AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

THEME – LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 2)

 

TOPIC – CLASSIFICATION OF FARM ANIMALS

LEARNING AREA 

1. Classes of Farm Animals

2. Animals According to their Various Classes

3. Ruminant and Non Ruminant Animals

4. Macro and Micro Farm Animals

5. Economic Importance of Farm Animals

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Live farm animals units

2. Charts and pictures

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. identify the various classes of farm animals.

2. list the farm animals according to their various classes.

3. distinguish between ruminant and non ruminant animals.

4. distinguish between macro and micro farm animals.

5. outline the economic importance of farm animals.

 

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON 

INTRODUCTION

Farm animals can be classified into different categories based on their use and purpose on a farm. It is essential for farmers to understand the needs of each type of animal to ensure their health and well-being on the farm. Here are some common classifications of farm animals:

1. Livestock

Animals raised for meat, dairy, wool, or other agricultural products.. Examples – Cattle (beef and dairy), Sheep (meat and wool), Goats (meat and milk), Pigs (pork), Poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese for meat and eggs).

2. Working Animals

Working animals are animals used for work on the farm. Examples – Horses (riding, plowing, pulling carts), Donkeys (packing, pulling carts) and Oxen (plowing, hauling).

3. Companion Animals

Campanion animals are animals kept for companionship. Examples – Dogs (for herding, guarding, or as pets) and Cats (for pest control or as pets).

4. Specialty Animals

Specialty animals are animals raised for specific purposes. Examples – Bees (for honey production), Fish (aquaculture) and Alpacas and llamas (fiber production).

5. Exotic Animals

Exotic animals are animals not traditionally raised on farms but may be kept for various reasons. Examples – Emus, ostriches (for meat and feathers), Bison (for meat) and Deer (for venison).

 

CLASSIFICATION BASED ON NUTRITION

Classifying farm animals based on their nutritional requirements can help farmers and animal caretakers provide appropriate feed and nutrition to ensure the health and productivity of the animals. Here are some common classifications based on nutrition:

1. Herbivores

Herbivores are a nimals that primarily feed on plant-based diets. Examples include cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.

2. Carnivores

Carnivores are animals that primarily feed on meat. This category includes animals such as cats, dogs, and some birds of prey.

3. Omnivores

Omnivores are animals that feed on both plant and animal-based diets. Pigs, chickens, and humans are examples of omnivores.

4. Ruminants Animals

Ruminants animals are animals with a specialized digestive system that allows them to break down cellulose in plants. Ruminants include cattle, sheep, and goats.

5. Non-ruminants Animals

Non ruminants animals are animals with a simple stomach digestion system. Pigs, horses, and poultry fall into this category.

6. Monogastric Animals

Monogastric animals are animals with a single-chambered stomach. Pigs and poultry are examples of monogastric animals.

7. Polygastric Animals

Polygastric animals are animals with a multi-chambered stomach. Cattle, sheep, and goats are polygastric animals.

 

RUMINANTS ANIMALS

Ruminant animals are a group of animals that have a unique digestive system capable of breaking down plant materials that are difficult to digest. These animals have a stomach with four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The process of digestion in ruminants involves fermenting fiber and extracting nutrients from the plant material they consume.

Some common ruminant animals raised on farms include:

1. Cattle

Cattle are large ruminant animals commonly raised for beef and dairy production. They have a complex digestive system that allows them to efficiently process roughage and forage.

2. Sheep

Sheep are ruminant species raised for meat and wool production. They are well-suited for grazing on grasslands and can efficiently convert grass into meat and wool.

3. Goats

Goats are smaller ruminant animals that are raised for meat, milk, and fiber production. They are known for their browsing behavior and can thrive in a variety of environments.

4. Deer

Deer are ruminant animals, and some species are raised for meat production. Venison, the meat of deer, is a popular choice for many consumers.

 

NON RUMINANT ANIMALS

Non-ruminant animals are animals that have a simpler digestive system compared to ruminants. These animals typically have a single-chambered stomach and process food in a more direct manner. Non-ruminant animals include:

1. Pigs

Pigs are omnivorous non-ruminant animals that are raised for meat production. They have a monogastric digestive system with a simple stomach that enables them to efficiently digest a wide range of foods.

2. Poultry (chickens, ducks, turkeys)

Poultry birds are non-ruminant animals raised for meat and egg production. They have a simple digestive system that includes a crop, gizzard, and intestines to process grains and seeds.

3. Horses

Horses are non-ruminant animals that are herbivores with a simple stomach. They have a large cecum where fermentation of fibrous plant materials occurs, similar to the rumen in ruminants.

4. Rabbits

Rabbits are non-ruminant animals that are herbivores with a unique digestive system. They are hindgut fermenters, meaning they ferment fibrous plant materials in their cecum and colon.

5. Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats are non-ruminant carnivorous animals with a simple stomach. They have a short digestive tract compared to herbivores, reflecting their evolutionary adaptation to a diet high in animal protein.

 

CLASSIFICATION OF FARM ANIMALS BASED ON PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Farm animals can be classified into different groups based on their characteristics such as their purpose, utility, or physical attributes. Here are some common classifications of farm animals:

1. Livestock

Livestock are animals raised for meat, milk, wool, or fur production. Examples include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry.

2. Dairy Animals

Diary animals raised for milk production, such as cows, goats, and buffaloes.

3. Poultry

Poultry are birds raised for meat and egg production, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese.

4. Equines

Eqyines include horses, donkeys, and mules kept for riding, driving, and farm work.

5. Small Ruminants

Small ruminant animals like sheep and goats that are raised for meat, milk, and fiber production.

6. Swine

Swine are pigs raised for meat production.

7. Companion Animals

Companion animals are pets kept for companionship, such as dogs, cats, and rabbits.

8. Working Animals

Animals used for farm work, such as oxen, water buffalo, and camels.

9. Exotic Animals

Exotic animals are animals raise exotic animals such as alpacas, llamas or emus for their wool, meat, milk, or other products.

 

MACRO AND MICRO FARM ANIMALS

Both macro and micro farm animals play important roles in agriculture and food production, providing a source of protein, fiber, and other valuable products. Farmers and small-scale producers must ensure the health and well-being of these animals through proper nutrition, housi ng, and veterinary care.

 

MACRO FARM ANIMALS

Macro farm animals are commonly raised for meat, milk, and fiber production on a large scale. These animals typically have a significant impact on agriculture and food production. Some examples of macro farm animals include:

1. Cattle

Cattle are raised for beef and dairy production. They are important sources of meat, milk, and leather products.

2. Pigs

Pigs are primarily raised for pork production. They are highly efficient converters of feed into meat and are a popular source of protein worldwide.

3. Chickens

Chickens are raised for meat (broilers) and egg (layers) production. They are one of the most common and widespread farm animals globally.

4. Sheep

Sheep are raised for wool, meat (lamb), and milk production. They are valuable for their fiber and also provide a source of protein.

5. Goats

Goats are raised for meat, milk, and fiber production. They are versatile animals that can thrive in various climates and environments.

 

MICRO FARM ANIMALS

Micro farm animals, on the other hand, are smaller animals that are typically raised on a smaller scale and may serve multiple purposes such as providing companionship, pest control, or serving as a source of specialty products. Some examples of micro farm animals include:

1. Rabbits

Rabbits are raised for meat, fur, and as pets. They are relatively low maintenance and can be kept in a backyard setting.

2. Ducks

Ducks are raised for meat, eggs, and pest control. They are hardy animals that are well-suited for small-scale farming.

3. Bees

Bees are kept for honey production, pollination services, and beeswax. Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, is an important agricultural practice that supports crop production.

4. Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are raised for meat in some cultures and also kept as pets. They are small, docile animals that are popular in some regions for their meat.

5. Quail

Quail are raised for meat and eggs. They are smaller and require less space compared to chickens, making them suitable for backyard farming.

 

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF FARM ANIMALS

Farm animals are essential to the economy due to their contributions to food production, employment, export revenue, by-products, tourism, and biomedical research. Their economic importance extends beyond the agricultural sector and plays a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods and fostering economic growth.

Farm animals play a significant role in the economy in several ways:

1. Food production

Farm animals provide a valuable source of protein through meat, dairy, and eggs. This contributes to food security and sustains economies by providing a steady source of food for human consumption.

2. Employment Opportunities

The livestock industry provides jobs for a large number of people, including farmers, veterinarians, and workers in processing facilities. This creates economic opportunities and supports rural livelihoods.

3. Export Revenue

Many countries rely on the export of livestock products, such as beef, pork, and poultry, to generate revenue. This trade contributes to global economic growth and allows farmers to access international markets.

4. By-products

In addition to meat and dairy products, farm animals provide by-products such as leather, wool, and fertilizer. These materials are used in various industries, generating additional income and contributing to economic development.

5. Tourism

Farm animals play a role in tourism, attracting visitors to agricultural fairs, livestock shows, and farm tours. This industry boosts local economies by stimulating spending on accommodations, restaurants, and other services.

6. Biomedical Research

Farm animals are used in research to develop pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical devices. This research contributes to advancements in healthcare and generates economic benefits through innovation and scientific discovery.

7. Sports and Games

Farm animals such as horse, dogs, chickens, rams, etc. are used as sports.

8. Means and Transportation

Some of the farm animals such as horses, carmel, donkeys, etc. are used for moving people, goods and services from one place another.

9. Hide and Skin

Farm animals like cattle, goat, sheep, etc. are used for clothing, foot wears, shoes and belt, bags, jackets, decorations, etc.

10. Raw Materials

Farrm animals are great source of raw materials for most of the industries.

 

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. displays live farm animals.

2. displays charts and pictures.

3. shows farm animals.

4. takes students to Excursion on established animals.

5. supervises students home projects.

 

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. observe and interacts with the displayed live farm animals.

2. identify the various classes of farm animals in the charts/picture.

3. keep farm animals as home projects.

 

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. identify the main classes of farm animals.

2. list at least two farm animals in each of the classes.

3. distinguish between ruminant and non ruminants livestock distinguish between macro and micro farm animals.

4. enumerate the economic importance of farm animals.