Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF ANIMALS
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ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF ANIMALS
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Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 14
Grade code: 1.2.2.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 1.2.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.2.2.LI.2
Theme: FARMING FOR JOBS AND INCOME
Subtheme: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF ANIMALS
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Welcome, future farmers and entrepreneurs! Today, we are moving from theory to practice. All around us in Ghana, from small backyard coops in our communities to large commercial farms, poultry farming is a major source of food and income. The chicken on our table and the eggs we eat for breakfast are products of this important industry. This lesson will serve as a practical guide, showing you the exact steps to organise and manage your own small poultry project. By understanding the "business" of poultry, you can create jobs for yourselves and contribute to the food security of our nation. This is not just about raising birds; it's about raising them profitably and sustainably.
This lesson follows a project-based approach. We will learn by planning a hypothetical (or real) poultry farm from start to finish. 2.1. Step 1: Choosing Your Poultry Enterprise
Before you start, you must decide your goal: meat or eggs? This choice determines the type of bird you will raise. Broilers (for Meat): These are special breeds of chicken (e.g., Cobb 500, Ross 308) that are genetically selected to grow very fast. They are ready for the market in just 6-8 weeks. They are ideal for quick returns on investment, especially during festive seasons like Christmas and Easter. Layers (for Eggs): These breeds (e.g., Isa Brown, Lohmann Brown) are raised for egg production. They start laying eggs around 18-22 weeks of age and can lay almost an egg a day for over a year. This provides a more consistent, long-term stream of income. Local Fowls / "Local Chickens" (Dual-Purpose): These are the indigenous chickens we see in our villages and backyards. They are very hardy, resistant to many local diseases, and can find some of their own food (scavenge). However, they grow much slower and lay fewer eggs than commercial breeds. They are good for low-input, free-range systems.
| Feature | Broilers | Layers | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Primary Product | Meat | Eggs | | Time to Market | 6-8 weeks | 18-22 weeks (to start laying) | | Feed Type | High-protein starter, grower, finisher | Chick starter, grower, layers mash | | Income Type | Lump sum, short-term | Steady, daily/weekly, long-term | | Management | Intensive, sensitive to stress | Long-term commitment required | 2.2. Step 2: Site Selection and Housing
Site Selection Criteria: Well-drained area: Avoid waterlogged ground to prevent dampness and disease. Good ventilation: The site should allow for free flow of air to remove bad odours and heat. Security: It must be safe from thieves and predators like snakes and hawks. Accessibility: You need to be able to easily bring in feed and transport your products (eggs/birds) to the market. Away from noise: Loud noises can stress the birds, affecting their growth and egg production.