REVOGREEN; Livestock Production

This is a continuation to my last post on livestock production... many people love livestocks, we should also know how they live and produce.

Requirements for Farm Site Selection
The following factors are important to be considered before a farm can be established:

(i.) Neighbours: The location of livestock farms should not be too close to residential areas of a particular community. If the building site is too close to nearby homes it may bring about reaction especially when odour from the farm disturbs neighbours.

(ii.) Topography: This has to do with the physical features of the area; whether the site is level, sloppy or hilly will determine the amount of grade work that must be done to get a level area for the buildings. Low-lying areas near streams with flooding potential should be avoided.

(iii.) Prevailing wind and sunshine: Prevailing wind direction must be considered. The distance from the livestock house location to any residence would need to be greater if prevailing winds is directed toward the residence. Likewise, the long axis of the house should be located in an east-west direction. This helps to minimize the amount of direct sunlight that would enter through the sidewalls of the houses.

(iv.) Utilities: Utilities are services provided for the public. Some questions about utilities must be answered to help determine site selection. Some of the things to look for in site selection are: 1. is electricity readily available? 2. Is water available from wells or a municipal water system or both? 3. is the quality and quantity of the well water suitable for a poultry operation? And so on.

(v.) Roads: The condition of roads must be good to allow trucks and vehicles access to the buildings during all times of the year.

(vi.) Future expansion: The potential building site should allow the possibility for further expansion.

(vii.) Other buildings: The building site needs to have adequate land area available for other buildings, such as litter storage. The buildings need to be located close enough to the production facilities to minimize travel time, but far enough away to reduce possible disease transmission. A distance of about 100 feet is a reasonable.

(viii.) Litter utilization: A litter management plan will help determine if adequate land area is available for litter utilization. If not, plans must be made to remove excess litter offsite.

Livestock Housing
Correct housing is vital to the success of livestock enterprise. Efficient house design is very important for the small scale farmer and large commercial enterprise.

Importance of Livestock Housing
~ Protection from harsh weather condition
~ Protection from predators
~ Provision of warmth
~ To protect the animals from thieves
~ Easy control of the animals
~ To help keep the animals in age groups

Types of Housing System:
~ Free range or extensive system
~ Semi - intensive system
~ Intensive system

Construction of Livestock Housing
It should be strong enough to last a long time;
Large enough for the animals to be housed comfortably.
Be well-drained and easy to clean.
Be well lighted and ventilated.
It must be well ventilated.
Ensure that temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations should be at levels that will not harm animals.
Should have isolation pens for sick or injured animals which should be far away from the main house.‎

To be continued!!
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CREDIT: NPOWER AGRO