Level: JHS, Basic 7 | Subject: Integrated Science | Strand: Cycles | Topic: Animal Production
Curriculum reference: B7.2.4.1 and B7.2.4.2 (NaCCA Integrated Science). All the indicators of this sub-strand are merged into one set of notes.
1. What is Animal Production?
- Animal production is the rearing (keeping and caring for) of animals for food, money and other uses.
- Domestic animals are animals that people keep and look after at home or on a farm. Examples: goat, sheep, cattle, pig, rabbit, fowl (chicken), duck, turkey and guinea fowl.
- Wild animals live freely in the bush and are not kept by people. Examples: antelope, monkey, lion.
2. Groups of Farm Animals
| Group | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Ruminants | Animals that chew the cud. They bring food back from the stomach to the mouth and chew it again. They have a stomach with four parts. | Cattle, sheep, goat |
| Monogastrics (non-ruminants) | Animals with a simple stomach of one part. They do not chew the cud. | Pig, rabbit, dog, human |
| Poultry | Birds kept for meat and eggs | Chicken, turkey, duck, guinea fowl |
Remember: Ruminants eat mostly grass and other roughage. Monogastrics and poultry eat grains, concentrates and household leftovers.
3. Uses of Domestic Animals
| Animal | Products and uses |
|---|---|
| Cattle | Beef, milk, hides (leather for shoes and bags), manure, pulling ploughs and carts |
| Sheep and goats | Meat (mutton and chevon), milk, skin, manure, and sacrifice in some cultures |
| Pigs | Pork, bacon and lard |
| Rabbits | Meat and fur |
| Poultry | Meat, eggs, feathers and droppings used as manure |
| Dogs | Guarding homes, hunting and herding |
General importance of animals:
- They provide protein for strong, healthy bodies.
- They give income to farmers and jobs to people.
- They give raw materials such as leather, wool and feathers for industries.
- Their droppings are used as manure for crops.
- Some are used for work, security and transport.
4. Systems of Rearing Animals
| System | How it works | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extensive (free range) | Animals roam freely in a large area to find food | Cheap, little housing, animals get exercise | Animals get lost or stolen, easily catch diseases, damage crops |
| Semi-intensive | Animals are kept in a house at night and allowed to roam by day | Moderate cost, safer than free range | Needs some land and care |
| Intensive | Animals are kept in a house or pen all the time and fed by the farmer | Easy to feed and treat, high production, little land needed | Costly, diseases spread quickly if not kept clean |
5. Good Animal Husbandry (Care of Animals)
- Housing: a clean, dry, airy house that protects animals from rain, sun, thieves and wild animals.
- Feeding: give enough clean food and fresh water every day.
- Health care: vaccinate on time, deworm, separate sick animals and call the veterinary officer when needed.
- Cleanliness: sweep the house, clean the drinkers and feeders and dispose of waste properly.
- Record keeping: record feed used, eggs laid, sales and costs.
6. Poultry Keeping in Brief
- Broilers are chickens reared for meat. Layers are chickens reared for eggs.
- Day-old chicks need warmth, clean water and starter feed.
- Common diseases: Newcastle disease and coccidiosis. They are prevented by vaccination and by keeping the house clean.
- Poultry farming is popular in Ghana because it needs little land and gives quick returns.
Remember: Ruminants chew the cud and have a four-part stomach. Monogastrics have a simple one-part stomach. Poultry are birds kept for meat and eggs.
Ready to practise?
Education Always (education.inspiringalways.com). Original notes written to follow the NaCCA Basic 7 Integrated Science curriculum.