TLE ED.

ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND METHODS OF ANIMAL RAISING

INTRODUCTION
What is an Animal Production?
Animal Production means the raising of animals or production of animal products, such as eggs or
dairy products, on an agricultural or commercial basis on a site which is also used for crop production or
where grazing of natural vegetation is the major feed source, or the raising of animals or recreational or
educational use. Typical uses include grazing, ranching, free range dairy farming, and poultry farming.
Confined animal feeding operations shall only be allowed in industrial zones with a conditional use permit.

The Department of Animal Production Technology is one of the Departments in FECOLART

Owerri.
It was set up primarily to train students in the area of Domesticated Livestock Production which include:
Poultry
Goats
Sheep
Swine
Cattle
Grasscutters
What is an Animal Science?
Animal Science is a branch of Agriculture that is concerned with rearing and production of
livestock. Animal Science is therefore the art and science of rearing domestic livestock and poultry species
for human consumption and the by products for animal consumption and for agro based industries.
An animal scientist applies principles of the biological, physical, and social sciences to the
problems associated with livestock production and management. It is also concerned with foods of animal
origin: meat, dairy foods, and eggs for human use. Animal scientists must have formal training and
appropriate experience to learn and apply the complex principles involved in animal production, care and
use.

An overview of Animal Science

Animal Production is the technology applied to the keeping of animals for profit. This includes;
feeding, breeding, housing and marketing. The most important aspect is making of the financial
arrangements necessary for the successful carrying out of each enterprise in the light of the market
conditions for the sale of the end products.
The study of Animal Production includes farm animals in the following categories; Macro-livestock
(Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Horses, Donkeys, Pigs, Camels, etc.), Micro-livestock (Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Snails
apiculture, Grass cutter, etc.), Poultry (Chickens, Guinea fowls, Ostriches, Quails, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese,
Pigeons, etc.), and Pets (Dogs, Cats,, etc.).
Graduates of Animal Production who wish to further their education at the postgraduate level may
specialize in any of the following areas; Animal Breeding and Genetics, Reproductive and Environmental
Physiology, Animal Nutrition, Agricultural Biochemistry, Animal Production and management, Animal
Products, Processing and Handling, Pasture/forage Production and Rangeland Management, Micro-
livestock Production.

Why we study Animal Production?

Humans rely on animals for food. Fiber, labor, and companionship. So, it makes sense that we
need animal scientists to keep these animals healthy and productive.
Animal scientists help put food on out tables. Animal scientist work with farmers to improve animal
breeding, diseases and nutrition. When animals grow well and stay healthy, farmers can produce more
meat, milk or eggs for our consumption. Animal scientists also work with farmers to decrease the
environmental impact of animal agriculture.
Some animal scientists study animal products after harvest. They check meat quality or screen
milk for pathogens. Advances in food safety keep humans healthy and increase the worlds supply of
nutritious food. In many parts of the world, people need animals for labor. Animal scientists work to learn
more about oxen and other draft animals.
Animal scientists can protect human health. It is important for scientists to study how diseases
spread between humans and animals. Scientists can also use animals as models for humans. Studying
fetal development is sheep, for example, can help us understand fetal development in humans.
Animal scientists also keep our pets healthy. They tackle issues like pet obesity and breeding. And
zoos rely on animal scientists to establish breeding programs and help preserve exotic wildlife.

Presentor:
Banuag, Anna Marie C.