Technology and Livelihood Education Agriculture and Fishery Arts- Animal

Production
INTRODUCTION

This Module on Animal Production is one of the eighteen minicourses under TLE subject designed mainly
for you either in the Regular High School or Open High School Program. In this module, you are provided
with various learning resources and experiences to enable you to gain wisdom and understanding of the
lesson. Each of these includes what to know, what to process,what to reflectand understand and what
to transfer. Specifically, this module is proposed to boost the knowledge, skills, and necessary attitudes
of the learners in Animal Production. It includes lessons such as use of farm tools, their maintenance,
mensuration and calculation, interpretation of plans and layout, application of safety measures in the
workplace, selection of farm site, breeds of farm animals, housing systems, fixtures and equipment,
feeds and feeding, sanitation and cleanliness in the farm and marketing animals and their by-products. It
also integrates common competencies necessary in raising farm animals. The animal industry can supply
the needs of the Filipino consumers if you know how. Production efficiency depends on a better
knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and practices in animal production.

LESSON 1:

USE OF FARM TOOLS AND THEIR MAINTENANCE

Farm tools are very important in every farm activity. Without them, very little is accomplished.
Therefore, you as learners should be able to identify and learn how to use them to make your work
easier and faster,

1. Digging fork – is a multipurpose tool, used for breaking up and turning soil in the garden, harvesting,
and for manual cleaning around the barn.
2. Spade – a tool designed for the purpose of digging or removing soil.
3. Shovel – a tool that is suited for moving loose materials.
4. Rake – a tool used to gather or loosen materials or to level a surface.
5. Bolo –a tool whose primary use is for cleaning the vegetation for agriculture.
6. Scythe –a tool that is used for cutting grass and fodder for the carabaos and cattle.
7. Hoe – a tool used to cultivate silage plantation
8. Pinchers
9. Ear notchers
10. Castrating and butchering tools
11. Fencing ranches

LESSON 2 :
SAFETY MEASURES IN USING FARM TOOLS
• Wear the proper protective clothing: safety footwear, gloves, long pants if necessary. • Allow for safe
distance between people if you are working with other people. • Check for faulty and defective farm
tools and report them in accordance with farm procedures. • Use appropriate tools and equipment
safely according to job requirements; and manufacturers’ conditions.

SELECTING THE SITE

Tell whether a site is ideal or not? Read the statements below and check all that applies to a good site.
1. The soil is not easily flooded. ------------
2. It is not easily reached by vehicles. ----
3. Stealing is rampant in the area. ----------
4. The soil is well drained. ---------------------
5. The neighbors are friendly. ---------------
6. Feeds and medicines are available in the area.
7. It is very far from the town. ---------------
8. All kinds of vehicles can pass by the farm. -------
9. It is hard to buy stocks in the place. ----------------
10.There are many jobless people near the farm site. Selecting the farm site is an important decision to
make because farm buildings are not easy to relocate once they are constructed. It also determines
whether the business will prosper or not.

Factors to consider in selecting the site:

1. Accessibility of the farm to roads and population centers will reduce cost.
2. A hilly topographyprevent flood or stagnant water.
3. Availability of feeds and medicines in the area.
4. Distance from neighboring farms
5. Presence of trees as windbreaks during typhoons and as regulators of temperature during summer
season.
6. Available space for growing forage and other green feeds.
7. Available pasture area for the livestock.
8. Peace and order condition in the area.
9. An adequate source of water
10. Distance to neighboring residences

LESSON 3: BREEDS OF FARM ANIMALS

BREEDS OF POULTRY
The different breeds of poultry may be classified according to the purpose of their production:
BREED ORIGIN TYPE
CORNISH English Meat/broiler Excellent in meat but poor egg-layers
RHODE ISLAND RED American Meat/broiler One of the most popular among heavy breeds, fairly good
egg layer, and excellent in meat quality
LEGHORN Mediterranian Egg layer High egg producer with whiteshelled eggs.
CANTONESE China Egg/layer Medium in size, good layer of medium size eggs and best suited to Phil.
condition
NEW HAMPSHIRE American dualpurpose/general purpose Good egg-laying average and good meat
qualities
BREEDS OF SWINE:
BREED COLOR EARS TYPE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN CHARATERISTICS
Landrace White Hanging Meat Denmark Long face, good and prolific mothers, weak legs
Large White White Standing Meat England Fertile, high quality meat, fast grower
Berkshire Black with 6 white points Standing Lard England Short, black skinned, more resistant to
diseases compared to white breeds
Hampshire Black with white band Standing Meat USA Short, good quality meat, strong legs
Duroc Jersey Red (golden) 2/3 erect,1/3 hanging Meat USA Good constitution, strong legs, fast grower,
resistant to stress
Pietrain Black and white Standing Very meaty Belgium Very meaty ham and loin, very susceptible to
stress

BREEDS OF GOATS:
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
ALPINE At mature age, it weighs 70 kg and could produce 1.5 litres of milk every day. It is from European
breed that has upright ears, a straight face and colours that vary from black, red and off white
ANGLO NUBIAN A tropical breed known for its floppy pendulous pair of ears and a mix of brown and
black – or sometimes just brown – hair. It weighs 70-90 kgs.at mature age and can produce 1-2 litres of
milk daily.
BOER They are known for their high-quality meat and excellent productive qualities. Compared to other
local goats, they are fairly larger in size and are double-muscled. They are easy to raise, have mild
temperaments, are affectionate, require no milking, no special care, shearing or fancy fences. Not only
that, they can also graze in the coldest of weathers.
NATIVE This breed’s colors range from red, white, black or a combination of the three. At mature age, it
can weigh up to 30 kg. Its milk production, however, can just be enough for its young.
SAANEN Its weight that can go up to an average of 70 kg which helps in its being the highest milk
producer among other breeds. It can tote up to 1.8 liters daily. This breed originated from Switzerland
and boasts of its pure white to off-white color.
TOGGENBURG Also from Switzerland, Toggenburgs are easy to spot. They have white markings on their
face and erect ears like Saanens’. At mature age, their milk production can amount up to 1.5 liters
everyday.

BREEDS OF CATTLE
BREEDS CHARACTERISTICS
PHILIPPINE CATTLE They are very hardy, prolific, and resistant to diseases. They belong to the dual-
purpose type because local farmers usually use them as work animals and later on, sell them for beef.
The most popular of this type is the Batangas Strain.
NELLORE The animals under this breed are active and strong so they make good work animals. The
animal has humps but, they are not as prominent as those of the Brahman. They also have a pendulous
dewlap.
SANTA GERTRUDES The cattle under this breed have almost non-recognizable humps. Their colors range
in shades of red. Like Brahman, they have the ability to adapt to the hot climate of the Philippines and
they can also equal the calving efficiency of the Philippine cattle. This breed is a good source of beef.
AMERICAN BRAHMAN This breed is considered the best among the imported breeds of commercial beef
cattle in the country. It is recognized through its humps over the shoulder. It is greyish-white in color
with very loose, pendulous skin along the dewlap and under the throat extending between the forelegs.
It has large, drooping ears and horns that curve upward and backward.
THARPARKAR The animals under this breed are considered dairy cattle. However, they can also be used
as work animals. They are greyish or white in color with horns that are rather small. They have long
bodies.
RED SHINDI This breed originated from Pakistan and is known for its hump. It is docile and considered to
be a dual-purpose breed- aside from being a good source of beef and milk, the steers may be used as
work animals.
“What is the best breed of poultry?” This is the most commonly asked question by a poultry raiser and
as such, there is no best breed. Each breed has its own good and poor characteristics. A farmer can
choose the proper breed to use depending on the type of production that he wants to attain.

LESSON 4: HOUSING THE ANIMALS

Interpreting Plans and Layout

Animals also need housing to protect them from adverse weather conditions. Good housing should be
durable, easy to clean and gives accessibility to feeding, loading and unloading activities. Furthermore, it
should allow the entry of sunlight, have enough space for every animal andshould have proper
ventilation. .
For poultry and livestock raising the ideal house should have the following characteristics:
1. It is far from residential areas that may be affected by the unpleasant odor produced by a large
number of animals.
2.It is on an elevated area that has good drainage and will not keep water to accumulate.
3.It is exposed to ample sunlight.
4.The area is close to a source of water for cleaning and feeding of animals.

THE POULTRY HOUSE

Type of Shelter for poultry:
1.RANGE-TYPE is located in the middle of the pasture. It needs a wide land area.
2.SEMI-CONFINEMENT TYPE has provisions for a sun porch or runway for additional space for movement
of the birds. The floor is the slat-type made of litter.
3.COMPLETE CONFINEMENT SYSTEM – the birds are confined to the house entirely, with no access to
land.

Broilers Requirements:

A. The following space requirements may serve as guide

1. Day-old to three weeks - 0.3sq.ft./chick
2. 3 weeks to 4 weeks - 0.5sq.ft/chick
3. 5 weeks to market age - 1.0sq.ft./bird

HOUSING THE PIG

Gestation unit is where pregnant pigsare confined. It is designed as individual pen to restrict pregnant
animal from turning around.
Farrowing unit where nursing sow and its young are confined for 30 days
Nursery unit where the piglets are kept for two months
Growing unit where weanlings are raised until they are ready to be marketed

HOUSING THE SMALL RUMINANTS (goat and sheep)

Like other herds, goats require a few provisions. First and foremost, remember that the goat houses’
primary objective is to provide the animal’s shelter, so make sure it prevents rain and wetness from
coming in. Goats, after all, are very prone to pneumonia. They also like elevated platforms that take the
form of stairs.
HOUSING LARGE RUMINANTS House stock must be provided with sufficient space for lying, grooming
and normal animal-to-animal interactions. Escapes must also be provided if young calves are housed
with adults; for example, calves and suckler cows. Providing indoor housing for cattle also prevents
damage to pasture during rainy season when the grass is scarce.

B. TYPES OF ROOFS FOR POULTRY

Types of roofs for animal production
There are several types of roof construction to choose from. The choice is determined by the available
materials, the amount of investment and the size of operations.
a. Shed or single span type – This is the most simple type of roof. It is usually used in small construction.
b. Gable or bouble span – This is the conventional system of roof construction.
c. Monitor – This type is appropriate for big establishments. It is actually a big double span with an
outlet for air at the top of the roof.
d. Semi- monitor - This is like the monitor type except that an outlet on top of the roof is made on side.
e. Combination of shed and gable

C. FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT

A. POULTRY
EQUIPMENT/ FUNCTION
DROPPING BOARDS These fixtures should be provided in the laying house to facilitate collection of
manure.
PERCHES These are horizontal poles where birds can sit and rest especially during night time. Sufficient
perches should be constructed to prevent the birds from crowding at night.
NEST Hens or layers lay their eggs in the nest. A nest could be either open or closed. The nest should be
built on a partition or on end walls. It should be high enough above the floor so that the hens can work
under them.
FEEDING TROUGHS These should be provided so as to keep the hens from scratching the feeds and
wasting them especially when the birds are laying eggs.
DRINKING TROUGHS Drinking jars should be large and sufficient enough to supply the water needs of
the birds for the whole day. It should be durable and easy to clean.
INCUBATOR This is a device that maintains the required temperature needed to hatch the egg.
BROODER A device with controlled temperature for the rearing of newly hatched chicks until two weeks
old or until the birds are ready to be transferred to growing house.

2.Equipment for hogs and livestock

1. Breeding crate. Is theequipment used when natural breeding method is practiced. The gilt or sow in
heat is confined first inside the crate before the boar is allowed for mating.
2. Farrowing crate or stall. Due to its limited space, this equipment minimizes the movement of the sow
and reduces the possibility of death of piglets due to crushing. This also prevents the sow from eating
the feeds given to the piglets.
3. Heat lamps and brooders. Baby pigs can be kept comfortable by providing them with brooders with a
50 to 100 watt bulb especially during rainy or cold days. Brooders and heat lamps must be located on
any side of the farrowing stall. Be sure that the sow will not get in contact with the brooder which
should not be electrically grounded.
4. Water system. A pressurized water system with pipes extending to the hog houses is the most
desirable type. A minimum pressure of five (5) kg per sq cm and 500 gallons an hour is necessary. This
will eliminate labor in fetching water.
5. Shipping crate. This handy piece of equipment is ideal for transporting pigs.
6. Castration rack. This equipment is used during castration. The piglets are laid down with their backs
on the rack.
7. Feed cart. This equipment is used to transport feeds during feeding time. It can accommodate 100 kg
of feed.
8. Self-feeders. An automatic self-feeder is designed so that feed wastage is minimized and the rate of
flow of the feed can be controlled. It is durable and can hold sufficient feed for a day.
9. Waterers. Pigs will consume 2.0 to 2.5 pounds of water per kg of dry feed. Automatic waterers are
advantageous. If the nozzle type waterers are used, they must be placed 24 to 30 inches above the floor
for sows and growing pigs. One automatic cup or nozzle for each pig pen is normally sufficient to supply
the water needs of the animals. Waterers should not be placed beside the self-feeder or feeding trough.
This practice will keep the feeding area dry and clean.
10. Livestock trailer. This is designed for the comfort and safety of the animals. They usually have
adjustable vents and windows as well as suspension designed to provide a smooth ride and less stress
on the animals.In addition, trailers have internal partitions that assist the animal in stayingupright during
travel and protect the animals from injuring each other in transit.

LESSON 5: FEEDS AND FEEDING Mensuration and Calculation

Feed is anything given to animals for growth, maintenance and reproduction. Feeds serve as fuel for the
animals’ body. It is one of the most important factors that contribute to the success of animal
production. Farm animals are raised for family consumption and for sale in the market. To achieve high
returns on investments, provide the flock with the necessary feeds and vitamins that will facilitate their
growth. It is important to observe the proper feeding requirements. The raiser should know the
frequency of feeding, amount of feeds, and kinds of feeds appropriate to the age of the animal.
Kinds of feeds
1. Concentrates -- feeds which are relatively high in total digestible nutrients (TDN) and low in fiber.
Examples, cereal grains like corn, sorghum, and pollard
2. Roughage --- feeds which are high in fiber and low in digestible nutrients (TDN). Examples, Grasses,
legumes, silage,hay, rice straw, bean straw, etc.

Forms of feeds
1. Pellet 2. Crumble 3. Mash
CLASSIFICATION OF FEED RATION
Starter. This is fed to young chickens one day to six weeks old. This is given to chicks that cannot eat
large particles of feeds for the first two weeks after they are hatched. The mash contains 20 to 21%
protein.
Booster. This kind of feed is specially made for the delicate nutritional needs of newly hatched chicks. It
is given to chicks one day to two weeks old.
Grower. This is fed to growing chicks six to twelve days old and to the swine when they are two to six
months old. It contains 17% protein.
Fattener. Fattening rations are given to hogs or cattle until they reach maturity and are ready for
market.
Finisher. This feed is given after the chicken has consumed one kilogram of starter till the point of
disposal of the birds.
Layer. This is for the layer of eggs for the market. It should contain 17 to 18% protein.
Breeder. This ration is given to well-selected and mature animals ready for breeding.
Pullet Developer. This is fed to pullet 12 to 18 weeks old. A 14% protein should be sufficient.
Table 1. Average feed consumption of broilers at different stages of growth Age of Chick Average Weight
(g) Weekly Feed Consumption(g) Type of Feed 1-7 8-14 15-21 22-28 29-35 36-42 43-49 50-60 74 154 269
423 628 868 1123 1384 85 125 225 348 429 837 723 890 Booster Starter Starter Starter Starter Finisher
Finisher Finisher

Farm animals are raised for family consumption and for sale in the market. To achieve high return on
investments, provide the herd with the necessary feeds and vitamins that will facilitate their growth. It is
important to observe the proper feeding requirements. The raiser should know the frequency of
feeding, amount of feeds, and kinds of feeds appropriate to the age of the animal.

GUIDELINES IN PREPARING HOME RATION FOR GROWING AND FATTENING FARM ANIMALS:
PALATABILITY. The ration must be palatable. It can be measured by the amount of feed consumed by
the animals for a given period of time.
NUTRITIVE REQUIREMENT. In formulating a simplified ration, keep in mind that it should always contain
the needed nutrients, like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Younger animals require more crude protein
than growing and fattening animals. Leftover foods, corn and corn by-products, and root crops like
sweet potatoes and cassava can be used as feeds provided they are properly cooked. Feed premix (feed
supplement can be added to the simplified ration to cover deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
ECONOMY. It should be reasonably economical aside from the ready- mix ration, the animals must be
fed with some green feeds, like grass, ipil-ipil, and kangkong. They are also good sources of vitamins and
minerals and will lessen the cost of feeds for the livestock.

LESSON 6: SANITATION AND CLEANLINESS ON THE FARM Applying Safety Measures in the
Workplace

Sanitation means providing clean and favourable surroundings to maintain good health in the flocks and
herds. The maintenance of good health of farm animals spells the difference between failure and
success of animal production.
Some guideposts for keeping the farm clean and sanitary are as follows:
• Select stocks that are young and disease-free.
• If the house to be used is an old poultry house or pigpen, clean it very well first before housing the
new set of animals. Floors, ceilings and walls should be scrubbed thoroughly. Sanitize the waterers and
feeding trough.
• Disinfect the animal houses to kill parasites and disease-causing organisms.
• Disinfect all tools and equipment.
• Animal should be confined. Confinement makes it possible to keep the place clean and sanitary. It
helps the farmer see changes in the behaviour or condition of the flock or herd in times of epidemics.
Loss due to stray animals is also prevented by confinement.
• Preventive measures should be taken to protect the flock or herd from disease. Vaccination or
medicine may be administered to the flock or herd to prevent them contracting from diseases.
• Add antibiotics to the drinking water of animals to avoid scours or diarrhea.

LESSON 7: MARKETING ANIMALS AND THEIR BY-PRODUCTS

In any production aspect, marketing is very important to keep the enterprise profitable and
meaningful to the producer. Marketing farm animals includes all the activities from the time
animals are taken out of their pens or cages until the products reach the consumers. Efficient
marketing inspires and speeds up production.
Factors to consider in marketing:
1. Know the factors affecting the cost of production.
2. Know the cost of production of your product.
3. Study the different ways of selling .
4. Select the most practical and economical way of marketing your animals.
5. Market them at the best time of the year.
6. Load and transport your animals properly.
7. Market animals at the best weight.
8. Prevent losses at marketing time.
9. Plan your marketing methods or ways.
10. Feed animals properly and fit them for market.
11. Consider the suggestions of the buyers.
12. Study the prices in relation to making the best use of the animal products.

Marketing Systems that can be adopted by a Producer: 1. Wholesale or “ pakyawan” 2. Direct

selling to consumers 3. Marketing through cooperatives

SUMMARY
This Mini-Course in Animal Production is designed to fit your interest and needs. It provides you
withimportant information on how to plan a small business. Above all, since human resources
are major factors in any business enterprise, it shows you qualities of a good entrepreneur. It
also covers the basic information you need in raising animals such as the different breeds of
farm animals that thrive in the country; housing for their confinement; and other needed
equipment. Finally, this module ends with the discussion of the principles of feeding farm
animals; maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of the farm; and marketing farm animals and
their by- products.

GLOSSARY
Animal Production – a science that deals with production and management of livestock or domestic
animal.
Breed - a group of animals that have specific traits or characteristics in common.
Broiler - a meat type chicken commonly grown up to 35-42 days and weighing 1.5-2.0 kg liveweight
Confinement - the state of being confined, with restricted movement
Entrepreneur - someone who enters any business to introduce a product or service to substantially form
or change the nerve center of that business
Farrowing - the act of giving birth to swine
Feed -edible materials which are consumed by animals and contribute energy or nutrients to the animal
diet
Feeding -the process of giving feeds to the animal
Gestation - the time from breeding of a female until she gives birth to her young
Layer - egg-type or dual-type 6- month female fowl that lays eggs.
Market - a place where goods are sold
Mortality Rate - number of animals that died based on the total number of animals raised.
Nutrients – substances that nourish animals for specific purposes such as for health maintenance,
growth, repair of body tissues, reproduction, and other productive activities
Parasite - a living organism which is dependent on another living organism for food in order to survive
Poultry - a collective term for all domestic birds rendering economic service to man.
Pullet - female fowl 5-6 months of age intended for egg production
Ration - amount of feed an animal receives in a 24 hour period
Ruminant -name given to grazing animal that chew its cud and has split hoofs
Steer - a male cattle that has been castrated before the secondary sex character develops
Swine - a term collectively used for any of the stout-bodied, short-legged omnivorous mammals with a
long mobile snout.
Tool - device that makes the work of man easier and faster
Type -refers to a group of animals raised to serve a certain purpose.
Vaccination - an injection of vaccine, bacterin, antiserum or anti-toxin to produce immunity or tolerance
to disease.