### Lesson Plan: Practical on Animal Feeds
**Grade Level:** Senior Secondary 2
**Subject:** Animal Husbandry
**Duration:** 90 minutes
#### **Lesson Introduction**
- **Topic:** Practical on Animal Feeds
- **Objective:**
1. Students will identify different types of animal feeds.
2. Students will understand the nutritional components of animal feeds.
3. Students will learn how to formulate a basic animal feed ration.
### **Materials Needed**
- Samples of different animal feeds (e.g., hay, silage, grains, legumes, commercial feed pellets)
- Nutritional analysis charts of the feed samples
- Weighing scales
- Mixing containers
- Worksheets for recording observations
- Safety gloves
- Aprons
- Hand sanitizer
### **Class Structure and Timing**
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Quick recap on the importance of animal nutrition in husbandry.
- Explanation of different types of feeds and their purposes (e.g., forage, concentrate, supplements).
- Overview of the objectives for today’s class.
2. **Types of Animal Feeds (15 minutes)**
- Show and describe each type of feed (forage, silage, concentrates, grains, legumes, and commercial feeds).
- Discuss the nutritional contents such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
3. **Nutritional Analysis (20 minutes)**
- Distribute nutritional analysis charts of the feed samples.
- Explain how to read these charts and why each nutrient is important.
4. **Hands-On Practical: Feed Identification and Analysis (30 minutes)**
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a set of feed samples.
- Each group will:
- Identify each type of feed.
- Record the nutritional content based on the provided charts.
- Weigh and measure sample quantities.
- Mix a basic feed ration for a hypothetical animal (e.g., for a dairy cow, a poultry bird, etc.).
5. **Group Discussion and Presentation (15 minutes)**
- Each group presents their findings, discussing:
- The types of feeds they identified.
- The nutritional components of each feed.
- The rationale behind their feed ration formulation.
6. **Conclusion and Q&A (10 minutes)**
- Summarize the key points learnt especially the importance of balancing diet.
- Open the floor for any questions.
- Provide any additional tips or resources for further reading.
### **Assessment**
- Observation of group participation and practical work.
- Evaluation of worksheets for accuracy in feed identification and nutritional analysis.
- Quality and thoughtfulness of group presentations.
### **Follow-Up Assignment**
- Research paper: Students write a 500-word essay on the impact of nutrition on the health and productivity of a specific type of farm animal (e.g., dairy cows, poultry, swine).
- Due: Next class.
### **Safety Considerations**
- Ensure all students wear gloves and aprons when handling feed samples.
- Emphasize the importance of hand hygiene before and after the practical session.
### **Additional Notes**
- Consider inviting a guest speaker (e.g., a local veterinarian or animal nutritionist) for an extended Q&A session in a future class.
- Integrate multimedia resources, such as videos on feed production and nutrition, to enhance learning.