Rearing of Animals – Basic 4 Agricultural Science Lesson Note (First Term)

What is Rearing of Animals?

Rearing of animals means taking care of animals on farms to get food, money, and other useful products from them.

NOTE: A poultry farm should be created in the school for practical learning.

Types of Farm Animals

1. Poultry (Birds)

Birds raised on farms for eggs and meat

Chickens

• Products: Eggs, meat (chicken)
• Care: Feed, water, clean house, medicine
• Good for: Daily eggs, protein-rich meat

Ducks

• Products: Eggs, meat
• Special need: Water for swimming
• Benefit: Duck eggs are bigger than chicken eggs

Turkey

• Products: Meat (especially for celebrations)
• Size: Bigger than chickens
• Care: More space needed

Guinea Fowl

• Products: Meat, eggs
• Special: Can fly, good for pest control
• Hardy: Can survive in harsh conditions

2. Large Animals (Livestock)

Cattle (Cows)

• Products: Milk, meat (beef), hides (leather)
• Care: Grass, water, shelter, veterinary care
• Uses: Daily milk, strong leather

Goats

• Products: Milk, meat, skin
• Good for: Easy to manage, eat many plants
• Hardy: Survive in dry areas

Sheep

• Products: Meat, wool, skin
• Special: Wool for making warm clothes
• Care: Grass, water, protection from cold

Pigs

• Products: Meat (pork)
• Fast growing: Quick to mature
• Care: Clean environment, good feed

3. Small Animals

Rabbits

• Products: Meat, fur
• Benefits: Fast reproduction, little space needed
• Care: Clean cage, fresh vegetables

Fish

• Products: Fresh fish for food
• Farming: In ponds or tanks
• Care: Clean water, proper feed

4. Working Animals

Horses

• Uses: Transportation, farm work
• Care: Grass, exercise, grooming

Donkeys

• Uses: Carrying loads, transportation
• Hardy: Can work in difficult conditions

Basic Animal Care

1. Housing (Shelter)

• Clean: Keep animal houses clean
• Dry: Protect from rain and moisture
• Ventilated: Fresh air circulation
• Safe: Protect from wild animals

2. Feeding

• Regular: Feed animals at the same time daily
• Balanced: Give different types of food
• Fresh water: Always provide clean water
• Right amount: Not too much, not too little

3. Health Care

• Vaccination: Prevent diseases with vaccines
• Medicine: Treat sick animals quickly
• Clean environment: Prevents diseases
• Veterinary visits: Regular check-ups

4. Daily Care

• Morning: Feed and give water
• Cleaning: Remove waste and dirt
• Observation: Check for sick animals
• Evening: Second feeding and water

Benefits of Rearing Animals

1. Food Production

• Protein: Meat, eggs, milk for nutrition
• Daily supply: Fresh eggs and milk
• Healthy diet: Complete nutrition for families

2. Income Generation

• Selling: Animals, eggs, milk for money
• Regular income: Daily from eggs and milk
• Savings: Animals are like money in the bank

3. Raw Materials

• Leather: From cow and goat skins
• Wool: From sheep for warm clothes
• Feathers: For pillows and decorations

4. Employment

• Farm workers: Jobs for animal keepers
• Veterinarians: Animal doctors
• Feed sellers: People selling animal food

School Poultry Farm Project

What to Include:

• Chicken coop: House for 20-30 chickens
• Feeding area: Where chickens eat
• Water system: Clean water supply
• Egg collection: Nesting boxes

Benefits for Students:

• Practical learning: See real animal care
• Responsibility: Take turns caring for chickens
• Fresh eggs: For school meals
• Income: Sell excess eggs

Student Activities:

• Daily feeding: Students feed chickens
• Cleaning: Keep coop clean
• Egg collection: Gather eggs daily
• Record keeping: Count eggs, track health

EXERCISES

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. Rearing of animals means ________ care of animals on farms
2. ________ are birds raised for eggs and meat
3. Cattle give us milk, meat, and ________
4. Animals need clean ________, food, and water

Exercise 2: True or False

1. Only chickens can be raised on poultry farms ____
2. Goats can survive in dry areas ____
3. Fish can be farmed in ponds ____
4. Animals don’t need veterinary care ____

Exercise 3: Match the Animal with Product

Draw lines to connect:

• Chicken → Milk and beef
• Cow → Eggs and meat
• Sheep → Wool and meat
• Fish → Fresh fish

Exercise 4: Animal Categories

Write “P” for Poultry, “L” for Large animals, “S” for Small animals, or “W” for Working animals:

1. Duck ____
2. Horse ____
3. Rabbit ____
4. Goat ____
5. Turkey ____

Exercise 5: Choose the Right Answer

Circle the correct answer:

1. Chickens are raised for: Only eggs / Eggs and meat
2. Best housing for animals is: Dirty and wet / Clean and dry
3. Animals should be fed: Once a week / Regularly every day
4. Vaccines help: Make animals sick / Prevent diseases