THIRD TERM E-LEARNING NOTE

SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE CLASS: SS 1

SCHEME OF WORK

WEEK TOPIC
1. Revision/Farm power
2. Farm machinery and implement
3. Farm mechanization
4. Anatomy and physiology of farm animals I
5. Anatomy and physiology of farm animals II
6. Types and classification of farm animals
7. MID-TERM BREAK
8. Reproductive process in farm animals I
9. Reproductive process in farm animals II
10. Livestock management
11. Revision.

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WEEK ONE

FARM POWER

CONTENT

 Definition of farm power

 Sources of farm power
 Advantages and disadvantages of farm power
DEFINITION OF FARM POWER
Power is the rate of doing work or the expenditure of energy. Power is measured in units of joule/seconds otherwise known as
watts. Farm power is the ability provided by various sources to carry on farm work. Farm power then can be defined as the
energy, force and source used to carry out farming operations.
SOURCES OF FARM POWER

HUMAN POWER
This is the most important source of farm power without which all other sources are useless. It involves the use of man’s intellect
and/manual effort to carry out different farming activities. The great advantage of human power is man’s intelligence which
means he is able to control the work he does.
ADVANTAGES OF HUMAN POWER
1. Man’s intelligence to control the work he does.
2. Man has the advantage to control all other sources of power
3. It is required in all farm operations
4. It is easily controlled and available.
DISADVANTAGES OF HUMAN POWER
1. The output per man per hour is very low.
2. Total production can only be of subsistent level.
3. A lot of drudgery is associated with the use of human power.
4. Man is exposed to high or low temperature, humidity, wind, pollution etc. when used as a source of power on the farm.
EVALUATION
1. What is farm power?
2. Mention two advantages and two disadvantages of human power

ANIMAL POWER OR ANIMAL TRACTION

This is the use of animals in carrying out various operations on the farm. Pair of working bullyolked together, camels, donkeys
e.t.c., are common animals normally used. Man controls the animals where they are utilized. The power supplied by animals is
for pulling plough, harrow, planter, ridger etc. and for transporting the farm product.

Belgian Heavy Draft Horses

Belgian heavy draft horses have great strength. Farmers in Belgium sometimes use these horses for plowing instead of tractors,
which can get stuck in wet soil.
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ADVANTAGE OF WORK ANIMALS
1. The use of animal power makes much less demand of human power as it is often proves more effective in farming
activities.
2. Animals can work for a long time if properly fed.
3. It has a relatively low maintenance when compared to machines.
4. It can handle many farm operations.
5. It can be controlled.
DISADVANTAGES OF WORK ANIMALS
1. They can refuse to work if not properly handled
2. The cost of maintaining the animals feeding, veterinary servicesetc is high
3. Diseases may affect the efficiency of work animals
4. There is a limitation in the output of animals particularly in hot climate
5. They cannot work in Tse-tse fly infested areas.

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.

ADVANTAGES OF MECHANICAL POWER

1. It can do more work per unit time more than man and animals.
2. Unlike human and animal power there is no fear of diseases.
3. It can be used in tsetse fly infected area.
4. They are the fastest and most efficient source of farm power.
5. They make farm operations timely
DISADVANTAGESOF MECHANICAL POWER
1. High capital investment is involved in the accusation of machineries.
2. Many tractors are laid off in West Africa due to lack of spare parts.
3. It is not suitable for small land holdings.
4. Intensive mechanization displaces labour from the farm and can lead to unemployment.
5. It is not readily available.
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.
ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRICAL POWER
1. It is easy to operate
2. It is efficient and it saves labor
3. It is a cheap source of farm power

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 4. It gives quick and immediate result.
5. It can be used for various services and at different time.
DISADVANTAGESOF ELECTRICAL POWER
1. Electricity supply is not regular especially in developing countries like Nigeria.
2. Electrical fault may cause serious hazards.
3. It cannot be widely used in the field.
4. Cost of installation and maintenance is high.
5. It is dangerous and fatal if carelessly handled
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.

ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR POWER

1. Solar power is inexhaustible.

2. Solar energy can be used to dry crops, power machines and generate electricity.
3. Solar energy technology is environment friendly.
4. It is readily available.
5. Solar panels have long life span.
DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR POWER
1. It requires a lot of technical knowhow.
2. It is only available during the day.
3. Its provision cannot be controlled.
4. It cannot be adjusted on readily stored.
5. Excess of it can cause transpiration and evaporation.
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.

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ADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER
1. Wind can be harnessed to drive boats, power grinders and to operate water pumps.
2. It can be used for drying farm produce.
3. It is cheap and available everywhere.
4. It is used in winnowing, i.e. separation of chaff from grains.
5. It can serve as alternative to electrical power.
DISADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER
1. The supply of wind is sporadic and uncertain.
2. A large windmill often proves to be very expensive for the energy it produces.
3. It cannot be stored.
4. It is difficult to control.
5. It is limited to certain farm operations.
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.

ADVANTAGES OF WATER POWER

1. A steady and uninterrupted flow of water can be made to turn turbines or water wheels to generate electrical energy.
2. It is used in transportation of farm goods.
3. It can be used to process farm produce.
4. It is needed in seeds germination and normal growth of crops
5. It is needed in the process of photosynthesis by plants.
DISADVANTAGES OF WATER POWER
1. Low level of water can hinder electricity output.
2. It is not available in all areas.
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 3. It could be destructive if not carefully handled.
4. Supply is affected by weather.
5. It cost huge sum of money to set up and maintain
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.
 Answer the following questions from WAEC PAQ 2005 theory question 1, 2008 theory question 1
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The most common source of farm power drying grains in West Africa is A. heat engine
B. sun C. water D. electricity
2. ____ can be harnessed to generate electricity. A. Petrol B. 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?

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WEEK TWO

FARM MACHINERY AND IMPLEMENTS

CONTENT

 Types of Farm Machinery

 Description of Farm Machinery
 Uses and maintenance of Farm Machinery
FARM MACHINERY
Farm machinery includes various types of machines and implements used in the farm. These include tractor, plough, harrows,
cultivators, ridgers, planter, harvesters, shellers, dryer, sprayer, and incubators
1. TRACTOR: It is a powerful and expensive multipurpose motor vehicle used for lifting or pulling farm implements.
IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE TRACTOR
1. The power takes off shaft (P.T.O) shaft used in drawing farm implements e.g. plough, harrow etc.
2. The hydraulic control system which lifts mounted implements under the control.
3. Internal combustion engine which uses diesel or petrol without spark plug.
4. It has four wheels rubber tyres.
FUNCTIONS OF TRACTORS
1. For transportation of farm input and outputs when the trailer is attached.
2. It operates water pumps for irrigation or other farm purposes.
3. Lifting of couples implement by the hydraulic system.
4. Pulling of farm implement attached.
5. Tilling the soil with appropriate implement attached.
6. Planting seeds when coupled with planter.
7. Spraying seedlings when coupled with sprayer.
8. Provision of electric power.
9. Harvesting crops when coupled with harvesters.
10. Can be used for mowing lawn with mowers.
DAILY MAINTENANCE OF TRACTORS
1. Remove trash and mud after every operation.
2. Check water level and top if necessary.
3. Check tyre pressure daily before operation.
4. Check electrolyte of battery every day and top when necessary.
5. Adhere strictly to manual or manufacturer’s instruction.
EVALUATION
1. What is farm machinery?
2. List five functions of tractors.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE OF TRACTOR
1. Tractor should be serviced at regular intervals.
2. Worn out tyres should be replaced.
3. Nuts, screws or shield should be checked and tightened regularly.
4. Replace worn out parts.
5. Adhere strictly to manuals.
6. Routine and regular changing of the engine oil.
7. Air filter should be cleared when necessary.
8. Oil filter should be change during each service.
2. BULLDOZERS: They are powerful tractors and expensive machines with a broad steel blade or sheet at the front. It has
tract type metal chains used for its movement, it has an internal combustion engine which uses petrol or diesel.
USES/FUNCTIONS OF BULLDOZER
1. Bulldozer is used for clearing bushed.
2. Used for felling trees and stumps.
3. Used for leveling the ground.
4. Used for constructing road in the rural areas.
5. It is used for moving and collection of the earth.

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DISADVANTAGES OF USING BULLDOZER FOR LAND PREPARATION
(i) It destroys the structure of the soil.
(ii) It leads to reduction of soil fertility.
(iii) It leads to reduction in soil fertility.
(iv) It causes compaction of the soil.
(v) It causes air pollution.
(vi) It is costly.
(vii) It can cause soil erosion and water logging.
3. TREE PULLERS: They are machines such as tractors or bulldozers. They are usually used to remove trees instead of
bulldozers.
ADVANTAGES OF USING TREE PULLERS OVER BULLDOZERS
(i) Tree puller does not compress the soil.
(ii) It does not remove the fertile top soil.
(iii) Land is less prone to erosion.
(iv) The organic matter content of the soil is retained.
(v) It leads to non-destruction of soil structure.
(vi) It uproot the tree with mineral disturbance of the soil.
4. SHELLERS: These are machines operated electrically, mechanically or manually. Shellers are used to separate the seeds
from the husk or cob. They are used for removing the hard outer covering of nuts and grains.
5. DRYERS: These are farm machines used to reduce moisture content of crop and animal products.
6. INCUBATORS: These are machines which are used for hatching fertilized eggs artificially.
7. MILKING MACHINE: This machine is used for milking or extracting fresh milk mechanically from the udder of cattle and
other milk producing animals like sheep and goat.
EVALUATION
1. List three advantages of using tree pullers over bulldozers.
2. State the functions of shellers, dryer and incubators.
TRACTOR COUPLED IMPLEMENTS
These are implements which are coupled or attached to a tractor in order to enable if perform its work. They are also called
intermediate farm machinery. Examples are ploughs, harrows, ridgers, planters, cultivators harvester, sprayer, mowers, baler,
fertilizer applicator and harvesters.
1. THE PLOUGH
This is a primary tillage implement which is attached to a tractor. It is the first implement required in land preparation.
TYPES OF PLOUGH
(a) Disc plough
(b) Mould broad plough
ACTIVITY:
Draw and list all the parts of both disc plough and mould board plough, state the functions of all the parts in your note.
2. HARROWS
These are secondary tillage implements which re used to break up the clods of soil formed after ploughing.
3. SPRING TINE CULTIVATOR
It is a type of harrow and a secondary tillage implement used for land preparation.
FUNCTIONS OF SPRING TINE CULTIVATOR
(a) It breaks down the soil clod or lump after ploughing.
(b) It aids the removal of weeds from the soil surface.
(c) It helps in dragging roots and stone out of the soil.
(d) It helps to stir soil without turning it over.
4. RIDGERS
It is a secondary tillage implement used for land preparation, it is used after harrow and before planter. The two types are disc
ridgers and mould board ridgers.
5. PLANTERS
These are machines or implements designed primarily to plant seeds of crops such as cowpea, cotton and cereals.
TYPES OF PLANTERS
(i) Broadcast crop planter
(ii) Row crop planter
(iii) Precesion planter

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(iv) Grain drill planter
6. HARVESTERS
These are machines or implement designed primarily to facilitate the process of harvesting various crops.
TYPES OF HARVESTERS
(i) Mower
(ii) Forage harvesters
(iii) Combine harvesters
7. SPRAYERS
These are types of equipment designed to spray certain chemicals in various farm operations.
TYPES OF SPRAYERS
(i) Knapsack (Pneumatic Sprayer)
(ii) Tractor mounted sprayer
(iii) Helicopter-mounted sprayer
FUNCTIONS OF SPRAYERS
(i) It can be used to control the growth of weeds.
(ii) It can be used to control the effects of pest.
(iii) It can be used to spray disinfectant.
(iv) It can be used for light irrigation.
(v) It can be used to spray liquid fertilizer.
ACTIVITY
Draw the knapsack sprayer and state the functions of the label parts.
GENERAL EVALUTION
1. State five precautions to take while using sprayers
2. List five maintenance of sprayings
3. List three types of planters
4. State three functions of tractors
5. List three types of harvesters

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READING ASIGNMENT
Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena, Chapter 12, pages 101-115
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The most useful farm machinery among this is _____ (a) tractor (b) bulldozer (c) tree puller (d) mower
2. The part of tractor which is used for lifting implement is _____ (a) PTO shaft
(b) hydraulic system (c) top shaft (d) combustion engine
3. The machines used for removing seeds from the husk is called ____ (a) shellers
(b) mowers (c) tractor (d) bulldozer
4. The machines which are used for hatching eggs is ______ (a) incubator (b) mower
(c) milking machine (d) candle
5. Which of these is not a tractor coupled implement? (a) plough (b) harrow (c) ridger (d) emasculator
SECTION B
1. (a) List five daily maintenance of tractor.
(b) List five periodic maintenance of tractor.
2. (a) What is farm machinery?
(b) List five uses of tractor.

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WEEK THREE

FARM MECHANIZATION (TRACTORIZATION)

CONTENT

 Definition
 Advantages of mechanization
 Disadvantages of mechanization
 Problems of mechanization
 Prospects of mechanization
Mechanization refers to the application of engineering principles and technology in agricultural production. It is the use of
machines such as tractors, ploughs, harvesters, harrow, planter etc as well as the use of farm inputs such as insecticides,
improved seeds, fertilizer etc.

The objective of mechanization is to:

 reduce human labour (that is to reduce drudgery)
 increase efficiency
 save cost (on the long run)
 save time
 improve standard of living by improving quality and quantity of produce available.
ADVANTAGES OF FARM MECHANIZATION
1. It ensures that farm operations are done and completed within a shortest possible time
2. It saves labour that could otherwise be useful elsewhere.
3. It reduces health hazards and accidents that can occur from using tools.
4. It reduces drudgery.
5. It encourages large scale farming hence increasing output.
6. It promotes specialization of labor for example machines operators become specialists in the machines they handle.
7. It increases cooperation among farmers such as enabling them put their resources together to buy machines and use
them on rotational basis thereby making them united.
8. It on the long run saves labor cost, wastage, reduces errors and spoilage thereby leading to an increase in income (saved
cost).
DISADVANTAGES OF FARM MECHANIZATION
1. It involves huge capital investment.
2. With mechanization very few workers are needed which renders other laborers unemployed.
3. The movement of heavy duty machines on land leads to compaction of the soil.
4. The smoke from exhaust of machines can cause air pollution.
5. Due to small land holdings as a result of the system of land tenure, use of machinery is not encouraged (e.g. communal
land tenure).
6. Continuous usage of machines on the soil tends to destroy the soil structure.
7. Very few crops like maize, rice etc. can be mechanized.
EVALUATION
1. State five advantages of farm mechanization.
2. State five disadvantages of farm mechanization.
LIMITATION OF FARM MECHANIZATION
1. Inadequate spare parts.
2. Farmers are generally poor, cannot afford to buy machines like tractors etc.
3. There is inadequate technical know-how on how to operate and repair farm machines.
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 4. As a result of small area of land cultivation, it is not economically advisable for farmers to use machines on their farm.
This problem is created by land tenure system.
5. Seasonality of farm operation: Machines may be left unused because of seasonality nature of farming.
6. Uneven land terrain makes it difficult to operate farm machines.
7. Inadequate storage and processing facilities discourages large scale production.
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.
EVALUATION
1. Outline five factors limiting farm mechanization in Nigeria.
2. What are the possible ways of improving agriculture through mechanization.
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 operations can a tractor be effectively used for? A. Fertilization B. Harvesting C. Ploughing D.
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 Ridger B.
Harrow Ridger Plough C. 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
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  Circulatory system
 Reproduction system
 PRACTICAL
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
 Digestive system and digestion
 Digestion in ruminant (polygastric) animals
 Digestion in non-ruminant (monogastric) animals
 Digestion in poultry birds
 Differences between monogastric and polygastric animals.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND DIGESTION
The digestive system of farm animals includes all the organs and tissues associated with the breaking down or digestion of food in
the body. It includes the teeth or beak, tongue, the alimentary canal or digestive tract and all the associated gland secreting
enzymes and other body fluids.
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.

DIGESTION IN RUMINANT ANIMALS

These are farm animals which possess complex stomach made up of four compartments or chambers. These are rumen (paunch)
which is the first, reticulum or fore stomach (honey comb), omasum (the fardel, manyplies or psalterium) and abomasum (true
stomach). These animals can ruminate or chew the cud. Example of farm animals having this stomach compartment includes
cattle, sheep, goat etc.
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 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.

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 2. Describe briefly digestion in cattle.

DIGESTION IN NON-RUMINANT ANIMALS

These animals possess only one stomach structure and they do not ruminate (that is they do not chew the cud). The animals
cannot digest cellulose and fibers properly. Examples include pigs, poultry etc. Pig has a simple stomach. It feeds mainly on basal
feeds like maize, cassava and other meshed food. Digestion of foods takes place in four area of the tract.
1. Mouth: In the mouth, the food is changed and mixed with saliva which contains an enzyme Ptyalin. Ptyalin converts
starch to maltose. The food (bolus) is then swallowed and moved by peristaltic movement to the stomach.
2. Stomach: here, two enzymes, pepsin and rennin are present. Renin act on milk and pepsin convert protein to peptones.
The thick liquid formed (chyme) now passes to the duodenum.
3. Small intestine
Duodenum:Here, the pancreas secretes pancreatic juice which contains three digestive enzymes i. e.

a) Amylase – Converts starch to maltose

b) Lipase – Converts fats and oil to fatty acid and glycerol
c) Trypsinogen – Converts protein and peptones to polypeptides
The digestion of fats and oil is aided by bile. Bile helps in the emulsification of fats. At the duodenum, the food now in liquid form
called chyle passes to the ileum of the small intestine. In the Ileum,secretion of enzymes which furthers the process of digestion
takes place. These enzymes are

a) Lipase – convert fats and oil to fatty acid and glycerol

b) Erepsin – Converts polypeptides to amino acid
c) Maltase – Converts maltose to glucose
d) Lactase – converts lactose to glucose and galactose
e) Sucrase – converts sucrose to glucose and fructose

The end product in the digestion of protein is amino acid, starch is glucose and fats and oil is fatty acid and glycerol.

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.

DIGESTION IN POULTRY BIRDS

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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.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MONOGASTRIC AND POLYGASTRIC ANIMALS

S/N MONOGASTRIC POLYGASTRIC

1. It cannot ruminate or chew cud It can ruminate or chew cud

2. Feed is mainly basal and concentrated food Feed is mainly grasses and other cellulose

3. Possess one stomach compartment Possess four stomach compartment

4. It cannot digest cellulose and fiber properly It can digest cellulose and fiber very well

5. Digestion is not aided by bacteria Digestion is aided by bacteria

6. It cannot synthesis their own protein It can synthesis their own protein

READING ASSIGNMENT
 Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena pages chapter
29, page 266 - 269
 Essential Biology for Senior Secondary Schools by M. C. Michael page 215 – 216

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 of an 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
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 c) The Heart
THE BLOOD: Mammalian blood is made up of plasma and blood Cells, which are;
1. Plasma-liquid part of the blood. It contains water, blood proteins (e.g. fibrinogen), dissolved mineral salt, waste product,
and 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.
FUNCTIONS OF THE BLOOD
1. Maintain body temperature through uniform distribution.
2. Carries oxygen through the red blood cells.
3. Transports hormones from ductless gland
4. Transport metabolic waste to where they are removed.
5. Defend body against germs via leucocytes
6. Platelets help in blood clotting
7. Transports digested food to cell.
8. Maintain water level and turgidity of the body

THE BLOOD VESSELS: these are a network of spaces in the body through which material are moved from 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 is known a
heartbeat. The heart is located in the thoracic cavity of the body, protected by the pericardium. It consists of four 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
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF FARM ANIMALS
Reproduction is the biological process that gives rise to new organisms (offspring) from their parent. This includes all the organs
and tissues concerned with reproduction in animal. Reproduction is the ability of animals to give birth to young ones. The
purpose of reproduction is to ensure continuity of life. Farm animals reproduce sexually and mostly viviparous (given birth to life
form of their young). Poultry birds and fishes are oviparous (they both lay eggs and poultry brood over theirs while fishes do not).
Fertilization in most farm animals is internal but external in fishes and hormones play an important role in the processes of
reproduction as well as in the development of sex-inhibited characters.
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The male reproductive system include the testes which produces the spermatozoa and sex hormone called testosterone which
aid the development of male secondary sexual characters. The spermatozoa are produce in the testes or testicles by a process
called Spermatogenesis. The testes may be suspended (as in cattle, sheep and goat) and is protected by scrotal sac (scrotum)
outside the abdominal cavity to enable the sperm cells to be produced at desired temperature. The epididymis ensures the
storage maturation of sperm cells in the testes, i.e. store sperms until they are matured. The testes are connected to the uterus
masculinus by vas deferens which transports sperms from testes to the uterus masculinus where mature spermatozoa are stored
until they are released during mating.

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Attached to the side of the urethra are accessory glands i.e. Cowper’s gland also called bulbourethral gland, seminar vesicles and
prostate gland which produces slimy alkaline fluid which aids the movement of spermatozoa. The fluid together with
spermatozoa results in the formation of semen, the urethra is an uro-genital organ which helps to inject sperms into the vaginal
as well as the removal of urine. The urethra ends externally in penis.

Male reproductive system of farm animals

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The female reproductive system consist of a pair of ovaries that produces egg cells or ova and fallopian tubes where fertilization
occurs an which transports the fertilized ovum to the uterus. The uterus is the place in the female reproductive system where the
growth of foetus takes place. The cervix separates the uterus from the vagina or birth canal. The entire system ends with the
vulva (labia majora and minora) to the external.
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.

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 The female reproductive system

EVALUATION
1. What is reproduction in farm animals?
2. Name the accessory glands located along the urethra in male animals.
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. rumen
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. Haemoglobin B. Water C. Calcium D. 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

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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
oxygen.
C6 H12 O6 + 6O2  6CO2 + 6H2O + ENERGY
(Glucose) (Oxygen) (Carbon dioxide) (Water) (ATP)

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 gills which are located on both side of the head region for respiration. The gills 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
particles from entering the gill chamber, gill arch on which the gill filament are built. The gill chamber is closed externally by
operculum.

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 Diagram of fish gill

EVALUATION
1. Describe the process of inhalation and exhalation.
2. Differentiate between the two types of respiration.
IMPORTANCE OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
1. Supplies oxygen to the body cells
2. It reduces heat load in the body especially in poultry.
3. Removes carbon dioxide from the body
4. Promotes gaseous exchange
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. bronchi D. oesophagus
2. The wind pipe in the respiratory system of land animals is the A. Larynx B. Pharynx
C. alveoli D. trachea

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 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

TOPIC: CLASSIFICATION OF FARM ANIMALS

REFERENCE MATERILS:
 Essential Animal Husbandry For Senior Secondary Schools By A.O Olumese pg. 2-5
 Cosmopolitan Animal Husbandry for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1 by Kenneth Obosi et.al. pg. 1-5
Classification of farm animals
Farm animals or livestock are animals which have been domesticated. Farm animals are classified based on some physiology and
anatomy and these are;
1. Classification based on habitat
Terrestrial animals: these are animals that lives on land. E.g. poultry birds, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, geese ostrich etc.
Aquatic animals: they are animals that lives in water. All their growth, development, feeding and other activities are done in
water.
2. Classification based on size
Macro farm animals e.g. cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, horse, camel etc
Micro farm animals e.g. snail, bee, grasscutter, fishes, rabbit etc
The size of animals determine the type of input of the farmer on the animals, there is a relationship between the size of the
animals and the following input; housing, feed/water, animal product, animal by product and animals waste product.
3. Classification based on mode of reproduction
These are mammals and aves
The mammals delivered an offspring of its kind e.g. cattle, goat, sheep, pigs dogs etc
Aves are animals which lay fertilized egg during production. Eggs are hatch outside the animals to produce offspring of its kind
e.g. poultry. They are reared mainly for egg and meat.
Farm animals can be classified based on the structure of the digestive system. Ruminant (polygastric) and non-ruminant
(monogastric)
Ruminant animals: these animals possess four stomach chambers, hence can ruminate. The stomach are divided into four;
rumen (the largest) 80% of the stomach, reticulum (5%) of the stomach, omasum 7% of the stomach where little absorption takes
place and abomasum 8% of the stomach: it is the true stomach where proper digestion takes place.
Examples of ruminant animals are the cattle, goats, sheep. They are herbivores. Horse, donkey are herbivorous but not
ruminants, they do not possess complex stomach. Ruminant have the ability to eat food, swallow feed and then bring back
(regurgitate) the swallowed feed to be masticated (rechew). The process of remastication is known as rumination (chewing the
cud)
Non-ruminant (monogastric): these are animals with simple stomach. They cannot on their own produce enzyme that digest
cellulose and they do not chew cud. E.g. horse, rabbit, pig, poultry, guinea pig etc.
Pseudo ruminants: these are also known as simple stomach animals but they have in addition to this caecum (located after small
intestine) which have microbes that can break down the cellulose and fibre when fed on forages. E.g. rabbit, horse and pig.
Coprophagy is the act of eating dung or feces

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WEEK EIGHT

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

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This is rupturing of ovarian wall to release egg into the fallopian tube in farm animals; a process is controlled by luteinizing
hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). It varies among
farm animals
Cow => 10 – 14 hours
Ewe => 20 – 24 hours
Sow => 24 – 36 hours
Doe (goat) => 12 – 36 hours
Doe (rabbit) => spontaneous
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
SIGNS OF HEAT IN FARM ANIMALS
1. Restlessness
2. Mucus secretion by the cervix
3. Swollen and reddened vulva
4. Loss of appetite and frequent urination
5. Abnormal body temperature
6. Grunting
7. Frequent urination
8. Standing still to be mounted on
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:
A. FLOCK MATING
This is a deliberate act in which the male and female animal are allowed to move together

ADVANTAGES FLOCK MATING

1. All animals have freedom to participate in sexual intercourse
2. The farmer is saved the labor and cost of monitoring breeding
3. All female may be mated because the number of males are widely spread
DISADVANTAGES FLOCK MATING
1. A female may be mated by more than one male thereby paternity become a difficult thing to determine
2. Two female may be on heat at the same time, thereby leading to the mating of only one of them.

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

ADVANTAGES PEN MATING

1. In poultry female eggs can be produced
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 2. There is tendency of servicing female on heat
DISADVANTAGES PEN MATING
1. The spread of venereal diseases may be rampant
2. Deformed male may not be able to mate

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.
ADVANTAGES STUD MATING
1. The paternity of the offspring can be identified
2. It is a good system of upgrading the breed because only male with both proven quality is used.
DISADVANTAGES STUD MATING

1. The spread of venereal diseases may be rampant.

2. It takes a lot of expertise to practice.

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.
ADVANTAGES ARTIFICIAL MATING
1. The semen can be used over a long time even after the death of the male animal.
2. It is more economical as it reduces the cost of feeding and managing male animals.
DISADVANTAGES ARTIFICIAL MATING
1. It requires expertise which may not be readily available.
2. Difficulty in detecting female animals on heat may limit success.
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).
FEATURES OF GESTATION PERIOD
1. There is swelling of abdomen
2. There is swelling of adder
3. There is increase in body weight
SPECIES NAME OF FEMALE GESTATION PERIOD

Horse Mare 336 days

Cattle Cow 283 days

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 Goat Doe 150 days

Sheep Ewe 150 days

Pig Sow 114 days

Rabbit Doe 31days

Chicken Hen 21 days

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
Goat (Doe) – Kidding
Rabbit (Doe) – Kindling
Poultry – hatching
SIGNS OF APPROACHING PARTURITION
1. Mammary glands enlarge and begin to secrete milk substance
2. Vulva swells and become soft
3. There may be thick mucus discharge
4. The animal become restless lies down and get up frequently
5. The animal urinate frequently
6. Loss of appetite
7. The animal tries to build a nest and beds e.g. in rabbit
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 in a) Sheep b) Cattle c) 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
GENERAL EVALUATION
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 1. What is reproduction in farm animals?
2. What is implantation?
3. Lists five signs of approaching parturition
4. Why is colostrum important for the new born animals?
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.

PROCESSES OF EGG FORMATION IN POULTRY

The egg in poultry is partly formed in the ovary and in the oviduct. At ovulation the ovum carrying the yolk is released by the
ovary into the oviduct through the funnel called infundibulum. Fertilization takes place in the infundibulum where the egg
spends 15 minutes and moves into the magnum. In the magnum, part of
the egg white (albumen) and the chalaza are secreted round the yolk.
The egg
stays for 3
hours in the

magnum and moves into the isthmus where the two shell
membranes are formed. The egg stays for 1 hour 15 minutes in the
isthmus and moves into the uterus where it remains for 18 – 21 hours
and the egg shell is formed from calcium carbonate. Mineral solutions are also added to the egg before it moves into the vagina
where it remains for 1 – 15 minutes before it is laid through the cloaca. A complete formation of eggs takes almost 26 hours.
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EVALUATION
1. Describe the processes of egg formation in poultry.
2. Describe the reproductive system of poultry birds.

MALE AND FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES

Hormones are organic chemical substances produced by endocrine (ductless) glands which
influence growth, development and metabolic activities in farm animals. These include

HORMONE SEX SITE OF FUNCTIONS

SECRETION
Testosterone/ Male Testes It stimulates the development of secondary sexual characters
Androgen in male.
It stimulates sperm production through spermatogenesis.
Oestrogen Female Ovary It stimulates the development of secondary sexual
characteristics in female animals
It promotes the production of ova or eggs through oogenesis.
It stimulates mammary gland development
Progesterone Female Corpus luteum It ensures uterus development and implantation of the
fertilized ovum.
It inhibits oestrus i. e. prevents ovulation.
It stimulates the development of mammary gland
It ensures the continuance of pregnancy.
Oxytocin Female Pituitary It aids the contraction of the uterine wall during parturition.
It promotes milk let-down after parturition.
It aids sperm transportation in the vagina.
Relaxin Female Pituitary It aids relaxation of pelvic ligaments during parturition.
Follicle stimulating Female Pituitary It stimulates the growth of ovarian follicle.
hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing hormone Female Pituitary It stimulates the secretion of oestrogen and progesterone.
It causes the rupture of the follicle and the release of the ova
from the follicle.
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

1. Which of these is not a part of the male reproductive system A. uterus masculinusB. oviduct C. testes D. vas deferens

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 2. The following except one are female reproductive hormones A.oestrogenB. progesterone C. testosterone D. oxytocin
3. Fertilization in poultry birds takes place in the A. infundibulum B. isthmus C.magnumD. uterus
4. The following except one are viviparous animals A. pig B. cattle C. turkey D. goat
5. The hormone responsible for the contraction of the uterine wall during parturition is known as A. oxytocin B.
progesterone C. luteinizing hormone D.relaxin
THEORY
1. Draw and label the diagram of an egg.
2. List five reproductive hormones, site of secretion and their functions.

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.

TERMS USED IN PIGS MANAGEMENT

Boar: a mature male pig Sow: a mature female pig
Piglet: young or baby pig farrowed Barrow: a castrated male pig
Pork: pig’s meat In-sow: pregnant sow
Dry sow: a sow that is not pregnant Fatheners: pigs reared for meat
Farrowing: act of parturition in pigs Lard: pig fat
Gilt: mature female pig that has not reproduced or has only reproduced once

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

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EVALUATION
1. List five breeds of pigs.
2. List and explain five terms used in pig management.
3. Outline five characteristics of pigs

SYSTEMS OF REARING PIGS

EXTENSIVE SYSTEM
This is a system in which pigs are allowed to move out and fend for themselves. The system is not capital intensive. The
animals are exposed to adverse weather condition. They are exposed to disease and parasite infestation. Advantage of this
system includes low cost of labour, low capital requirement, reduced feeding cost, spread of disease is reduces etc.
Disadvantage of this system includes increased exposure to disease causing agents, increased risk of theft, exposure of
animals to adverse weather conditions, no monitoring of animals, production is relatively low.
SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEM
In this system, housing is provided for the pigs and they are allowed to move out to feed on
natural vegetation. They are housed in a fenced compound with a wallow place where they can cool their body temperature.
The system is less capital intensive but labor requirement, diseases and parasite infestation are slightly high. Concentrate
feed are offered to the animals.
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.
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.

MANAGEMENT OF PIGS
The management of pigs from breeding to finishing is discussed under 3 headings.

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
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 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.
PARASITES AND DISEASES OF PIGS
The greatest enemy of animal production is parasite and disease, it has no good, all bad is what comes from it. To this end
farmers must ensure they put things such as
1. Effective management
2. Adequate nutrition
3. Proper hygiene and sanitation
4. Well-designed housing in place to save guard their investment.
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 grasses from pig houses.

COMMON DISEASE IN PIGS

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER

This is a highly contagious disease caused by virus and likely transmitted by tick. It is characterized by high fever, loss of appetite,
depression, weak and uncoordinated movement, reddening of skin around ears, nose, and hind legs, abortion in pregnant sow,
respiratory disorder (labored breathing, nasal and ocular discharge), and death within 48 hours.
This disease has no treatment yet but can be avoided by obtaining stock from ASF free farms, slaughter infected pigs and
disinfect pig houses thoroughly with 10% solution of caustic soda and keep the pen empty for about 2months

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
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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
State two advantages and two disadvantages each of i) Extensive system ii) Intensive system of rearing pigs

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
Beef cattle: They can produce good quality meat
SokotoGudali, Red Bororo, Kuri, N’dama, Muturu, Keteku etc.
Dairy cattle: They are reared mainly to produce milk.
White Fulani, Jersey, Ayshere, etc.
Dual purpose cattle: They can produce meat and milk
Muturu, Wadara (Shuwa) etc.
TERMS USED IN CATTLE MANAGEMENT
Bull: an adult male cattle Cow: an adult female cattle
Calf: a young or baby cattle Heifer: a growing female cattle up to her first calving.
Serving: act of mating in cattle Calving: act of parturition in cattle
Herd: a group of cattle Beef: meat of cattle

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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.

SYSTEMS OF REARING CATTLE

EXTENSIVE SYSTEM
This is the system in which the herdsmen move about with their cattle from one place to another in search of food and
water. Movement is under the influence of rainfall, availability of pasture and Tse-tse fly. No organized housing and health
care provided. The animals are exposed to natural hazards, thieves and wild animals attack and disease outbreak cannot be
easily controlled. It is a very cheap system of rearing cattle and the animals enjoy feed of their choice and freedom of
exercise.
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
In this system, the cattle are confined within a building with little access to grazing. Grasses by zero-grazing, water and
medication are supplied effectively to the cattle. Disease and parasite infestation is very low.
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.
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 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
BREEDING TO CALVING (BIRTH)
Breeders are housed in the breeders’ house. The house is made up of railed wall and concrete
floors. Bulls and heifers should be at least 24 month before they are bred. The cow or heifers should be proper fed on
concentrate as well as roughages. The bull is introduced to the cow when she is on heat. Gestation period is about 283 days.
During gestation, the cow is made to eat in the ranch so as to exercise its body. Special diet is given to cows 8 weeks to calving for
milk production after birth. This is called steaming up. The cow is taken to calving.
BIRTH OF CALF TO WEANING

During parturition, the cord from the navel breaks on its own. Iodine solution should be applied to the navel stump to prevent
infection. The animal should be helped to suck milk from the mother’s udder. The first milk called colostrum is secreted by the
mammary gland and it gives young animals natural immunity against diseases. Calf should be vaccinated against diseases and de-
worm at intervals. Those not for breeding are castrated.

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.

COMMON PARASITE AND DISEASE OF CATTLE

DISEASE OF CATTLE
1. MANGE is caused by mites
Symptoms include skin irritation, alopecia due to scratching to get rid of mites, thick and scaly skin.
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.
2. TUBERCULLOSIS is caused by bacteria
This disease is zoonotic, poor sanitation and hygiene are major factors that causes this disease.
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.
Can be treated by administering 10mg/kg body weight of isonicotinichydracide for eight
weeks but does not guarantee 100% recovery. It can be prevented by avoiding overcrowding, maintaining proper
hygiene and sanitation, slaughtering of infected animals etc.
COMMON PARASITE OF CATTLE
Worms of cattle includes roundworm, flat worms, liver fluke etc.
Ecto-parasites include tick, mites, tsetse fly, lice.
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

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 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.
READING ASSIGNMENT
 Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena chapter 32 page 318 – 323
 Answer the following questions from WAEC PAQ 1992 question 7, 2012 theory question 7, 2005 theory question 7 and 8,
2006 theory question 7, 2007 theory question 7 and 8
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 colostrum B.
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 importance of cattle.

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