Extra Info on Animal Production

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• Extra Info on Animal Production

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Housing requirement of animals

• Animals need to have enough space
• Well ventilated and draught free
• Well insulated to retain the heat
• Have a proper waste disposal system
• Clean water needs to be available
• Proper bedding
• Hygienic conditions
• Animals need to be doses and vaccinated at housing

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The advantages of housing animals over the winter

• Prevents a fall in body temperature
• Makes feeding easier
• Protects animals from weather extremes
• Prevents poaching
• Aids in the prevention and identification of
  diseases

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Why are animals fed concentrates?

• Concentrates supplement poor quality fodder crops
• Farmers can control an animals diet
• Farmers can ensure animals have a balanced diet
• Concentrates provide fibre
• They ensure production targets are met
• They are high in DMD
• They are a high energy food

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Factors to consider when selecting an animal for
breeding

• Full set of teeth
• Healthy feet
• Properly formed teeth
• Suitable breed
• Good pedigree
• Age

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Factors to consider when selecting an animal for
breeding

• Properly formed udder
• Healthy animal
• Condition score
• Suitable conformation

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Points to consider when purchasing animals

• Know the producer
• Conformation of the animal
• Check eyes, ears, nose, mouth, navel and Anus for
  any discharge
• Good legs and feet
• Healthy well formed udder
• Healthy teeth

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Summary
Calf/Cow Lamb/Sheep Bonham/Pig
Weight at birth 40-45 Kg 2-5 Kg 1-1.5 Kg
Weight at puberty 250 Kg 40 Kg 75 Kg
Weight at slaughter 450-800 Kg 30-40 Kg 80-82 Kg
Gestation period 9.5 months 5 months 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days
Time they reach slaughter 1-3 Yrs 4-6 months 6 months
Length of oestrus cycle 21 days 17 days 21 days