February 28

AGRICULTURE NOTES
202
5
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STANDARD 6 NOTES

AGRICULTURE

UNIT 1 THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF FARM RECORDS

UNIT 2 PHYSICAL FARM RECORDS
UNIT 3 FINANCIAL FARM RECORDS
UNIT 4 SOURCES AND IMPORTANCE OF WATER
UNIT 5 IRRIGATION
UNIT 6 SOIL COMPOSITION
UNIT 7 THE IMPORTANCE OF SOIL
UNIT 8 FARM IMPLEMENTS
UNIT 9 SAFETY MEASURES IN USING FARM IMPLEMENTS
UNIT 10 MAINTENANCE OF FARM IMPLEMENTS
UNIT 11 THE FARMING CALENDAR
UNIT 12 LAND PREPARATION FOR GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA
UNIT 13 SEED SELECTION IN GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA
UNIT 14 PLANTING GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA
UNIT 15 WEEDING IN GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA
UNIT 16 PESTS AND DISEASES IN GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA
UNIT 17 HARVESTING GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA
UNIT 18 PROCESSING AND STORAGE OF GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA
UNIT 19 TYPES AND IMPORTANCE OF POULTRY
UNIT 20 SYSTEMS OF KEEPING CHICKENS
UNIT 21 SYSTEMS OF KEEPING CHICKENS
UNIT 22 CHICKEN FEED AND FEEDING
UNIT 23 BREEDING PRINCIPLES FOR CHICKENS
UNIT 24 THE DISEASES AND PARASITES OF CHICKENS
UNIT 25 MARKETING OF CHICKENS AND CHICKEN PRODUCTS
UNIT 26 TREE NURSERY ESTABLISHMENT
UNIT 27 TREE NURSERY MANAGEMENT
UNIT 28 WOODLOT ESTABLISHMENT
UNIT 29 WOODLOT MANAGEMENT 1
UNIT 30 WOODLOT MANAGEMENT 2
REFERENCES
UNIT 1 THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF FARM RECORDS
MEANING OF FARM RECORDS
Farm records are written information that farmers keep on different activities carried out on a farm.

THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING FARM RECORDS

 making important decisions

 budgeting and planning

 calculating profit or loss

 selecting livestock

 obtaining loans from money lending institutions

UNIT 2 PHYSICAL FARM RECORDS

Physical farm records are all farm records dealing with production.

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL FARM RECORDS

 field operations records

 crop records

 labour records

 layers records

 milk production records

 inventory records (record of items on a farm)

1. FIELD OPERATION RECORDS

A field operation record is a record of daily activities done by a farmer from land preparation to
harvesting. This record shows inputs used on the crops such as type and amount of seed,
fertilizers, chemicals and labour used.

2. CROP RECORD
A crop record shows the crop, plot number, plot size, type and amount of seed used, type and
amount of fertilizer or manure and amount of insecticides used.

3. A YIELD RECORD
A yield crop shows the amount of yield harvested for each crop grown on the farm. The amount
is recorded in kilograms.
 4. A LABOUR RECORD
A labour record shows crop, plot number, plot size, activity and work done (man days). Labour is
work done by human beings measured in man days.

5. A LAYERS RECORD
A layers record shows the date, the number of hens laying, the number of eggs collected daily
and the amount of feed used daily.

UNIT 3 FINANCIAL FARM RECORDS

MEANING OF FINANCIAL FARM RECORDS

Financial records are records dealing with money on a farm.

OR

Financial farm records are all records of accounts that show income and expenditure.

EXAMPLES OF FINANCIAL FARM RECORDS

 sales records

 expenditure records

 production records

In financial farm records, there are two main columns of income on one side and expenditure on the
other.

The difference between the total income and total expenditures gives the profit or loss of a particular
farming activity.
Any produce from the farm eaten or used at home should be valued at current market price.

This should be recorded under sales and receipts because the farmer would have sold such produce for
income.

UNIT 4 SOURCES AND IMPORTANCE OF WATER

SOURCES OF WATER

 Rivers

 Dams

 Lakes

 Streams

 Boreholes

 wells

However, all these sources depend on rainfall.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER TO CROPS

 Seed germination

 Irrigation of crops

 Pollination of flowers

 Making plant food

 Transportation of farm inputs and produce

THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER TO LIVESTOCK

 For drinking

 Fish farming

 Washing utensils

 Dip tanks – chemicals at dip tanks are mixed with water to make dip wash or dip solution. This
helps to kill external parasites in farm animals

WAYS OF IMPROVING AVAILABILITY OF WATER

 Avoiding cutting down trees carelessly around sources of water

 Construction of dams and boreholes

  Provision of piped water

WAYS OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF WATER

 Avoiding putting wastes in rivers

 Adding chlorine to dirty water

UNIT 5 IRRIGATION

MEANING OF THE TERM ‘IRRIGATION’

Irrigation means supplying water onto a field to enable crops grow.

IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION

 Avoiding risks of hunger

 Helps farmers to grow crops several times a year

METHODS OF IRRIGATION

 Sprinkler irrigation

 Drip irrigation

 Basin irrigation

 Flooding irrigation

SPRINKLER IRRIGATION

Water is supplied to crops through pipes which have nozzles at one end to spray the water.
the sprinkler irrigation method

DRIP IRRIGATION
This is also known as trickle irrigation. Water is led through plastic pipes which are laid on the ground.
The pipes have small holes through which water comes out. The spacing between the holes is
determined by the distance between the planting stations of the crops. Water intake by the soil is
controlled.
the drip irrigation method

BASIN IRRIGATION
Water is led to basins through furrows. This method is good for fruit trees.

the basin irrigation method

FLOODING IRRIGATION
Water is supplied in a plot through flooding. This method is common in rice fields. The land should be
flat.

UNIT 6 SOIL COMPOSITION

The term ‘soil’ means the loose material covering the surface of earth.

THE COMPOSITION OF SOIL

Soil is made up of different materials.

These include the following:

  Inorganic matter

 Organic matter

 Soil water

 Soil air

1. INORGANIC MATTER

 This is made up of sand, silt and clay particles. This forma the largest part of the soil.

2. ORGANIC MATTER

 This is made up of living, decaying and decayed plant and animal parts. The decayed matter is
called humus.

3. SOIL WATER

 This is soil moisture.

4. SOIL AIR

 This is air trapped between the soil particles.

UNIT 7 THE IMPORTANCE OF SOIL THE IMPORTANCE OF SOIL TO CROPS

 Holds plants

 Supplies water to plants

 Provides mineral salts to plants

 Provides air

 It is home of soil organisms

UNIT 8 FARM IMPLEMENTS

NAMES AND PARTS OF FARM IMPLEMENTS

  The wheelbarrow

The wheelbarrow has four main parts:

o Wheel

o Handles

o Barrow

o Frame

a wheelbarrow

Wheel: it rolls over the ground to enable the barrow to be pushed more easily

Handles : they enable the farmer to hold and push the barrow.

Barrow : this is the basin or box in which the materials being transported are placed.

Frame : this is the structure to which all the other parts are attached.

 THE MAIZE SHELLER

This implement is used to shell maize. Major parts of the maize sheller are:

o Loading hopper

o Drum

o Shelling disc

o Steel supporters
a maize sheller

Loading hopper : this is where maize cobs are placed or loaded for shelling.

Drum : the cobs slide into a drum where shellers are placed.

Shelling disc : the shellers in the drum are attached to a shelling disc which spins during shelling
process.

Steel supporters – the implement is held upright by strong steel bars.

 A FARM CART

This is used for transporting farm goods. The main parts of a farm cart are:

o Cart body

o Dazzle boom

o Wheels and tyres

o Yoke

a farm cart

Cart body: this is a box-like structure made of wooden planks bolted together. It is where goods are
loaded.
Dazzle boom : this supports the cart body and joins it to a yoke.

Wheels and tyres : they roll on the ground so that the cart can move more easily when pulled by draught
animals
Yoke : this is a wooden structure which connects the cart to the necks of the draught animals.

 TREADLE PUMP

This is used for pumping water from a source to a crop field. Major parts of treadle pump are:

o Handle

o Treadles

o Barrel assembly

o Pulley

o Inlet pipe

o Outlet pipe

a treadle pump

Handle : the person operating the treadle pump holds the handle for support.

Treadles : these are the two wooden foot pedals. They are used to pump water through a walking
motion

. Barrel assembly : the two pistons which help to draw the water.

Pulley : this is the metal wheel which helps in lifting the water.

Inlet pipe : This is also called intake or suction pipe. It is used to carry water from water sources such as
boreholes, wells, lakes or rivers.
Outlet pipe : this delivers water towards the garden.

o WIND MILL

Main parts of a wind mill are:

 Bladed turbine

 tower

a wind mill Bladed turbine : this rotates in the blowing of the wind.
Tower : this supports the wind turbine

o A MOTORISED WATER PUMP

USES OF FARM IMPLEMENT

Uses
Farm implement
Wheelbarrow  Transporting materials such as farm
produce, fertilizers, manure, building
materials

Maize Sheller  Shelling dry maize

Farm cart  Transporting farm produce from the farm
to the home or market
 Transporting farm inputs such as fertilizer,
seed, farm produce, manure, building
 materials

Treadle pump  Lifting water from wells, boreholes or

open sources (rivers or lakes) for irrigating
crops

Motorised pump  Drawing water

Wind mill  Drawing water
 Generating electricity

UNIT 9 SAFETY MEASURES IN USING FARM IMPLEMENTS

GENERAL FARM SAFETY RULES IN USING FARM IMPLEMENTS

 Dress suitably for the task, for example, avoiding wearing loose clothing that can
be caught in a moving or rotating implement

 Using implements properly

 Ensuring that implements are in good state of repair

 Checking implements before use to ensure that bolts and nuts are securely fixed
to avoid wobbling

 Following the manufacturer's instructions or procedures when using farm

implements

 Greasing all moving parts

 Properly fixing the wheel axle

FARM-CART

 It should not be overloaded to avoid loss of balance

 Bolts and nuts should be tightened before use

 Tyres should be properly inflated

 Draught animals should be strong and of the same size

 The yoke should be the correct size for the oxen

 The yoke strap should be strong

  The cart should be fitted with reflectors to avoid accidents

TREADLE PUMP

 Check the pulley and rope before use

 Hold the handle firmly

WINDMILL

 Check that fasteners are tight to keep the vane in place

MOTORIZED PUMP

 Keep fuel and oil in safe place

 Tighten bolts and nuts before use

 Grease all moving parts before use

 Keep battery acid away from your skin or eyes

UNIT 10 MAINTENANCE OF FARM IMPLEMENTS

WAYS OF MAINTAINING FARM IMPLEMENTS

WHEELBARROW

 Replace worn out parts

 Load it appropriately

 Clean it well after use

 Paint it when not in use to prevent rusting

 Store it in a shed for protection against the sun and rains

 Grease the wheel axle

MAIZE SHELLER

 Replace worn out parts

 Grease moving parts to reduce friction

 Clean it properly (dust it)

 Change oil and oil filter regularly

 Set the maize sheller properly

 Paint it if not in use to prevent rusting

 Store it under the shed

FARM CART

 Replace worn out parts

 Grease bearings regularly

 Inflate tyres at the correct pressure

 Avoid overloading it

 Keep the farm cart under the shed if not in use

TREADLE PUMP

 Replace worn out parts

 Grease moving parts to reduce friction

 Paint it when not in use

WINDMILL

 Change the oil and clean the filter on the compression

  Grease the moving parts

 Replace worn out parts

 Re-paint the rotor

 Service pump

 Tighten fasteners

MOTORIZED WATER PUMP

 Change the oil regularly

 Check the wiring

 Replace worn out parts

 Overhaul the engine

UNIT 11 THE FARMING CALENDAR

MEANING OF THE TERM 'FARMING CALENDAR'

A farming calendar is a list of activities to be done in each month of the year for a given crop.

The table below shows the forming calendar for groundnuts

Month Activities
September Clearing land
October Ridging
November Planting
December Planting and weeding
January weeding
Febuary Banking and hand wedding
March maturity
April Lifting
May Drying
June Stripping and storage
July Shelling
August Selling groundnuts
The table below shows the forming calendar for cassava

month activity
september Clearing land
october ridging
november Prepare cuttings
december planting
january weeding
febuary banking
march Hand weeding
April Hand weeding
may Maturity testing
june Harvesting/storage
July Harvesting/storage
august selling

THE IMPORTANCE OF A FARMING CALENDAR

 It is a source of farm record

 It guides the farmer to carry out all farming operations or activities at the appropriate time

UNIT 12 LAND PREPARATION FOR GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

Land preparation for growing field crops such as groundnuts and cassava should be done soon after
harvesting the preceding crop.
This is what is known by early land preparation.

REASONS FOR EARLY LAND PREPARATION

 It is easy to till the ground

 It promotes the decomposition of crop residues which improves soil fertility
 It enables the farmer to plant with the first rains

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN LAND PREPARATION

 Site selection

 Clearing land
  Ploughing the land

 Ridging

 Making box ridges

UNIT 13 SEED SELECTION IN GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

In Malawi, most farmers buy seeds from shops.

However some farmers select seeds or planting materials from the previous crop.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING GOOD SEEDS OR PLANTING MATERIALS

 Ability to germinate

 Large size

 Wholeness (unbroken or undamaged)

 Free from diseases

 Purity (not mixed with any other materials)

 Maturity

 Suitable variety for climate of the area

UNIT 14 PLANTING GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

Like any other field crops, groundnuts and cassava must be planted at the right time, spacing, seed rate
and depth.
Groundnuts
In Malawi, groundnuts are planted with the first or soaking rains of between 25mm and 30mm.

It is usually between October and November in the southern region and November and December in the
central and northern regions.
The spacing between ridges and planting stations for groundnuts depends on the variety.

VARIETIES, SEED RATE AND SPACING IN GROUNDNUTS

Seed rate (kg/ha) Spacing (cm) Planting depth

Variety

Chalimbana 110 75 x 15 x 1 seed 5-7cm

Chitembana 120 75 x 15 x 1 seed 5-7cm

CG7 110 75 x 15 x 1 seed 5-7cm

Nsinjiro 100 75 x 15 x 1 seed 5-7cm

Manipintar 80 75 x 15 x 1 seed 5-7cm

Mawanga 80 75 x 15 x 1 seed 5-7cm

RG1 80 75 x 15 x 1 seed 5-7cm

Malimba 45 75 x 10 x 1 seed 5-7cm

Kakoma 60 75 x 10 x 1 seed 5-7cm

Baka 60 75 x 10 x 1 seed 5-7cm

Cassava
Cassava is also planted with the first soaking rains in all the regions in Malawi.

It is recommended to plant cassava on ridges spaced at 90 centimetres apart and 90 centimetres

between planting stations where it would be processed into Kandowole.
For the tubers to be sold fresh at the market, spacing of 90 centimetres between ridges and 45
centimetres between planting stations is used.
Cassava planting materials must be obtained from a middle portion of a well matured plant. Cassava
cuttings should be 25 to 30 centimetres long with at least two nodes.
Cuttings should be planted at an angle and two thirds of the cuttings should be planted into the soil. This
prevents water from settling down on the cut edges which can cause rotting of the cutting.

The improved varieties of cassava include

 silira
 maunjiri
 mkondezi.

There are also local varieties that are grown in Malawi like

 Manyokola (mbundumali),
 Gomani
 Chitembwere.

Groundnut seed and cassava planting materials that have not germinated or sprouted have to be
replaced immediately so that they can almost grow together with the seeds or planting materials of the
first planting.
Replanting where germination failed is called 'supplying'.

Supplying is important because it helps to maintain both the plant population and yield of a particular
crop.

UNIT 15 WEEDING IN GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

WEEDING GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

The best time to weed is when weeds appear.

It is also recommended to weed while the crops are still young. This does not disturb the developing
roots.

METHODS OF WEEDING GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

 Using hoes

 Ploughing

 Using hands

 Using chemicals
COMMON WEEDS OF GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

 Chisoso (black jack)

 Msonthi

 Bonongwe (Amaranthus)

 Luba

 Namsongole (tares)

 Dawe

 Khovani

 Chilungumwamba

 Denje

 Likodza

 Kalasawene

 Volunteer crops such as maize, millet and sorghum

EFFECTS OF WEEDS IN GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

 Competition for nutrients

 Competition for water

 Competition for sunlight

 Transmission of diseases

 Harbouring pests

UNIT 16 PESTS AND DISEASES IN GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

THE PESTS OF GROUNDNUTS, DAMAGE DONE AND THEIR CONTROL

 Damage done Control/prevention
Pest

Termites o They damage the stems o Avoiding growing

and eat the soft parts of groundnuts in gardens that
groundnut pods have termites mounds or a
history of termites

Aphids o They suck plant juice o Early planting

and transmit a virus
which causes rosette o Planting closer together so
disease in groundnuts that leaves cover the soil
completely

o Practicing crop rotation

o Correct spacing of plants

o Spraying chemicals

Birds o They dig up and eat o Scaring

planted seeds or
mature nuts o Trapping

Mice o They eat up nuts in the o Trapping

garden and in storage

Monkeys o They dig up planted o Scaring

seeds and mature nuts

a termite
an aphid

THE DISEASES OF GROUNDNUTS

Rosette
Rosette is caused by a virus and spread by aphids. The disease restricts pod formation.
The crop has a stunted growth.

Sometimes the groundnut leaves look wrinkled with dark green or yellow colour.

Control of rosette disease

 Planting early

 Recommended spacing to prevent aphids multiplying

 Uprooting the diseased plants and burning them

 Using resistant varieties such as RG1, Nsinjiro

Leaf spot
This is caused by fungus.
There are two types of leaf spot that attack groundnuts. These are:

 Early leaf spot

 Late leaf spot

Early leaf spot shows reddish brown spots surrounded by a yellow band.

Late leaf spot shows darker and smaller spots without a yellow band around them.

Control of leaf spot

 Spraying the plants with recommended fungicides

  Growing resistant varieties

 Practicing crop rotation

THE PESTS OF CASSAVA, DAMAGE DONE AND CONTROL OR PREVENTION

Damage done Control/prevention

Pest

Green spider o They attack fresh o Early planting

mites leaves and shoots
especially during the o Planting stem cuttings
dry season that are not attacked
by green spider mites
o The tips of the shoots
shrivel and die

White flies o They suck juice from o Planting stem cuttings

the plant which are free from
white flies
o They cause lumps and
knots in the tubers o Early planting

o They spread cassava

mosaic disease

Mice Hares o They dig up mature o Scaring

Wild pigs tubers
Monkeys o Trapping
Porcupines

The diseases of cassava

 Cassava mosaic. It is caused by virus and transmitted by white flies.

 Bacterial blight. It is caused by bacteria.

THE DISEASES OF CASSAVA, EFFECTS AND CONTROL

 Effects (damage) Control/prevention
Disease

Cassava o Change shape of the o Using healthy cuttings

mosaic leaves and become
yellow o Early planting

o Uprooting and burning

diseased plants

Bacterial o Shoot tips turn brown o Using healthy cuttings

blight
o Leaves develop brown o Early planting
patches, wilt and fall off
o Uprooting and burning
diseased plants

o Practicing crop rotation

UNIT 17 HARVESTING GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

The success of harvesting depends on the timing of both groundnuts and cassava.

Before harvesting both groundnuts and cassava, it is important to check if they are mature.

Groundnuts
Groundnuts are mature and ready to harvest if the inside of the pod is spotted pale brown. This is
usually after three to five months from the time of planting depending on the variety.

STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN HARVESTING GROUNDNUTS

 Dig up the plants with a hoe carefully to avoid nuts breaking off and remaining on the ground
and pull them out

 Stack groundnuts and leave the plants in the sun with pods up for few days to dry

 Pull off the nuts from the plants, that is, strip off the nuts (kuthothola)

 Spread groundnuts on the mats to dry again for a week

Cassava
Cassava is usually mature and ready to harvest when it has been growing for one year. Cassava is usually
mature when the soil on which it grows starts to crack.
It can be harvested by cutting off the stems with a panga, removing the soil around the roots with a hoe
and then pull them out

UNIT 18 PROCESSING AND STORAGE OF GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

Cassava and groundnuts need to be processed and stored properly.

Processing of cassava helps it to stay for a longer period of time and attracts high prices on the market.

Groundnuts
Groundnuts’ inside shells take 3 to 6 weeks to dry. Sometimes groundnuts are dried in stooks for quick
drying.
It is not recommended to dry groundnuts on iron sheet roofs.

Pods are then removed by hand or machine from the plant when they start to rattle. Groundnuts are
then winnowed to remove soil debris or trash.
After drying, shelling is done by hand or machine.

After shelling, groundnuts are graded to remove mouldy and broken nuts from good ones. Take note
that oil nuts such as mawanga and manipintar are usually sold in pods.
Shelled nuts may be roasted, pounded into flour and made into sauce. Sometimes farmers roast, salt
groundnuts and put them in small plastic packets. These are sold as an income generating activity at
local markets.

CASSAVA
Cassava is best stored in processed form because it does not take long to rot after harvesting. There are
two methods of processing cassava.
These are:

 Heap fermentation

 Soaking fermentation

HEAP FERMENTATION

This involves:
 o peeling the outer covers

o Slicing

o Heap to ferment

o Drying

SOAKING FERMENTATION

This involves:

o Peeling

o Soaking in containers

o Cleaning

o Pounding

o Drying

Fermentation helps to remove the toxic substances from the bitter varieties of cassava and improve
taste When slicing cassava, chips or slices are prepared about 2.5 to 7.5 centimetres for easy drying.
Large chips develop moulds especially when harvesting is done in rainy season.

Sweet varieties of cassava are prepared by peeling, cutting the tubers into small pieces and boiling.

STORAGE OF GROUNDNUTS AND CASSAVA

Groundnuts
Dried groundnuts can be stored either in shelled or unshelled form. Unshelled groundnuts are stored in
sacks, granary (nkhokwe) or in clay pots. Shelled groundnuts are stored in sacks.
The sacks are stacked on planks or logs to allow free movement of air to prevent moisture which attracts
the growth of moulds on the groundnuts
Groundnuts store better in pods because it is difficult for moulds to attack. Before storage, groundnuts
need to be winnowed to clean them.

Cassava
Farmers are encouraged to store cassava in processed form such as dried pieces (makaka) or flour.
Processed cassava stay longer in storage without getting rotten.
Apply 25 grammes of actellic dust to 50kg of makaka to avoid weevil damage.

Cassava chips should be kept dry and away from wet conditions to prevent them from developing
moulds. Mouldy cassava chips are not good for consumption and cannot sell well on the market.

UNIT 19 TYPES AND IMPORTANCE OF POULTRY

Poultry means all domesticated birds.

TYPES OF POULTRY

 Chickens

 Pigeons

 Ducks

 Geese

 Turkeys

 Guinea fowls

IMPORTANCE OF POULTRY

 Source of food to people

 Beautification

 Source of manure

 Employment

 Source of raw materials

 Source of income

TYPES OF CHICKENS

 Layers

 Broilers
Layers are kept mainly for egg production Broilers are kept mainly for meat production

In Malawi farmers also keep the Black Australorp locally known as Mikolongwe. These are kept for both
meat and eggs.

BROILERS
Broilers are big, heavy and grow very fast.

They are usually ready for use at the age of 6 to 8 weeks.

The improved breeds of broilers kept for meat in Malawi include Stabro, Indian River and Ross.

LAYERS
Layers are small, light and grow slowly.

They take about 18 to 20 weeks before they start laying eggs.

There are several improved breeds of layers kept and these include Hyline, White leghorn and Shavers.

UNIT 20 SYSTEMS OF KEEPING CHICKENS 1

Chickens need proper housing to protect them from bad weather, predators and thieves. It is important
to provide enough space.
A clean chicken house will help to control diseases and parasites. There are three main systems of
keeping chickens.
These are:

 Free range system

 Semi-intensive system
 Intensive system
FREE RANGE SYSTEM
Chickens are left free all day, getting their own feed in form of green grass, insects and any leftover food.
The chickens are not restricted by a fence.
This system is adopted where there is enough land.

ADVANTAGES OF FREE RANGE SYSTEM

 Chickens can find feed for themselves

 Chickens are able to get sunshine

 Manure is well spread all over the field

 The children house does not need expensive materials to construct

DISADVANTAGES OF FREE RANGE SYSTEM

 Predators can catch the chickens

 It is difficult to collect eggs at they may be laid in the bush

 Chickens can easily catch diseases

 Difficult to control breeding

SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEM
The chickens are allowed to move freely during the day to eat insects, grass, worms and grit in a fenced
area. They are provided with a house to sleep at night.
Feed and water are provided within the fence. Laying nets are provided.
The house provided can either be traditional or deep litter.

ADVANTAGES OF SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEM

 Chickens do not go far away

 Easy to collect manure

 It is easy to control diseases

 It is easy to collect eggs

 Chickens can be fed on locally made feed

 DISADVANTAGE OF FREE RANGE SYSTEM

 Feed must be provided as chickens cannot find enough feed for themselves

UNIT 21 SYSTEMS OF KEEPING CHICKENS 2

INTENSIVE SYSTEM OF KEEPING CHICKENS

The chickens are confined all the time.

This system requires high levels of management and totally depends on commercial feeds.

There are two main houses used to keep chickens under this system. These are

o Deep litter houses

o Battery cages

DEEP LITTER HOUSE

Chickens are confined (kept) throughout their life in a house. Part of the wall is built with wire mesh to
allow ventilation. The house is built on a raised ground.
The floor is well filled with litter up to 10 to 15 centimetres high.

The litter can be made of sawdust, wood shavings, crashed maize cobs or chopped straws. The litter is
turned constantly using a rake.
The old litter is removed when new birds are put into the house. The house has a floor space of 2 to 3
birds per square metre.
The farmer provides laying nests, roosting perches, feed and water troughs.

ADVANTAGES OF DEEP LITTER HOUSE

o Many chickens can be kept in a small area

o More eggs and meat are produced in this system than in the semi-intensive system

o Chickens are well protected from disease and predator attacks

DISADVANTAGES OF DEEP LITTER HOUSE

o There is problem of cannibalism and egg eating

o Chickens can easily catch diseases if litter has a lot of moisture

o Litter may not be available when needed

o It is difficult to identify non-laying chickens

THE BATTERY CAGE SYSTEM

This is the most intensive of all the systems. The chickens are put in cages.
The number of chickens per cage varies from 1 to 4.

The cages are made of wire and placed in tiers, generally one above the other. They stretch the whole
length of the house.

Each cage has a sloping floor to allow for easy flow of eggs.

Since the droppings fall onto the floor, the lowest tier of cages should be 0.6 to 0.9 metres above the
floor for easy cleaning.
Watering and feeding are continuous throughout the length of the cages. Battery house should have
adequate light and air should move freely.
The floor is made of concrete.

This system is recommended for layers.

ADVANTAGES OF BATTERY CAGE SYSTEM

o The farmer can keep many chickens on a small piece of land

o Individual record of the chickens can be kept

o Chickens cannot practise egg eating and cannibalism

o No contamination of food and water with droppings

o Clean eggs are collected

o High egg, meat and manure production

DISADVANTAGES OF BATTERY CAGE SYSTEM

o It needs a lot of money to buy the cages

o High level of management needed for maximum profits

UNIT 22 CHICKEN FEED AND FEEDING