07/09/2020
Correction to the questions on lesson 15
1. Three major problems militating against commercial production of rabbits in Nigeria include:
 a. Incidence of respiratory diseases e.g. snuffles and pneumonia.
b. Inadequate sanitation and proper sanitation programmes.
c. It is labour intensive.
2. Two sanitary measures to be adopted in rabbitary include:
 a. Disinfect the rabbitary st regular intervals to keep it germ- free.
 b. Provide a disinfectant bath or foot dip at the entrance to prevent introduction of germs into the rabbitary by visitors.
 3. Five common diseases of rabbits include:
a. Coccidiosis
 b. Enteritis
c. Ear canker mange
d. Helminthiasis
e. Sore hock
Correction to the questions on lesson 16
- Definitions in relation to pig production:
a. Barrow : A castrated male pig.
b. Farrowing: The act of parturition in pig
c. Weaners: Young pigs just separated from the mother
d. Gilt: A female pig that is mature to reproduce or has reproduced once.
 2. Three Characteristics of Pig:
a. Pigs are very prolific animals. At 8-9 months of age, a gilt is matured and can farrow twice a year, producing 8-10 piglets per litre.
b. They have a short gestation period of 114 days.
c. They are good converter of feed into meat.
3. Three systems of rearing pig:
a. Extensive system
b. Semi-intensive system
c. Intensive system
31/08/2020
LESSON 16
PIG HUSBANDRY
Pigs are non-ruminant animals and they belong to the family called sudae.
Breeds of Pig
The breeds of pig include:
Large White
Large Black
Duroc Jersey
Poland China
Tamworth
West African Dwarf Pig
Hampshire
American Landrace
Chester White
Belgium Pie Train
Terminologies Used in Pig Husbandry
Boar: A mature male pig
Sow: A mature female pig
Gilt: A female pig that is mature to reproduce or has reproduced once.
Piglet: The young or baby pig
Weaners: Young pigs just separated from the mother
Fatteners: Old pigs reared for the market
Barrow: A castrated male pig
Farrowing: The act of parturition in pig
In sow: Pregnant sow
Dry sow: Sow that is not pregnant
Pork: The meat of pig
Bacon: Salted pig meat.
Lard: Pig meat with fat.
Characteristics of Pig
1.Pigs are very prolific animals. At 8-9months of age, a gilt is matured and can farrow twice a year, producing 8-10piglets per litre.
2. They have a short gestation period of 114days.
3. They mature very early.
4. They are good converter of feed into meat.
5. They require a very little investment in terms of building and equipment.
Systems of Rearing Pigs
There are three systems of rearing pigs I.e extensive, semi-intensive and intensive systems.
Extensive System
In this system, the pigs are allowed to roam about and fend for themselves.
This system has little or no capital investment and the cost of production is low.
However, disease incidence of worm infestations are high. The animals are exposed to adverse weather conditions.
Semi-intensive System
Here, housing is provided for the animals and are allowed to move out to feed on natural vegetation. Paddocks are provided around the house which is fenced. Wallows and shades are also provided.
Concentrate feeds are also provided for the animals.
Intensive System
In this system, the pigs are confined within a building and are not allowed to move out. They are raised inside the pens on either concrete or iron slated floor.
Feeds, water and medications are supplied daily in adequate quantity and good sanitation is maintained. The system saves labour, provides conditions for good management standards and easy control of internal parasites. The feed efficiency is high, thus the growth rate is also very high. The system requires high capital investment in termsof building and feeding.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Define the following as related to pig husbandry:
a. Barrow
b. Farrowing
c. Weaners
d. Gilt
2. State three characteristics of pig
3. Mention three systems of rearing pigs
24/08/2020
LESSON 15
Topic: Rabbit Management(Continuation)
As we try to conclude our lesson on rabbit production, let’s examine the following sub-topics:
Problems Militating Against Rabbit Production in Nigeria
Majors problems militating against commercial production of rabbits in Nigeria include:
1. Unpredictable breeding behaviour of rabbits.
2. Incidence of respiratory diseases e.g. snuffles and pneumonia.
3. Inadequate sanitation and proper sanitation programmes.
4. High nest-box mortality of litters.
5. It is labour intensive.
Housing of Rabbits
Rabbits are usually kept in hutches. The hutches are arranged in single, double or triple tiers. The waist-high, single tier hutches are preferable for they save time and labour in feeding and management. Wooden or metal hutches with wire-netting surroundings are widely used. The hutches are placed under a building usually referred to as rabbitary. The rabbitary must be well ventilated. The floor of the rabbitary should be made with concrete for easy cleaning. The roof should be made with corrugated iron sheets or asbestos sheets. Legs of hutches should be placed in disinfectant bowls to keep off termites and other insects attack.
Feeding
Rabbits are simple stomach herbivores, i.e. they feed mainly on plants. They are given concentrates in form of pellets in small quantities. The pellets given can be supplemented with Aspillia africana, sweet potato leaves, etc. Rabbits can be given poultry grower’s mash in the absence of rabbit pellets. This should however be sprinkled with water to prevent wastage and nasal irritation. The protein content of feeds for dry Does and Bucks should be 12-15% while that of pregnant does and nursing does is 16-20%. Water should be supplied all the time.
Hygiene/Health
Common hygiene or sanitary measures to be adopted in rabbitary include:
1. Clean the floor of the rabbitary daily.
2. Disinfect the rabbitary st regular intervals to keep it germ- free.
3. Deworm their rabbits at regular intervals.
4. Clean the feed and water throughs to prevent contamination.
5. Provide a disinfectant bath or foot dip at the entrance to prevent introduction of germs into the rabbitary by visitors.
Diseases of Rabbits
Common diseases of rabbits include:
1. Coccidiosis
2. Enteritis
3. Ear canker mange
4. Helminthiasis
5. Ringworm
6. Sore hock
7. Mixomytosis
8. Mastitis
9. Pneumonia
10. Bloat
ASSIGNMENT
Answer the following questions and submit using the form provided:
1. State three major problems militating against commercial production of rabbits in Nigeria.
2. State two sanitary measures that should be adopted in rabbit production.
3. Mention five common diseases of rabbits.
CORRECTION TO THE ASSIGNMENT ON LESSON 14
1.a. Dam: The mother of a set of young rabbits.
b. Pelt: The skin of rabbit
c. Sire: The father of a set of young rabbits.
d. Warren: Young or baby rabbit.
e. Buck: An adult male rabbit.
2. Five general characteristics of rabbits include:
a. Rabbits have medium-sized body.
b. They are easy to house.
c. They are very prolific.
d. They have short gestation period.
e.They have high rate of disease resistance.
17/08/2020
LESSON 14
Topic: Rabbit Management
Rabbits are categorized as monogastric or non-ruminant animals. They are medium-sized hopping mammals with kind legs, long ears and short tails. Rabbits are mainly reared for their meat. Their meat is regarded as white meat.
Terms Used in Rabbit Production
Buck: An adult male rabbit
Doe: An adult female rabbit
Kitten/Warren: A young or baby rabbit
Hutch: The house of rabbit.
Kindling: The act of parturition in rabbit.
Pelt: The skin of rabbit
Litter: All the young rabbits produced at the same time by a doe.
Sucking: Feeding of young ones on their mother’s breast milk.
Dam: The mother of a set of young rabbits.
Sire: The father of a set of young rabbits.
General Characteristics of Rabbits
1. They have medium-sized body.
2. They are easy to house.
3. Rabbits are very prolific animals or can produce many litters.
4. Rabbits have a short gestation period of 30-31days.
5. The rate of cannibalism is very high.
6. They are susceptible to stress.
7. They are easy to handle or manage.
Breeds of Rabbits
Common breeds of rabbits include:
California white
Flemish giant
California red
Chinchilla
New Zealand white
Blue Beveren
Dutch
Checkered
New Zealand red
Angora
Importance of Rabbit
The importance of rabbits is found in the following areas:
Provision of meat
Provision of rabbit skin or pelt
Provision of manure
Research purpose
ASSIGNMENT
Answer the following questions:
- State the meaning of the following in relation to rabbit production:
a. Dam
b. Pelt
c. Sire
d. Warren
e. Buck
2. Mention five general characteristics of rabbits
10/08/2020
LESSON 13
Topic: Management of Goat
Goat is a hollow horned small ruminant belonging to the family Bovidae of the genus Capra. Goat is reared for it’s meat, milk and hide and skin. Its milk is the richest of all the milk produced by animals including man.
Breeds of Goat
- Sokoto Red
- Bornu Red
- West African long legged goat
- West African dwarf goat
- Bantu
- Anglo-Nubian
- Alphine
- Kano Brown
- East African small goat
- Angora.
Terminologies Used in Goat Management
Buck(Billy): Adult male goat
Doe(Nanny): Adult female goat
Kid: A young or baby goat
Wether: A castrated male goat
Kidding: Act of giving birth in goat
Chevon: Meat of goat
General Characteristics of Goat
- Goats are tough and hardy animals that can survive unfavourable environmental conditions.
- They are small bodied animals.
- They can produce kids twice a year.
- Both male and female goats have horns.
- They are mostly reared on extensive system of management.
- They have a gestation period of between 145-150 days or 4-5 months.
- They can browse on many forage plants. Hence, the cost of producing goat is cheap.
Systems of Rearing Goat
Just as mentioned in cattle management, the systems of rearing ruminants are similar, including goat. Hence, the three systems of rearing goat are:
- Extensive system
- Semi-intensive system
- Intensive system.
The systems are determined based on the extent to which housing, feeding and medications are provided.
Management of Goat.
The management of goat from breeding to market weight or size is grouped into three phases:
- From breeding to kidding;
- from kidding to weaning;
- from weaning to finishing (market size).
ASSIGNMENT
Answer the following questions and submit through the provided form:
- Name five breeds of goat in Nigeria.
- State three general characteristics of goat.
- State the three phases in the management of goat from breeding to market weight or size
CORRECTION TO QUESTIONS ON LESSON 12
- Three advantages of the intensive system of rearing ruminants:
a. There is proper supervision of animals.
b. Record keeping is easier.
c. It gives protection against environmental hazards and exposure to adverse weather conditions.
- How and why dairy cattle feeding should be different from that of beef cattle:
Dairy cattle should be given more concentrates than beef cattle because dairy cattle require concentrates for milk production.
- Three common diseases of cattle:
a. Foot and mouth disease
b. Rinderpest
c. Trypanosomiasis.
03/08/2020
LESSON 12
TOPIC: SYSTEMS OF REARING CATTLE
There are three systems of rearing cattle. These are extensive, semi-intensive and intensive systems.
a. Extensive system: Extensive system of rearing ruminants e.g. cattle, sheep and goat is the same. It involves the following:
Cattle are allowed to move freely from one place to another in search of pasture for grazing or browsing. There is no special housing unit provided. In most cases, no medication is provided for the animals. It is a very cheap system of rearing livestock. Disease outbreak cannot be easily controlled. Animals can be stolen or killed by wild animals. There is also indiscriminate mating and the cow deliver their young ones in the field.
b. Semi-intensive system: Under this system, housing is provided for the cattle and they are also allowed to move out and grazeon pasture. The animals spend more time outside their pens. Houses are built with suitable materials that can permit free circulation of air. The houses are not completely walled, and rails are preferred to solid walls which should be about 2m high.
The system needs less capital investment but large labour requirements, disease and parasite incidence are slightly high.
c. Intensive system: In this system, the cattle are confined within a building with limited access to grazing. Grasses (by zero grazing), water, medications are supplied daily to the cattle.
Advantages of the intensive system of rearing ruminants
- It gives animals protection against environmental hazards and exposure to adverse weather conditions.
- There is proper supervision of the animals.
- Record keeping is made easier.
- It ensures adequate and balance feeding.
- It enhances performance of the animals.
Housing
In West Africa, cattle are reared by peasant farmers especially the nomadic Fulanis who roam about with their cattle. Here, there are no formal houses erected for the cattle. The animals are kept in a kraal at night to prevent wandering about.
Open shed with thatched roof made of strong timber posts and railings us provided as houses in some areas.
In modern animal husbandry, houses are built with suitable materials that can permit free circulation of air.
Houses for dairy cattle may be slightly different in design from that of the beef cattle because of their difference in the type of production.
Feeding
The feed for cattle must be a balanced diet, which contains all the nutrients required for growth and production. Cattle, being ruminants, feed mainly on roughages(grasses and legumes) because of the nature of their stomach. Common grasses that can be fed on by cattle are elephant grass, guinea grass, etc and legumes which include centrosema spp, calopogonium spp, etc. Cattle can be fed on concentrates to provide the required nutrients in their diet.
Other preserved feeds like hay, silage and straw can be fed on by cattle especially during the dry season, when green pastures are not available. Dairy cattle should be given more concentrates than beef cattle, as the former requires more concentrates for milk production.
Common Diseases of Cattle
These include: foot and mouth disease, rinderpest disease, anthrax, tuberculosis, trypanosomiasis, and red water fever.
These diseases should be prevented through the use of appropriate drugs and vaccines.
Management of Cattle
The management of cattle from breeding to market size can be grouped into three phases:
a. from breeding to calving;
b. from birth of calf to weaning;
c. from weaning to finishing(market size).
ASSIGNMENT
Answer the following questions and submit using the the form provided:
1.State three advantages of the intensive system of rearing ruminants.
2.How and why should dairy cattle feeding be different from that of beef cattle?
- Mention any three common diseases of cattle.
CORRECTION TO QUESTIONS ON LESSON 11
- Five breeds of cattle found in Nigeria:
a.Sokoto Gudali
b. White Fulani
c. Red Bororo
d. Muturu
e. N’dama.
- Three breeds of cattle based on purpose with two examples each:
a. Beef cattle e.g. Red Bororo, Sokoto Gudali
b. Dairy cattle e.g. White Fulani, Dairy short horn.
c. Dual purpose cattle e.g. Muturu, Wadara.
- Two characteristics of West African breeds of cattle:
a. They are tolerant to some diseases.
b. They have small body weight.
27/07/2020
LESSON 11
Topic: Management of Cattle
Cattle belongs to the group of animals known asBovidae. They are ruminants having hollow horns and hoofs with an even number of toes. Cattle are reared for their meat, milk, hide and skin, manure and as draught animals for work on the farm.
Breeds of Cattle
These include:
1.Azawal 2.Sokoto Gudali 3.Wadara(Shuwa)
4.White Fulani 5.Red Bororo 6.Muturu
7.N’dama 8.Keteku(Borglu) 9.Kuri
10.Brown Swiss 11.Holstein 12.Jersey.
The breeds of cattle can also be categorized into three groups. These groups are:
1.Beef cattle: These are cattle which have that ability to produce meat e.g. N’dama, Red Bororo, Sokoto Gudali, Keteku, Kuri, Rahaji, Brown Swiss.
- Dairy cattle: These are cattle which are reared mainly to produce milk e.g. White Fulani, Jersey, Dexter, Holstein, etc.
- Dual purpose cattle: These are cattle capable of producing milk and meat e.g. Azawal, Muturu, Biu, Wadara(Shuwa).
Terminologies Used in Cattle
Bull: An adult male cattle.
Cow: An adult female cattle.
Heifer: A growing female cattle up to her first calving.
Steer: A castrated male cattle.
Serving: Act of mating in
cattle
Calving: Act of parturition in cattle.
Herd : A group of cattle.
Characteristics of West African Breeds of Cattle
- Very hardy
- Have great tolerance to heat and humidity.
- Tolerant to some diseases e.g. trypanosomiasis.
- Can withstand stress and travel long distance.
- Are mostly of dual purpose( produce meat and milk).
Economic Importance of Cattle
- Cattle provide meat and milk for man.
- Some cattle help to pull ploughs and work as draught animals.
- They provide hides and skin.
- Cattle dung(faeces) is a very good source of manure.
- Cattle are used for research and educational purposes.
ASSIGNMENT
- Name five breeds of cattle found on Nigeria.
- Based on purpose of rearing state three breeds of cattle and give two examples each.
- State two characteristics of West African breeds of cattle
20/07/2020
LESSON TEN
TOPIC: Poultry Management(continuation)
Incubation: This is the process of providing fertilised eggs with optimum conditions of temperature, relative humidity and ventilation necessary for the development of chicks and their successful hatching.
Types of Incubation
There are two types of incubation. These are:
- Natural incubation
- Artificial incubation
Natural incubation is done by the hen itself after having a number of eggs. The hen lays about 15 eggs and stops. It sits on the eggs and provides all conditions of temperature, relative humidity and ventilation required for the chick to develop and hatch.
The number of eggs that can be incubated by a hen at any time is very small.
Artificial Incubation is designed to provide ideal conditions naturally provided by hen. It uses man made devices called incubators to provide optimum conditions necessary for the embryo to develop into chick. The most important equipment in hatchery.
Advantages of artificial incubation:
- Hens do not have to stop egg production.
- Large number of eggs are incubated and hatched at the same time.
Measures for the efficient operation of an egg incubator:
- Maintain the right temperature during incubation.
- Test-run the incubator before you set eggs inside.
- Maintain the right relative humidity during incubation.
- Allow for adequate escape of CO from incubator.
- Ensure regular supply of power to the incubator.
- Place incubator away from walls.
- Candle eggs progressively.
- Fumigate incubator before setting eggs.
- Incubator should be handled by trained and experienced personnel.
Optimum Incubation Conditions
- Temperature: This is usually 37-39°C.
- Relative humidity: Relative humidity of 50-60% during the first 19days and 75% during the last two to three days to prevent dehydrating the chicks in the hatcher.
3.Ventilation(Air flow): Free movement of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour through the shell is very essential for the developing embryo. - Egg positioning during incubation: Eggs are usually placed in the incubator with the large end facing upward. However, some studies indicate that eggs set with the large ends downward hatch equally Mgood.
- Egg turning: If eggs are left in one position throughout the incubation period, they hatch poorly. Under natural condition, the eggs are turned with hen’s beak and body.
However, modern incubators are equipped with automatic turning mechanism which turns the eggs six to eight times a day.
CORRECTION TO THE QUESTIONS ON LESSON NINE
1. Three reasons for providing suitable housing for livestock:
a. To protect animals from harsh weather conditions.
b. To prevent indiscriminate mating.
c. To ensure maximum utilization of feed and water.
Characteristics of a good layer
A good layer has a broad and square head.
It has soft and pliable abdomen.
It possesses a wide and moist cloaca.
It has pale coloured shank.
It has bright red comb and wattle.
13/07/2020
LESSON NINE
Topic: Livestock Management
Meaning
Livestock management refers to the rearing of animals and birds in a farm.
Poultry Management
Poultry refers to group of birds reared for food and other purposes. These include domestic fowl, turkey, guinea fowl, duck, etc.
Terms Used in Poultry Management
Hen: Female fowl above one year of age.
Pullet: Female fowl below one year of age.
Capon: A castrated male fowl.
Caponization: The process of castration in fowl.
Treading: Act of mating in fowl.
Chick: A young fowl(0-6 weeks old)
Chicken: Meat of fowl.
Flock: A group of fowls.
Breeds of Domestic Fowls
1. Egg producers e.g white leghorn, brown leghorn
2. Meat producers(broilers)e.g Sussex, Cornish, and Cochin.
3. Dual purpose fowl e.g Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, and New Hampshire.
System of Poultry Management
The system of management in poultry depends on the extent to which the birds are exposed to sunshine, pasture and also housing pattern. Based on this, there are three systems of poultry management: extensive, semi-intensive and intensive systems.
Extensive System : Under this system, the domestic fowls are allowed to roam about in search of food and water. There are no proper housing, care and feeding for the birds. Example of the extensive system of rearing poultry bird is the Free range system.
Advantages of extensive system
.Initial capital requirement is small.
.The labour involved is small.
Disadvantages of extensive system
.It requires large area of land.
.It exposes the birds to extreme weather conditions.
Semi-intensive System
This is mid-way between intensive and extensive systems. The birds are housed in a fixed building but are allowed to move about within a fenced area during the day. A good example of the semi-intensive system is the fold unit system.
Advantages of Semi-intensive system
.The birds have access to natural vegetation which provides vitamins and minerals.
.There is protection against adverse weather conditions.
Disadvantages of Semi-intensive system
.It leads to lower egg production compared to intensive system.
.It also leads to high cost of feeding the birds.
Intensive system
Here, the birds are confined within the building and are not allowed to move out. Feeds, water and all medications are provided for the birds. Two examples of intensive system of poultry management are:
. Deep Litter System
. Battery Cage System
Advantages of intensive
.It saves space as the batteries are are set up in tiers(battery cage system).
.It increases efficiency in poultry management.
Disadvantages of intensive system
.The cost of construction of house for the birds is high.
.The cost of feeding is also high.
ASSIGNMENT
Answer the following questions and submit using the form provided:
1. State three (3) reasons for providing suitable housing for livestock.
2. State five (5) characteristics of a good layer.
CORRECTION TO THE QUESTIONS ON LESSON EIGHT
. Farm animals refers to a group of animals which are reared in the farm either for food or for commercial purposes.
. Difference between aquatic and terrestrial animals:
Aquatic animals are those animals that live in the water while terrestrial animals are those that live on land.
Two examples of aquatic animals are fish and shrimp
Two examples of terrestrial animals are goat and rabbit.
. Other examples of animal products:
a. Milk
b. Horn
c. Bone
d. Animal dung or manure
e. Blood.
06/07/2020
LESSON EIGHT
TOPIC: TYPES AND CLASSIFICATION OF FARM ANIMALS
Definition
Farm animals refer to a group of animals that are reared in the farm either for food or for commercial purposes.
Types of farm animals
The various types of farm animals include pig, cattle, sheep, goat, etc.
Classification of farm animals
Farm animals can be classified based on:
a. Habitat
b. Nature of the digestive tract
c. Uses
Classification of farm animals based on habitat: Farm animals are classified into two based on their habitat :
- Terrestrial animals : These are animals that live on land. In other words, they live on the surface of the land. Examples of terrestrial animals are cattle, sheep, goat, rabbit, grasscutter, poultry birds such as domestic fowl, geese, turkey, etc.
- Aquatic animals: These are animals that live in water. They live inside various water bodies such as river, stream, lake, etc. All their activities are related to water. Examples of aquatic animals are fishes, shrimps, oyster, etc.
Classification of farm animals based on the nature of the digestive tract
Farm animals are classified into two based on the nature of the digestive tract. These are :
a. Monogastric or non-ruminant animals : These are animals f
which posses only one stomach and they do not chew the cud. Examples are pig, rabbit and poultry birds such as domestic fowl, duck, turkey, etc.
b. Polygastric or ruminant animals : These are animals that posses four stomach compartments(complex stomach) and hence, they chew the cud. The four stomach compartments are rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum(true stomach). Examples of ruminant animals are goat, cattle, sheep, etc. - Classification of farm animals based on their uses.
All farm animals are reared for one or more uses to the farmers either for food or for other purposes. Some of the uses of farm animals include :
a. Food : Virtually all farm animals provide food for mankind especially protein, minerals and some vitamins. Some of these animals are cattle, sheep, goat, turkey, etc.
b. Hide and skin: Hide and skin are derived from the skin of cattle, sheep, goat, etc. Hide and skin are used for bags, shoes, decorations,etc.
c. Egg: Eggs are mainly produced by poultry birds such as domestic fowl, turkey, geese, etc. Egg is a source of protein, used in pharmaceuticals, used industrially for making adhesives, scouring powder, etc.
d. Income: All farm animals are also reared to provide income both to the farmers and the nation.
e. Feathers: Feathers are derived mainly from poultry birds such as domestic fowl, turkey, etc. Feathers are used for making pillows, cushions, etc.
ASSIGNMENT
answer the following questions and submit using the form provided: - 1. What are farm animals?
- 2. Differentiate between terrestrial and aquatic animals and give two examples of each group.
- 3. Name five other products that are derived from farm animals.
29/06/2020
LESSON SEVEN
TOPIC: WEEDS(continuation)
It’s been said that weeds have some harmful effects. However, some weeds are still useful to farmers.
Benefits of weeds to farmers
1. Weeds helps in checking soil erosion.Some weeds are useful as food for humans e.g. water leaf.
2. Some weeds serve as feed for livestock.
3. Certain weeds have medicinal values.
4. Weeds are cut and used as mulch.
5. Weeds are used for compost making.
6. Weeds can be ploughed into the soil to replenish soil nutrients.
Dispersal of Weed Seeds and fruits
Most seeds and fruits of weeds are dispersed by wind and animals. Mode of dispersal of weeds include:
a. Dispersal of seeds by wind : the seeds and fruits of many weeds are specially adapted to dispersal by wind. Such weeds often have feathery, winged seeds e.g. tridax, goat weed, etc.
b. Dispersal of seeds by animals : Animals such as squirrel, rats and man are involved in the dispersal of weed seeds. Animal-dispersed weeds usually have sticky, hooked, edible or colourful seeds or fruits. The sticky types of seeds adhere to the coat of grazing animals which are then carried from one place to another.
Examples of animal-dispersed weeds include pig weed, commelina spp.
c. Dispersal of seeds by water: Water-dispersed weeds are common in riverine areas. Fruits and seeds of such weeds have water-proof cuticles, air spaces within the seeds/fruit mesocarp and light weight.
d. Dispersal of seeds by explosive mechanism: Few plants and all leguminous weeds are dispersed by explosive mechanism, e. g.centrosema, mucuna, etc.
Methods of Weed Control
Weeds can be controlled by various methods which include:
- Mechanical /physical conrol: This involves hand pulling/hand picking, hoeing, slashing, and rotary cultivation.
- Biological control :This involves the introduction of some insects and herbivorous animals to farmlands to eat up the leaves of weeds.
- Cultural control : This involves the use of practices such as flooding, burning, mulching, cover cropping, crop rotation, etc.
- Chemical control :This entails the use of chemical solutions called herbicides to control the growth of weeds.
Reasons why weeds are difficult to control
Generally, weeds are difficult to control for some reasons which include :
a. Weeds are aggressive and persistent in their growth.
b. They have high reproductive capacity.
c. They have efficient means of propagation.
d. They have short life cycle.
e. They have long period of dormancy.
ASSIGNMENT
Answer the following questions and submit using the form provided :
- State five uses of weeds.
- Mention three reasons why weeds are difficult to control.
- Give three reasons for controlling weeds on the farm.
22/06/2020
LESSON SIX
TOPIC: WEEDS
Meaning of Weeds
Weed can be defined as a plant that grows where it is not desired in such a way that it constitutes a nuisance either to man, livestock or crops.
Effects/Economic Importance of Weeds
The effects or economic importance of weeds include the following :
1.Weeds compete with crops for space, sunlight, nutrients, oxygen and soil moisture.
2.Weeds harbour crop pests and diseases.
3. They cause loss in crop yield.
4. Some weeds are toxic to farm animals.
Characteristics of Selected Weeds
Factors which aid the growth habits of weeds include :
They cause loss in quality of crops
Weeds produce large quantity of seeds.
They grow large leaves within a short time.
Most weeds are wind pollinated.
Some weeds reproduce by vegetative means
Common Weeds found on Farm.
Some common weeds found on farm including their common names and botanical names include the following:
Common Name Botanical Names
Guinea grass Panicum maximum
Centro Centrosema pubescens
Pig weed Boerhavia diffusa
Water leaf Talinum triangulare
Tridax Tridax procumbens
Stylo Stylosanthes gracilis
Stubborn weed Sida acuta
Stubborn grass Eleusine indica
Mucuna Mucuna utilis
Spear grass Imperata cylindrical
Identification of Selected Weeds
Common Name : Tridax
Botanical Name : Tridax procumbens
Description
Tridax plant is an annual plant commonly found growing in farm as weed. The leaves serrated with long flower stalk. On top is the flower.
The entire body of the plant is hairy. It is propagated by seeds.
Common Name : Goat weed
Botanical Name : Ageratum conyzoides
Description
Goat weed is an annual weed plant commonly found in farm. It is simple plant with slender stem which bear simple leaves. On top of the stem are numerous small flowers and fruits. The method of propagation is by seeds.
Common Name : Elephant grass
Botanical Name : Pennisetum purpureum
Description
It is a widely distributed pasture grass throughout the rain forest zone. It is erect and of about 3-5m tall. It is perennial in nature. The stems are cane-like with dull green or purplish leaf blade. It’s a highly leafy, palatable and aggressive grass. It is propagated with stolen.
ASSIGNMENT
Answer the following questions and submit using the form provided :
- State the botanical names of the following weeds:
a. Northern gamba grass
b. Bahama grass
c. Giant star grass
d. Calopo
e. Southern gamba grass - Mention three economic importance of weeds
- Enumerate two characteristics of weeds.
Correction to the questions on lesson five
- Three classes of insect pests based on mode of feeding with two examples each :
a. Biting and chewing insect pests e.g. locust, cricket.
b. Piercing and sucking insect pests e.g. cotton stainer, aphids.
c. Boring/Burrowing insect pests e.g. maize weevil, yam beetle - Four groups of insecticides:
a. Powder
b. Liquid
c. Granules
d. Gas(euos) - Three economic importance of pests in crop production
a. Crop pests increase the cost of production through their control.
b. They reduce the quality and quantity of crop produced.
c. Spot of injuries by crop pests may predispose crops to disease attack.
15/06/2020
Dear students, please check the correction to the assignment on lesson four below this lesson five.
Also, be informed that you are to copy the notes given through this online teaching in your notebooks. Thanks
LESSON FIVE
TOPIC: Pests of Crops
Meaning of Crop Pest
A pest can be described as any organism that is capable of causing damage to crop plant.
Types of Crop Pests
Important pests of crops are grouped into the following classes :
1. Insects
2. Birds
3. Rodents
4. Monkeys
5. Man
6. Nematodes
Classes 2-6 can be collectively referred to as non-insect pests.
Look at some categories of crop pests below:
Classification of Insect Pests
Insect pests classified based on two criteria :
a. Based on location :
1. Field pests e.g. grasshopper, leafworms, etc.
2. Storage pests e. g. rice weevil, rat, etc.
b. Based on mode of feeding / mouthpart :
1. Biting and chewing insect pests : these insects possess strong mandible and maxillae which enable them to bite and chew plant parts. Examples include termite, grasshopper, leafworms, locust, mantids, etc.
2. Piercing and sucking insect pests : these insects pests possess strong mouthpart called proboscis which enable them to pierce through plants and suck liquid materials from plants’ tissues. Examples are aphids, cotton stainer, mealybugs, scale insect, etc.
3. Burrowing (boring) insect pests: these insects, including their larvae, are capable of burrowing into plant parts and destroying the tissues of the plant or fruits or seeds. Examples are bean beetles, stem borers, maize weevils, etc.
| Pests | Crops Attacked | Nature of Damage and Economic Importance | Prevention and Control Measures |
| Stem burrower/borer | Cereals e.g.rice, maize | a. Larvae bore holes into stems b. They eat up the tissues | a. Uproot and burn infected plant b. Spray with insecticide e.g Gammalin-20 c. Practise crop rotation |
| Aphids | Legumes e.g cowpea, soyabeans | a. Stunted growth b. Galls on leaves | a. Spray with insecticides to kill vector b. Uproot and burn infected plant |
| Variegated grasshopper | Tubers e.g cassava, yam | a. Adults and larvae eat up the leaves and stem b. They reduce the rate of photosynthesis | a. Handpicking b. Spray with insecticides e.g Adrex 40 |
| Leaf beetle | Vegetables e.g pepper, okra | a. They eat up the leaves and stems b. Reduced photosynthesis | Spray with insecticides e.g. Vetox 85 |
| Birds | Cereals e.g. millet, sorghum | a. They feed on grains in the field b. Reduction in quality and yield | a. Use of bird scarer or scare crow b. Use of cage trap with baits c. Use of catapult |
| Rodents e.g rat, squirrel | Rice, yam, cassava, etc | a. They feed on crops b. They destroy whole plant c. They increase cost of production | a. Trapping wiyh baits b. Use of rodenticides c. Clean weeding of farm |
| Monkeys | Banana, cocoa, mango | a. They eat up the fruits b. Reduced fruit quality | a. Use of traps b. Shooting with gun where possible |
Effects or Economic Importance of Pests in Crop Production
- Pests destroy crops in the field through their biting, chewing, sucking and defoliation activities.
- They cause reduction in viability of stored products.
- Some of them are carrier or vectors of diseases.
- They increase the cost of production in the course of controlling them.
- The farmers’ profit is reduced.
Prevention and Control of Crop Pests
Pests of crops can be prevented or controlled through the following methods:
- Physical control
- Cultural control
- Biological control
- Chemical control
Assignment
- Classify insect pests into three based on their mode of feeding and give two examples of each
- List four groups of insecticides
- State three economic importance of pests in crop production.
Answer the above questions and submit using the following form:
Correction to the questions on lesson four:
- The vector for each of the following crop disease :
a. Groundnut rosette -Aphids
b. Maize streak -Leafhoppers
c. Cassava mosaic -Whitefly - Five ways through which diseases spread on a crop farm:
a. By the use of infected planting materials
b. By rain splash
c. Through animals, especially, predators during feeding.
d. Through irrigation
e. Through insect vectors
08/06/2020
Dear students, please check the correction to the assignment on lesson three below this lesson four.
Also, be informed that you are to copy the notes given through this online teaching in your notebooks. Thanks
LESSON FOUR
TOPIC: DISEASES OF CROPS
Meaning of Diseases
A plant disease may be defined as deviation of the plant from the normal state of health, presenting marked symptoms or outward visible signs.
Causes of Diseases
Crop diseases are caused by the following agents:
a. Viruses
b. Bacteria
c.Fungi
d. Nematode
e. Nutrient deficiency
| Name of Disease | Causal Organism | Method of Transmission | Symptoms and Economic Importance | Prevention and Control Measures |
| Maize smut | Fungus (Ustilago maydis) | Air borne fungus deposited on fruits | a. Reduced yield b. Galls on ears, leaves and tarsels which later turn black | a. Destroy diseased plant b. Use resistant varieties |
| Rice blight | Fungus (Piricularia oryzae) | Air borne fungus deposited on leaves | a. Small longitudinal red spots on leaves which turn grey or brown b.Reduced yield | a. Plant clean seed b. Avoid heavy use of nitrogen fertilizers |
| Groundnut rosette | Virus | By a vector called aphid | a. Yellow leaves with mosaic mottling b. Shortening of the internodes | a. Early planting b. Crop rotation |
| Black arm (Bacterial blight) of cotton | Bacterium | a. Through leaves b. Stems near the ground | a. Angular spot on leaves b. Boll rot c. Exudates from affected leaves | a. Seed dressing b. Crop rotation |
| Root knot of Tomato/Okra | Nematode | Nematode in the soil | a. Knotting or galling of root b. Retarded growth | a. Soil sterilization b. Crop rotation |
General Effects of Diseases on Crop Production
Diseases cause lots of damage to crop. Some of such effects include the following :
- Diseases generally reduce the quality of crops.
- They also reduce the yield of crops.
- They cause the malformation of plant parts or the whole plant.
- They cause reduction in the income of the farmer.
- They can kill or cause the death of a whole plant.
Ways by which Diseases Spread on a Crop Farm
Diseases can spread on a crop farm through any of the following ways :
- By rain splash
- Through the use of contaminated tools and equipment.
- Through insect vectors
- Through weeds which may harbour pathogen.
General Control of Crop Plant Diseases
Diseases of crop plants can be controlled by the following methods :
a. Cultural control
b. Biological control
c. Chemical control
Cultural control: This involves the use of crop rotation, resistant crop varieties, fallowing, etc to prevent or control disease.
Biological control :This involves the use of the natural enemies of the disease to reduce or totally eliminate the disease.
Chemical control :This entails the use of chemical substance such as fungicide, nematicide, etc to prevent or control crop plant disease.
Assignment
Answer the the following questions and submit using the form provided :
- Name the vector for each of the following crop disease :
a. Groundnut rosette
b. Maize streak
c. Cassava mosaic - Enumerate five ways through which diseases spread on a crop farm.
Correction to the questions on lesson three
- Function of:
a. Follicle Stimulating Hormone: it stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicle.
b. Relaxin: it causes the relaxation of the pelvic ligament during parturition for easy passage of the young ones. - Six roles of reproductive hormones in farm animals :
a. Promotion of egg production through oogenesis.
b. Development of uterus and implantation of the fertilized ovum.
c. Development of alveoli in mammary gland.
d. Production of “heat” in farm animals.
e. Promotion of sperm production through spermatogenesis.
f. Influencing the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
LESSON THREE
01-06-2020
Good day students. Please note that the corrections to the assignments on lessons one and two are below this lesson three.
Having revised some of our previous topics, I will like us to go through the introductory parts of some topics meant for our third term which include:
1. Reproductive hormones of male and female farm animals.
2. Diseases of crops
3. Pests of crops
4. Weeds: importance, effects and control
5. Types and classification of farm animals.
6. Livestock management: poultry management
8. Management of cattle, sheep and goat.
-Rabbit management.
Now, let’s begin.
Topic: Reproductive Hormornes of Male and Female Farm Animals
Definition
Hormones are chemical substances which co-ordinate the activities of the body. They are secreted by ductless glands in the body and are transferred through the blood to the target organs on which they exert their effects.
Male Reproductive Hormorne
Androgen(Testosterone)
Functions
1.It stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and sex behaviour
2. It promotes sperm production through spermatogenesis.
3. It promotes the growth and development of accessory sex glands like seminal vesicle, prostate and cowper’s glands.
4. It influences nitrogen retention and protein synthesis.
Female Reproductive Hormones
1. Oestrogen
a. It influences the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.
b. It stimulates mammary gland development.
c. It promotes the production of ovaries or eggs through oogenesis.
2. Progesterone (pregnancy hormone)
a. It ensures the development of uterus and implantation of the fertilized ovum.
b. It causes the development of alveoli in mammary gland.
c. It inhibits oestrus.
3.Leutenizing Hormorne
a. It causes the rupture of the follicle and subsequent release of ova.
b. It stimulates the secretion of ovarian hormones,i.e. oestrogen and progesterone
4.Oxytocin
a.It aids in the contraction of the female uterine muscles during pregnancy.
b. It promotes milk let-down from the mammary gland after birth.
c. It promotes the transport of spermatozoa in the female genital tract.
Other female reproductive hormones include:
- Follicle stimulating hormone;
- Relaxin.
Assignment
Answer the following questions and submit using the form provided:
1.State the function of each of the following reproductive hormones:
a. Follicle stimulating hormone;
b. Relaxin
2. Enumerate six roles of reproductive hormones in farm animal.
No Fields Found.Correction to the assignment on lesson one
(A)Functions of the organs of digestion of ruminant animals :
a. Oesophagus: it serves as the passage of food from the mouth to the time.
b. Rumen: it serves as the food storage organ where grass is acted upon by micro-organisms like bacteria and protozoa which digest cellulose.
c. Reticulum: it serves as the organ from where undigested grass re-enters the oesophagus back to the mouth.
d. Omasum: it is the organ from where the semi-liquid cud passes to the abomasum.
e. Abomasum: it is the place where digestive enzymes are secreted to act upon the food.
f. Small intestine: it is the portion for further digestion and absorption of food.
g. Large intestine: it helps in reabsorption of water from undigested food and where they are removed as dung through the anus.
2. Description of the four complex stomach structure of a ruminant animal :
a. The rumen(pounch): it has several tongue-like projections called papillae. It is the largest and the first compartment of the stomach.
b. Reticulum(honeycomb): it is lined with a mucosal layer which is formed into hexagonal chamber that looks like honeycomb. It is the second compartment.
c. Omasum: it has several “leaves” or laminae/layers.
d. Abomasum: it is the only glandular stomach. It is the fourth and last compartment of the stomach.
(B).1.The functions of the following organs in monogastric animal :
a. Crop: it serves as the temporary storage organ for food where the food is moistened and fermented by some bacteria.
b. Proventriculus: it secrets digestive enzymes on the food like pepsin, amylase, etc.
c. Gizzards: with the aid of small stones or grits, the food is ground by the gizzard.
2.Why proventriculus is regarded as the true stomach :
This is because it secretes HCl(hydrochloric acid) as the acidic medium which aids the food digestion in monogastric animal.
(C)1. Five(5) differences between monogastric and ruminant digestive systems:
| For Monogastric animal Only one stomach is present It cannot digest cellulose properly Digestion is not aided by bacteria Protein cannot be synthesized Short digestive system | For Ruminant animal Possess four stomach compartment It can digest cellulose very well Digestion is aided by bacteria Protein can be synthesized Long digestive system |
2. Five importance of digestive systems:
a. It aids the ingestion of feed.
b. It promotes the digestion of feed.
c. It ensures the absorption of digested.
d. It helps in the ejection of undigested feed.
e. It aids the secretion of digestive enzymes.
Correction to the assignment on lesson two:
1. Events that take place in the following parts of the reproductive system of a bird :
a. Infundibulum: the receival of the yolk released by the ovary.
b. Magnum: the formation of albumen and chalaza(which holds the yolk and germinal disc in position).
c. Isthmus: the formation of the two shell membranes and the shape of the egg.
d. Uterus: the formation of egg shell.
2. Why the scrotal sac (which protects the testes) is suspended outside the abdominal cavity in male reproductive system.
The reason is to enable sperm cell to be produced at desired temperature.
25 – 05 – 20
L E S S O N T W O
Good day students, how are you doing? God will continue to preserve you and families. Continue to keep safe .
Observed not all students have gone through lesson one. Please,answer lesson one questions before going to lesson two so that we can do the corrections.
Lesson Two
Topic: Reproduction in Farm Animals.
Remember, reproduction is the ability or the process of giving birth to young ones in animal. The purpose of reproduction is to ensure continuity of life. Farm animals like cattle, sheep and goat are mostly viviparous because they give birth to their young ones alive while poultry birds like domestic fowl are oviparous because they produce their young ones by hatching eggs after an incubation period.
Male Reproductive System: The male reproductive system includes the testes which produce the spermatozoa and sex hormone called testosterone aiding the development of male sexual secondary characteristics. The spermatozoa are specifically produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes by a process called spermatogenesis.
Female Reproductive System: The female reproductive system includes the ovaries which produce the ovum(ova-plural) egg(eggs) enclosed by the graffian follicles and some hormones like oestrogen.
A matured ovum or egg is released from the follicle in the ovary into the oviduct by a process known as ovulation.
Assignment
1. The diagram below shows the reproductive system of a bird, observe it and state the specific event(s) which take place in each of the following parts
a. infundibulum
b. magnum
c. isthmus
d. uterus.
2. Why is the scrotal sac which protect the testes suspended outside the abdominal cavity in male reproductive system?
Answer the questions and submit using the form below.
No Fields Found.LESSON ONE
Hi students ,how are you doing?GOD in HIS infinite mercy will preserve us and by GOD’S GRACE the holiday will be over to resume the normal classroom teaching.Meanwhile,we’ll be using this forum for revision and teaching . Believe you are keeping safe.
TOPIC
REVISION OF DIGESTION IN FARM ANIMALS
DEFINITION OF DIGESTION
Digestion is the process of breaking down food substances into smaller form for easy absorption .
DIGESTIVE ORGANS OF RUMINANT ANIMALS
Use the diagram above to answer the following questions. [A ] 1. mention the functions of the organs of digestion of ruminant animals. 2.describe the four complex stomach structures of a ruminant animals.
REVISION OF DIGESTION IN MONOGASTRIC ANIMAL
Use the diagram below to answer the following questions. {B} 1.Mention the functions of the following organs. a.Crop b.Proventiculus c.Gizzard 2.why is Proventiculus regarded as the true stomach?
[C}1. Mention five differences between Monogastric and Ruminant Digestive systems. 2.Mention five importance of digestive systems.
Answer the questions above in the message box and submit.Indicate your name,subject and date in the box.
No Fields Found.