within a building and they are not allowed to move out of
the compound. They are reared in pens. Necessary materials such as feeds, water,
medications are provided for them. They are protected from adverse weather condition but
the system is capital intensive and growth rate is very high.
EVALUATION
1. Discuss briefly the extensive system of rearing pigs.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the intensive system of rearing pigs?
HOUSING OF PIGS
Pigs are housed in pens. Pens should be sited far from residential areas because of their odor
and noises. The house should be made of low walls with concrete floors which allow for free
flow of air. The floor should be hard and slope towards the drain for easy cleaning. The floor
should be slightly rough to prevent slippery of pigs. The roof should be made of asbestos for
easy absorption of heat. Feed trough, water trough and water bath should be provided.
FEEDING
Balanced diet should be offered to pigs. They should be well fed but not over fed to prevent
excessive fat deposition. Breeders mash should be fed to breeders. Flushing which is the intake
of the gilt or sow to produce more eggs should be done 7-10 days before breeding and
maintained until the animal is bred. Pregnant or in-sow should not be over fed so as to prevent
excessive deposition leading to small litter size. Laxative diet should be given to pregnant
animals to aid easy parturition and lactation. Creep feed should be given to piglets as from two
weeks of age to promote rapid growth. Creep feeding is feeding piglet separate from the dam
(the feed is either pelleted or crumbled). Weaners diet should be given to weaners from about
14 weeks at the rate of 1kg / pig / day and 2.5litres of water. During fattening stage, fatteners
mash should be given to pigs until they reach market weight of 60-90kg at 7months.
HEALTH/HYGIENE
1. The pens should be regularly cleaned by scrubbing the floor.
2. The pens should be regularly disinfected to prevent germs.
3. The feeding and water trough should be cleaned to prevent contamination.
4. They should be de-wormed at regular interval.
5. They should be vaccinated against diseases.
EVALUATION
1. What is the importance of the following feed in pig management A. laxative B. creep
feed C. fatteners mash?
2. Discuss briefly hygiene in pigs’ management.
BREEDING TO FARROWING
Breeders are housed in the breeders’ house. Boar and gilt should be at least 8months old
before they are bred. The gilt must have at least 12 spaced functional teats. Gilt or sow is
made to mate in the second day of heat and the next mating done 24 hours later.
The gilt should be taken to farrowing house 3 to 4 days before parturition.
BIRTH TO WEANING
Heat is provided for the piglets to prevent cold. The middle tooth is cut off to prevent injury
to the mother’s teats and other piglets while fighting.
The first dose of iron dextian injection is given to piglets at 2-3 days of age while the second
dose is given 2-3 weeks later to prevent baby pig anaemia.
Male piglets not needed for breeding are castrated at 2 weeks of age. They are ear-notched
for the purpose of identification and weaned at 42 days.
WEANING TO FINISHING
Weaner’s are fed with weaner’s mash and fattener’s mash few weeks later. Drugs and
vaccines should be provided. They should be allowed to exercise their body to prevent fat
build up.
Wallow place should be provided since they are non-sweating animals.
Fatteners reach market weight at about 5-6 months of age depending on management and
nutrition.
External parasites include mange, mites, ticks, lice, flea all these can be controlled by spraying
their post with pesticide regularly or dipping them in insecticide solution.
Internal parasites are round worm (ascarislumbricoides), whip worm (trichurissuis), nodular
worm (oesophagostomum app), kidney worm (stepphanurusdentatus), lungworm
(metastrongylus app), tapeworm (taeniasolium). They can be controlled by giving animals broad
spectrum anthelmintics and dewormers, timely cleaning of graces from pig houses.
SWINE ERYSIPELAS
Also referred to as diamond skin disease is caused by bacteria (Erysipelothrixrhusiopathiae)
that could come in contact with healthy animals via infected soil or feaces from infected
animals. It manifests through fever (pyrexia), unwillingness to stand, swellings in joints,
lameness. It can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin.
HYPOGLYCAEMIA
Also known as baby pig disease manifests mostly in piglets and could be very deadly. Symptoms
include shivering, standing hairs, weakness, and fall in temperature, twisted neck and
uncoordinated eye balls. Death could occur within 2days. Provide warmth to pigs farrowing in
cold season to prevent this disease and give diseased animal glucose injection.
EVALUATION
1. State two disadvantages of intensive method of rearing pigs.
2. Discuss briefly the management of pigs from A. birth to weaning B. weaning to finishing
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Outline four characteristics of pigs
2. List five breeds of pigs
3. List three systems of rearing pigs
4. State two advantages of intensive method of rearing pigs
5. Mention two disadvantages of extensive method of rearing pigs
6. Discuss briefly the feeding and hygiene of pigs
7. Discuss briefly the management of pigs from breeding to finishing
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena chapter 29
page 309 – 314
Answer the following questions from WAEC PAQ 2008 theory question 7 and 8, 2009
theory question 7 and 8, 2010 theory question 8, 2011 theory question 7
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. A matured male pig is called ____ A. boar B. bull C. sow D. buck
2. The gestation period in days of a sow is ____ days A. 124 B. 183 C. 114 D. 141
3. The house of pigs are referred to as ____ A. hutch B. sty C. paddock D. stable
4. Diet given to pregnant sow to aid easy parturition and lactation is referred to as
A. mash B. flushing C. creep D. laxative
5. Which of the following is a breed if pig A. Chinchilla B. Tam worth C. Chester white
D.Duroc
THEORY
WEEK TEN
LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT II
CONTENT
MANAGEMENT OF RUMINANT [CATTLE]
Cattle
Breeds of cattle
Terms used in cattle management
Characteristics of cattle
System of rearing cattle
Feeding of cattle
Management of cattle
Cattle are ruminant animal (they have complex or complicated stomach structures). Cattle have
hollow horns and hoofs. They are reared for meat, milk, hide and skin, manure and draught
animals for farm work. They belong to the family bovidae and genus Bos; humped cattle are
Bosindicushumpless are Bostaurus.
BREEDS OF CATTLE
Breeds of cattle can be grouped into three. These are
EVALUATION
1. State five breeds of cattle
2. List five importance of cattle
CHARACTERISTICS OF CATTLE
1. They are large bodied animals.
2. Most male and female cattle have horns some are polled.
3. They are either humped or humpless.
4. They calf at least once in a year.
1
5. They have a gestation period of about 275-283 days (9 months).
2
6. The female produces a calf in one parturition.
SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEM
In this system, housing is provided and they are allowed to move about a fenced compound
with pasture. They spend more time outside their pens. The system needs low capital
investment but labour requirement is high. Diseases and parasites infestation are slightly
high.
INTENSIVE SYSTEM
EVALUATION
1. Outline five characteristics of cattle.
2. What are the disadvantages of extensive system of rearing cattle?
FEEDING
1. The feed for cattle must be a balanced diet; they are grazers.
2. Cattle feed mainly on roughages (grasses and legumes). Common grasses that can be
fed on by cattle include elephant grass, guinea grass and giant star grass etc.
3. Cattle should be fed on concentrate feed to supply the required nutrient in their diet.
4. Zero-grazing or rational grazing can be practiced.
a. Zero grazing grasses are cut and taken to the cattle in their pens.
b. Rational grazing-cattle are moved about in paddocks as they graze on the
pasture.
5. Other feeds that can be fed to cattle include hay, silage, strawe.t.c.
6. Dairy cattle should be given more concentrate than the beef cattle
MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE
The management of cattle from breeding to market size can be grouped under three headings
which includes
WEANING TO FINISHING
The weaned calf is fed with concentrate and roughages. The de-horning or dis-budding is
performed for easy handling of the cattle when they grow up. De-horning can be done by using
hot iron to burn out the horn bud or by applying caustic soda to the horn bud. Saw can also be
used to cut off the horn and later treated with iodine. Branding and tattooing is later done for
the purpose of identification of the calf. Ear notching can also be used for identification.
It is transmitted by direct body contact. Treat all infected animals with insecticides and
repeat after 2weeks, maintain proper hygiene and sanitation in pig houses, administer
invermectin or ivomec injection.
Some effective insecticide again mange are diazuntol, malathione, benzyl benzoate,
benzene hexachloride etc.
It is transmitted via direct body contact, suckling infected milk, inhaling infected
droplets from a coughing or sneezing animal with the disease, inhaling infected dust
particles etc.
Symptoms include frequent dry coughing with whitish or yellowish discharge, swelling of
lymph node on necks and front leg, hard lumpy and enlarged udder with pus
filled/yellowish milk droplets, emaciation and death.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. List five breeds of cattle
2. List five products that can be obtained from cattle
3. Outline five characteristics of cattle
4. Discuss briefly the intensive system of rearing cattle
5. discuss briefly the management of cattle from
a. breeding to calving
b. birth to weaning
6. List four other feeds that can be fed to cattle apart from fresh grasses.
7. Discuss briefly the common parasite and disease of cattle.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The gestation period in days of a cow is A. 283 B. 114 C. 42 D. 823
2. The discontinuation of feeding young animals with milk is known as A. lactation
B. weaning C.suckling D. feeding
3. Natural immunity against diseases is conferred on the newly born young animals
through A. feeding of colostrumsB. vaccination C. Sanitation D. weaning
4. A young female cattle is referred to as a A. cow B. bull C. heifer D.vealer
5. The act of parturition in cow is known as A. kidding B. calving C. weaning D. sowing
THEORY
1. Define the following in cattle rearing a) tattooing b) zero-grazing c) rotational grazing.
2. Outline five economic importances of cattle.