ZIMSEC O Level · Agriculture · Form 2, Form 3, Form 4
Cattle
- Breeds: indigenous (Mashona, Nkone, Tuli – hardy and tick-resistant), exotic beef (Hereford, Brahman), dairy (Friesian/Holstein, Jersey).
- Uses: beef, milk, draught power, manure, hides, and cultural value (lobola).
- Management: good grazing and water, licks for minerals, dipping for tick control, dehorning, castration, and record keeping.
Goats
Hardy, browse on shrubs, need little water; meat and milk; suitable for dry regions IV and V.
Poultry
- Broilers: reared for meat in about 6 weeks. Layers: kept for eggs from about 18–20 weeks.
- Housing: well ventilated, dry, secure from predators; deep litter or cages.
- Brooding: chicks need warmth (a brooder at about 32–35 °C in the first week, reduced gradually), clean water and chick mash.
- Diseases: Newcastle disease (vaccinate), coccidiosis, fowl pox. Practise biosecurity.
Pigs and rabbits
Pigs grow fast and give large litters; rabbits need little space and feed.
Animal nutrition
Feeds: roughages (hay, silage, grazing) and concentrates (grain, protein meal). A balanced ration provides energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and water.
Exam tip: Compare indigenous and exotic breeds: hardiness vs productivity – a common exam question.
Check yourself
- Give two advantages of indigenous cattle breeds.
- At what age do layers usually start laying?
- Name one disease of poultry and how it is prevented.
Show answers
- Any two: hardy, tick- and drought-resistant, survive on poor grazing.
- About 18–20 weeks.
- Newcastle disease – vaccination.
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