Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF SMALL RUMINANTS
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ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF SMALL RUMINANTS
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: SHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 15
Grade code: 2.2.2.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.2.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.2.2.LI.2
Theme: FARMING FOR JOBS AND INCOMES
Subtheme: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF SMALL RUMINANTS
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Welcome, future agripreneurs! Today, we are exploring a very important and profitable area of agriculture in Ghana: raising small ruminants like goats and sheep. Why is this important? Think about the delicious khebab, goat light soup, or the sheep used during festivals like Eid al-Adha (Salah) and traditional ceremonies. These animals are a major source of meat (protein) and income for many families and communities. This lesson will equip you with the practical knowledge to start and manage your own small ruminant farm, turning agriculture into a business and contributing to our nation's food security.
This lesson follows a step-by-step approach to organising and producing small ruminants, as if we were setting up our own farm project. Step 1: Selecting Your Animals (Breeds)
Choosing the right breed is the first step to success. We need animals that can thrive in our local environment and are good for meat. In Ghana, the most common and suitable small ruminants are goats and sheep. Goats: West African Dwarf (WAD) Goat / 'Djallonké': Appearance: Small, compact, and stocky. Comes in various colours (black, brown, white, or mixed). Why it's good for meat: They are very hardy, meaning they can resist many local diseases like trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). They can survive well in the humid forest zones of the south and middle belt. They also reproduce quickly, often giving birth to twins or triplets. Key Trait: High disease resistance and adaptability. Sahelian Goat (or West African Long-legged Goat): Appearance: Larger and taller than the WAD goat, with long legs. Why it's good for meat: They grow bigger and faster than WAD goats, so they produce more meat per animal. They are best suited for the drier northern savanna regions of Ghana. Key Trait: Larger body size and faster growth rate. Sheep: West African Dwarf (WAD) Sheep / 'Djallonké' Sheep: Appearance: Similar to the WAD goat, it's a small, hardy sheep. They are hairy, not woolly. Why it's good for meat: Just like the WAD goat, they are very resistant to local diseases and well-adapted to the humid southern parts of Ghana. Their meat is highly valued. Key Trait: Excellent disease resistance and adaptation to humid climates. Sahelian Sheep: Appearance: Taller, long-legged sheep with long, drooping ears. They are also hairy. Why it's good for meat: They are larger than the WAD sheep and are prized for their size, especially for festivals. They are well-suited to the northern savanna zones. Key Trait: Large frame size, making them ideal for ceremonies.
When selecting individual animals, look for signs of good health: bright eyes, smooth coat, active and alert behaviour, and no signs of diarrhoea or discharge from the nose or eyes. Step 2: Choosing a Location (Site Selection)
The location of your farm is crucial. We will be focusing on a semi-intensive system, which means the animals have a house (pen) where they are kept at night and fed supplements, but they can also go out to graze or browse during the day in a fenced area (paddock).