Ship of the desert

INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL PRODUCTION

Instructor: Dr. M. Mukangwa (Ph.D.)
Department: Animal Science
School: Agricultural Sciences

Food for Thought on Livestock Production

• Land Use:
    - Livestock production represents the largest user of land globally, through both direct grazing and the indirect consumption of fodder and feed-grains.
• Economic Significance:
    - Accounts for over 40% of the gross value of agricultural production worldwide.
• Future Demand:
    - Projected to see the total demand for animal products in developing countries more than double by 2030.
• Challenge:
    - Balancing the increasing and altering demands for animal food products with sustainability of the natural resource base (soil, water, air, biodiversity) represents a major challenge in world agriculture today.

Shifts in Food Demand

• As incomes rise, the demand for high-value and quality foods such as meat, eggs, and milk increases, comparably more than for plant-based foods.
• Traditional mixed farming practices will not sufficiently satisfy this rising demand for animal products.
• Increasing supply can be achieved by:
    - Raising the number of livestock.
    - Enhancing productivity and processing efficiencies.
    - Improving marketing effectiveness through various combinations of these factors.

Importance of Livestock Farming

1. Food Security:
     - Critical for global food production.
     - Essential role in fulfilling dietary requirements of a burgeoning population.
     - Provides vital nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals through animal products.

2. Economic Contributions:
     - Significant for rural livelihoods and promoting economic growth.
     - Employment opportunities and income generation mainly for small-scale farmers.
     - The livestock sector contributes approximately 3.2% to the national GDP and 42% to the agricultural GDP.

Scope of Animal Production

1. Livestock/Animal Species:
     - Cattle are used for milk, meat, and draught power.
     - Sheep and goats primarily for meat and wool.
     - Poultry for eggs and meat production.
     - Pigs are raised for pork and various by-products.

2. Breeding and Genetics:
     - Utilizes selective breeding aimed at enhancing desirable traits.
     - Focuses on principles of animal husbandry and dairy science, including artificial insemination and embryo transfer practices.
     - Emphasizes the conservation of indigenous breeds.

3. Animal Nutrition:
     - Involvement in crafting balanced rations for optimal productivity.
     - Utilization of fodder crops and feed supplements is key to productivity.
     - Includes study of rumen microbiology and its impact on feed efficiency.

4. Animal Health and Hygiene:
     - Incorporates disease prevention practices and vaccination protocols.
     - Veterinary diagnostics, therapeutics, and control of zoonotic diseases are crucial for public health safeguarding.

5. Housing and Welfare:
     - Focus on scientific housing systems, recognizing climate-responsive shelters.
     - Ensures animals' comfort and behavioral needs are met.

6. Waste Management and By-product Utilization:
     - Explores avenues such as biogas production from animal dung, composting and efficient manure management techniques.
     - Involves processing of by-products including hides, skins, bones, and wool.

7. Dairy and Meat Processing:
     - Stresses the importance of clean milk production and effective slaughterhouse management practices.

Methods of Livestock Farming

• Methods vary significantly across regions influenced by climate, available resources, and cultural practices.
    - Extensive Grazing System: Traditional methodology permitting animals to graze freely on natural pastures.
    - Intensive Farming System: Engaged in confining livestock in smaller areas with controlled diets to boost productivity.
    - Semi-Intensive System: A hybrid approach employing moderate labor and capital to attain productivity levels between intensive and extensive farming methods.

Main Types of Domestic Farm Animals

• Domestic farm animals are primarily classified based on their digestive systems and types of feed consumed, divided into two broad categories:
    1. Ruminant or Polygastric Animals: Includes cows, sheep, and goats.
    2. Monogastric Animals: Encompasses pigs, birds, and rabbits.

Utilization of Domestic Animals