Animal Husbandry - Senior Secondary 1 - Practical on livestock reproduction

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK FIVE

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Topic: PRACTICAL ON LIVESTOCK REPRODUCTION:

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

I.) Identify the lengths of oestrus cycle of cattle, goat, sheep, pig etc.

II.) Detect heat period in farm animals

III.) Identify various signs of heat in female farm animals

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures,

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

PRACTICAL ON LIVESTOCK REPRODUCTION:

Practical Session: Livestock Reproduction and Heat Detection

Objective:

The objective of this practical session is to provide students with hands-on experience in understanding the reproductive cycles of various farm animals, detecting heat periods, and recognizing signs of estrus in female animals.

Materials Needed:

1. Live animals (cattle, goats, sheep, pigs) or visual aids (e.g., posters, videos) depicting reproductive anatomy and behavior.
2. Record-keeping materials (e.g., calendars, notebooks) for tracking estrus cycles and heat detection.
3. Heat detection aids (e.g., marking crayons, electronic heat detectors) for identifying animals in estrus.
4. Observation areas or facilities where animals can be observed comfortably and safely.
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for participants (e.g., gloves, boots).

Procedure:

1. Introduction (15 minutes):

   - Provide an overview of the objectives and structure of the practical session, focusing on livestock reproduction and heat detection.

   - Introduce the materials and tools that will be used during the session.

2. Understanding Estrus Cycles (30 minutes):

   - Discuss the lengths of the estrus cycles of different farm animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs.

   - Use visual aids or live animals to demonstrate reproductive anatomy and explain the hormonal changes that occur during the estrous cycle.

   - Provide information on typical estrus cycle lengths and variations within and between species.

3. Heat Detection Techniques (45 minutes):

   - Demonstrate various heat detection techniques used in livestock management, such as visual observation, behavioral cues, and heat detection aids.

   - Instruct students on how to use heat detection aids effectively, including marking crayons and electronic detectors.

   - Facilitate hands-on practice sessions where students can observe and practice heat detection techniques on live animals or simulated scenarios.

4. Signs of Heat in Female Animals (60 minutes):

   - Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different female farm animal species (e.g., cattle, goats, sheep, pigs).

   - Instruct students to observe and document various signs of heat in their assigned animal species, including behavioral changes, physical signs, and vocalizations.

   - Encourage students to record their observations and discuss the significance of each sign in determining estrus status.

5. Group Discussion and Analysis (30 minutes):

   - Gather students together for a group discussion to compare observations and experiences in heat detection across different animal species.

   - Facilitate discussions on commonalities and differences in estrus signs and behaviors among cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs.

   - Encourage students to share strategies and challenges encountered in heat detection and reproductive management.

6. Conclusion and Reflection (15 minutes):

   - Summarize the main points of the practical session and highlight key insights gained from the hands-on activities and discussions.

   - Encourage students to reflect on the importance of effective heat detection in optimizing reproductive performance and herd/flock management.

EVALUATION: 1. Teacher evaluates the students based on their performance from the practical session.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively