AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

THEME – LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 2)

 

TOPIC – LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

LEARNING AREA

1. Concept of Livestock Management System

2. Raise Farm Animals Using the Various Management System

3. Merits and Demerits of Each System

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Farms stead of various management systems.

2. Charts and pictures of various husbandry systems in farm animals.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

1. explain the concept of livestock management system.

2. raise farm animals using the various management system.

3. outline the system of livestock management.

4. enumerate the merits and demerits of each system.

 

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A livestock management system is a software program or application designed to help farmers and ranchers efficiently manage their livestock operations.

Livestock management system streamlines operations, improves efficiency, enhances animal welfare, and supports data-driven decision-making for farmers and ranchers. By leveraging technology to manage their livestock effectively, farmers can optimize their production, reduce costs, and maximize profits in their operations. Here are some key features and benefits of a livestock management system:

1. Inventory Management

The system helps farmers keep track of their livestock inventory, including information on individual animals such as breed, age, weight, health status, and reproductive history.

2. Feeding and Nutrition Management

Farmers can use the system to create feeding schedules, monitor feed consumption, and ensure that their animals are receiving the proper nutrition for their growth and production needs.

3. Health Monitoring and Tracking

The system allows farmers to record and track health and medical information for each animal, including vaccinations, medications, treatments, and veterinary visits. This helps farmers identify and address health issues promptly, improving overall animal welfare and productivity.

4. Breeding and Reproduction Management

Farmers can use the system to track breeding cycles, monitor pregnancies, and manage reproductive data for their animals. This helps optimize breeding programs and ensure efficient reproduction processes.

5. Performance Monitoring

The system helps farmers analyze and track key performance indicators such as growth rates, milk production, egg production, and other metrics to assess the productivity and profitability of their livestock operations.

6. Record-keeping and Reporting

The system allows farmers to maintain comprehensive records of their livestock operations, facilitating compliance with regulations, certifications, and quality standards. It also generates reports and analytics to help farmers make informed decisions and improve their management practices.

 

TYPES OF LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

1. Intensive livestock management system

2. Semi livestock intensive management system

3. Extensive livestock management system

 

INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Intensive livestock management systems involve confining animals in controlled environments such as feedlots, barns, or pens, where they are provided with feed, water, and shelter. This system is commonly used in intensive poultry, swine, and dairy production, as well as in some beef cattle operations. Intensive systems aim to maximize efficiency in terms of space utilization, resource management, and labor inputs.

Key features of intensive livestock management systems include –

1. High Stocking Density

Animals are kept at a high density to maximize production per unit area or facility.

2. Controlled Environment

Climate-controlled housing facilities are utilized to provide a comfortable and stress-free environment for the animals.

3. Feed Management

Animals are provided with nutritionally balanced diets to meet their specific requirements for growth, reproduction, and maintenance.

4. Health Management

Regular monitoring and preventive measures are implemented to control diseases and optimize animal health.

5. Waste Management

Manure and waste generated by the animals are managed through systems such as composting, anaerobic digestion, or nutrient management plans to minimize environmental impact.

6. Precision Farming Technologies

Intensive systems often incorporate technology such as automated feeders, sensors, and monitoring systems to optimize production efficiency and animal welfare.

 

ADVANTAGES OF INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

1. It increases the production efficiency.

2. It improves the animal health.

3. It helps to prevent and control diseases, leading to better overall animal health.

3. Production outcomes are predictable and plans accordingly.

4. It enhances food safety.

5. It helps minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

6. It has economic benefits and higher profitability for producers.

 

DISADVANTAGES OF INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

1. It can lead to stress, health issues, and reduced welfare for the animals.

2. It can result in pollution of air, soil, and water, leading to environmental degradation and potential health risks.

3. It often focus on a limited number of high-yielding breeds, leading to reduced genetic diversity within livestock populations.

4. It requires significant labor inputs and management expertise to maintain high levels of production and animal welfare.

5. It can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a risk to human and animal health.

 

SEMI INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Semi-intensive livestock management systems fall between extensive and intensive systems in terms of management practices and input requirements.

Some key features of semi-intensive livestock management systems include:

1. Moderate Stocking Densities

Animals are typically kept at moderate stocking densities, allowing for some level of grazing or range access.

2. Partial Confinement

While animals in semi-intensive systems may have access to pasture or range for grazing, they are also housed in shelters or barns for protection and supplemental feeding.

3. Balanced Nutrition

Animals in semi-intensive systems are provided a combination of pasture, forage, and concentrated feeds to meet their nutritional needs.

4. Limited use of Technology

While some technology may be used in semi-intensive systems, such as basic feeding and watering equipment, the level of automation is typically lower compared to intensive systems.

5. Veterinary Care and Disease Management

Semi-intensive systems require regular veterinary care and disease management practices to ensure animal health and prevent disease outbreaks.

6. Genetic Selection

Producers in semi-intensive systems may utilize genetic selection to improve production traits, but to a lesser extent compared to intensive systems.

7. Waste Management

Waste management in semi-intensive systems may involve practices such as pasture rotation, composting, or direct land application of manure to minimize environmental impact.

8. Biosecurity Measures

While biosecurity is still important in semi-intensive systems, the risks of disease transmission may be lower compared to intensive systems due to lower stocking densities.

9. Variable Production Cycle

Animal production in semi-intensive systems may be seasonal or intermittent, depending on factors such as weather, forage availability, and market demand.

10. Moderate Management Intensity

Semi-intensive systems require a moderate level of management intensity, with a balance between allowing animals to exhibit natural behaviors and providing necessary care and supervision.

 

ADVANTAGES OF SEMI-INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

1. It provides animals with more space, access to pasture, and opportunities for natural behaviors compared to intensive systems.

2. It is generally healthier due to lower stocking densities and access to outdoor areas for exercise and grazing.

3. It reduces feed costs and reliance on concentrated feed.

4. It have lower environmental impacts compared to intensive systems, as they allow for more natural waste dispersal and land stewardship practices.

5. It is suitable for a diverse range of production goals and environmental conditions.

 

DISADVANTAGES OF SEMI-INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

1. It may not achieve the same levels of production as intensive systems due to lower stocking densities and reliance on natural forage.

2. It requires more labor compared to intensive systems, especially in terms of rotational grazing and pasture management.

3. It may face challenges in disease prevention and control compared to intensive systems, as animals have more exposure to external pathogens.

4. It relies on natural forage and grazing, production outcomes may be more variable and less predictable compared to intensive systems.

5. It requires more land compared to intensive systems, which may not be feasible in areas where land availability is limited or expensive.

 

EXTENSIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Extensive livestock management systems offer a balance between natural animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and production efficiency. Producers must carefully consider their goals, resources, and environmental context when choosing a livestock management system that aligns with their values and priorities.

Some key features of extensive livestock management systems include:

1. Low Stocking Densities

Animals are allowed to roam over large areas of land with minimal crowding, allowing for natural behavior and reduced competition for resources.

2. Extensive Grazing

Animals in extensive systems rely primarily on natural pasture and forage for feeding, with limited supplementation of concentrated feeds.

3. Limited Shelter

Animals in extensive systems may have access to basic shelters or natural cover for protection from the elements, but are generally exposed to outdoor conditions.

4. Low Input Requirements

Extensive systems have minimal requirements for labor, equipment, and inputs such as feed and medications, reducing the overall cost of production.

5. Minimal Intervention

Animals in extensive systems are mainly self-sufficient, requiring minimal human intervention for feeding, watering, and health management.

6. Adaptation to Natural Conditions

Livestock in extensive systems are bred and selected for their ability to thrive in local environmental conditions, such as climate, terrain, and availability of forage.

7. Predation Risk

Animals in extensive systems may be at higher risk of predation from wild animals, requiring additional management strategies to protect livestock.

8. Seasonal Production

Animal production in extensive systems may be influenced by seasonal variations in forage availability, reproduction cycles, and market demands.

9. Sustainable Land Use

Extensive livestock systems often promote sustainable land management practices, such as rotational grazing, to maintain soil fertility and biodiversity.

10. Traditional Practices

Extensive systems may be characterized by traditional husbandry practices that have been passed down through generations, reflecting cultural and historical influences.

 

ADVANTAGES OF EXTENSIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

1. It minimal inputs such as feed, housing, and labor.

2. It improves overall welfare and reduced stress levels.

3. It has less environmental impact.

4. It has more resilient to disease outbreaks due to lower stocking densities and reduced stress levels.

5. It has high market demand

 

DISADVANTAGES OF EXTENSIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

1. It has lower production rates compared to intensive systems, as animals may take longer to reach market weight or produce fewer offspring.

2. It requires more land per animal compared to intensive systems, which can be a limiting factor in areas with high land prices or limited availability.

3. Animals are exposed to harsh weather and predator attacks.

4. It is difficult to monitor and manage the animal health and behavior.

5. It has has market competitive that has potential on the income.

 

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. raises farm animals in school using any of the management system.

2. uses charts and pictures to illustrate the

various management systems.

3. organizes excursion to established farms.

 

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. participate in the management of farm animals using the various systems.

2. observe and interacts with displayed charts and pictures on the systems.

3. practice rearing of farm animals as home projects using various management systems.

 

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. define concept of management systems of farm animals.

2. raise farm animals using any of the management system.

3. list the livestock management systems and identify their characteristics, features.

4. mention the advantages and disadvantages of each system.