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close this bookBetter Farming Series 08 - Animal Husbandry: Feeding and Care of Animals (FAO - INADES, 1976, 38 p.)
View the document(introduction...)
View the documentPreface
View the documentPlan of work
close this folderWhy learn about animal husbandry?
View the document(introduction...)
View the documentWhy farmers go In for traditional animal husbandry
View the documentAnimals can earn much more
View the documentHow to improve animal husbandry
close this folderFeeding animals
View the documentWhy animals must be well fed
View the documentHow food is used in the animal's body
View the documentNot all animals digest food in the same way
View the documentHow to choose animals' food
View the documentFoods that give nitrogen must be chosen
View the documentValues of certain foods
View the documentWhat is a mineral supplement?
View the documentVitamins
View the documentGiving the animals water to drink
View the documentFood needs of animals
View the documentHow to feed animals
close this folderPasture
View the document(introduction...)
View the documentImproving pasture
View the documentMaking new pasture
View the documentUsing new pasture
View the documentGrowing fodder crops
close this folderStoring grass
View the document(introduction...)
View the documentSilage
View the documentHay
close this folderLooking after animals
View the documentAnimals must be watched
View the documentHow to watch over animals
View the documentHousing animals
View the documentValues of some animal feeds
View the documentSuggested question paper

Improving pasture

A pasture is the field where animals find grass to eat.

A pasture can be improved by encouraging the good grasses to grow and multiply, that is, grasses which are richest in fodder units.

To do that:

· Animals must not be allowed on the whole of the pasture.

In the rainy season, grass grows fast.

The animals eat only a part of the pasture.

The other part of the pasture is left to rest. There the grasses grow well, they multiply and this part of the pasture will be better the following year.

· Weeds left by the animals must be cut.

The animals stayed on one part of the pasture, but they left uneaten certain weeds. These weeds must be cut down before they make seeds. Then they will not multiply.

· Good use must be made of the pasture.

Some farmers put too many animals on a pasture.

Some farmers do not put enough animals on a pasture.

You must put on a pasture the number of animals that will use it without spoiling it, but at the same time will be well fed.

Pasture that is not used is wasted wealth.