Grade 7 Agriculture ANIMAL PRODUCTION – Animal handling Notes
Animal Handling
Topic: ANIMAL PRODUCTION — Subject: Agriculture (Kenya) — Age: 12
Animal handling means taking care of farm animals and moving or working with them in a safe and kind way. Good handling keeps animals healthy, people safe, and helps farms in Kenya do well.
Why it matters:
- Healthy animals give more milk, meat, eggs, and income.
- Calm handling lowers injuries to animals and people.
- Good care helps stop diseases spreading to people and other animals.
Basic rules for safe and kind handling
- Always have an adult with you when handling large animals (cows, bulls).
- Stay calm and quiet. Animals get scared by shouting and sudden moves.
- Move slowly and use gentle touches — animals understand calm behaviour.
- Wear safe clothes: closed shoes, long trousers, and gloves if needed.
- Use proper equipment: clean ropes, nets for chickens, well-built gates and pens.
How to read animal behaviour
Knowing how animals act helps you know when they are happy, scared or sick.
Cattle (cows, bulls) 🐄
- Head up, ears forward: alert.
- Pawing ground, snorting: nervous or angry — do not approach.
- Slow chewing and relaxed posture: calm and comfortable.
Goats & sheep 🐐🐑
- Head down or turning away: scared — move slowly behind them.
- Bleating a lot: may be hungry, thirsty, or frightened.
Chickens 🐔
- Quiet and preening: happy.
- Hiding, panting or puffed up: too hot, sick or scared.
Step-by-step: Moving an animal
- Observe the animal and prepare the route (close gates, clear obstacles).
- Tell others nearby what you will do. Use calm voice — do not shout.
- Approach from the side, not from directly in front or behind.
- If using rope or halter, make sure it fits well and is not tight on the animal.
- Walk slowly with the animal. Let it see where it is going.
- After moving, check the animal for cuts, ticks or unusual behaviour.
Equipment and hygiene
- Clean water troughs and feeders every day.
- Have a simple first-aid kit for animals: antiseptic, bandages, clean cloths.
- Use separate clothes and boots when visiting different animal houses to stop disease spread.
- Dip or spray cattle for ticks when needed (ask a vet for correct products).
Health and disease basics
Keep records and follow the veterinary advice:
- Vaccinate animals on time (ask the vet or extension officer for the schedule).
- Isolate sick animals so disease does not spread.
- Clean kraals and chicken houses regularly to reduce flies and pests.
- Control internal worms by regular deworming (use right medicines and doses).
Kenyan smallholder tips
- Many families keep kienyeji (indigenous) chickens. Handle them gently when collecting eggs so they stay calm.
- For cattle, breeds like Zebu or small crossbreeds are common. Keep shade and water, especially during dry seasons in ASAL areas.
- Goats are good for small farms — keep them in safe night pens to prevent theft and predators.
Seasonal care (short tips)
Dry season
- Save water and give animals extra water when hot.
- Store safe fodder (hay, silage) to feed when pastures are dry.
Rainy season
- Keep houses dry and raised to avoid mud and hoof rot.
- Watch for diseases that spread with wet conditions and call vet early.
Quick checklist before handling animals:
- Is an adult with me?
- Are gates closed and the path clear?
- Do I have the right equipment (rope, gloves, bucket)?
- Do the animals look healthy or do I need to call the vet?
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Move calmly and speak quietly.
- Check animals every day for signs of illness.
- Keep records of births, treatments and vaccinations.
Don't
- Hit, shout at or frighten animals.
- Handle alone large or unknown animals without adult help.
- Ignore signs of disease — tell an adult or vet early.
Practice these ideas on your family farm or at school with an adult. Good animal handling helps animals grow healthy and makes your farm a safer place.
Note: For medicines, vaccines and treatments always ask a trained animal health worker or vet. Safety first — do not try procedures you are not trained to do.