Systems of Rearing Farm Animals: Intensive, Extensive & Semi-Intensive

Table of Contents

Agricultural Science Primary 5 Third Term Lesson Notes – Week 6

Topic: Systems of Rearing Farm Animals (Intensive, Extensive & Semi-Intensive)

Class: Primary 5

Term: Third Term

Week: 6

Age: 9–10 years

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

Identify the three systems of rearing farm animals.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
Discuss which system is best for different animals and situations.

Keywords

Intensive system – Keeping animals in a controlled space and feeding them.
Extensive system – Allowing animals to roam freely and find their own food.
Semi-intensive system – A mix of both intensive and extensive systems.

Set Induction (Engaging the Pupils)

Teacher: “Class, if you had a chicken, where would you keep it?”

Musa: “In my house, beside my bed!”

Aisha: “I will let it walk around in my compound!”

Teacher: “Good answers! Some people keep their animals inside, some let them roam around, and some do a little of both. Today, we will learn about these three ways of rearing animals!”

Entry Behaviour

Pupils already know about farm animals from previous lessons.

Learning Resources & Materials

Pictures of different farm setups
Chart showing the three systems of animal rearing
Videos or images of poultry farms and cattle ranches

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Teacher: “Do you remember how we talked about rearing chickens, rabbits, and snails? Some people keep their chickens in cages, some let them roam, and some do both. Today, we will learn the names of these methods.”

Embedded Core Skills

✅ Critical thinking
✅ Problem-solving
✅ Communication skills
✅ Observation skills

Systems of Rearing Farm Animals (Intensive, Extensive & Semi-Intensive)

When I first started farming, I had no idea how much the choice of rearing system could affect the overall productivity and wellbeing of the animals. I’ll never forget the first time I tried intensive farming with my chickens. I set up a small, enclosed space with controlled feeding, water, and lighting—hoping to get high yields in a short amount of time. The results were impressive, but it wasn’t long before I realized how much time and energy went into maintaining that level of care. It took constant monitoring, more resources, and there was always a concern about animal health due to the high-density environment.

Then, there was the time I switched to a more extensive system for my goats. I let them roam the pasture freely, feeding off natural grass and plants, and I noticed how much more relaxed and healthier they appeared. The trade-off, though, was the slower rate of growth and productivity. Extensive farming, though low-maintenance, requires patience and a longer-term approach. It’s not a “quick yield” system, but the animals seemed happier, and the costs were lower, which made me reflect on what I truly valued in my farming journey.

One system I now use most often is semi-intensive. It’s like finding a middle ground, where the animals are allowed some freedom to roam, but I provide supplemental feed and shelter to ensure they grow well. For example, with my pigs, I let them have access to a large outdoor area for rooting, but I also supply them with feed and ensure they have a safe, well-maintained shelter at night. This hybrid approach works best for me, providing a balance between animal welfare, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the three primary systems of rearing farm animals: intensive, extensive, and semi-intensive. I’ll share personal stories and insights on each system based on my experiences, along with the pros and cons, so you can decide which approach fits your own farming goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your farm’s production, understanding these systems will help you make more informed decisions about how to rear your animals effectively.

Content Development

1. Extensive System (Free-Range System)

This is when animals roam freely on a large piece of land.

Advantages:

Animals can find natural food.
Less money is spent on feeding.
Animals get fresh air and exercise.

Disadvantages:

Animals can get lost or stolen.
They are exposed to diseases and predators.
It is difficult to monitor their health.

2. Intensive System

Animals are kept in an enclosed space and given food, water, and medicine.

Advantages:

Farmers can monitor animals easily.
It protects animals from predators.
More animals can be reared in a small space.

Disadvantages:

Animals do not get enough space to move.
It requires more money for feeding and medicines.
The risk of disease spreading is higher.

3. Semi-Intensive System

This is a combination of both the extensive and intensive systems. Animals have access to some open space but also get food and shelter from the farmer.

Advantages:

Animals get exercise and natural food.
They are protected from predators.
It is cheaper than the intensive system.

Disadvantages:

Farmers must still provide food and shelter.
Animals can still be exposed to some risks.

Class Activity

What are the three systems of rearing animals?
Zainab: “Free-range, intensive, and semi-intensive!”
Teacher: “Correct! Can you describe each one?”
Why do some farmers keep their animals inside?
Musa: “So they don’t run away!”
Teacher: “Yes! And to protect them from diseases and thieves.”
What are the advantages of free-range farming?
Aisha: “The animals get to eat grass and move around!”
Teacher: “Good! It also saves money on feeding.”
What is one disadvantage of intensive farming?
Tolu: “The animals are stuck in one place!”
Teacher: “Yes! They don’t get enough movement, which can affect their health.”
Which system is the best?
Emeka: “Free-range because animals are free!”
Aisha: “No, intensive because they are safe!”
Teacher: “Good debate! The best system depends on the type of animal and available resources.”

Assessment & Evaluation Questions

What are the three systems of rearing farm animals?
Mention two advantages of the extensive system.
State one disadvantage of the intensive system.
What system combines features of both extensive and intensive farming?
Why do farmers prefer intensive farming for poultry?

Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the three systems of animal rearing, emphasizing their advantages and disadvantages. Pupils are encouraged to think about which system would work best for different types of farm animals.

Explanation of Farm Animal Rearing Systems

Free-Range System (Extensive System)
- In this system, animals are allowed to roam freely in open fields to graze and forage for food. They are not confined to cages or pens.
- It is a natural method that mimics how animals live in the wild, and farmers only provide minimal supplementary feeding and healthcare.
- Commonly used for poultry, goats, sheep, and cattle in areas with vast land and good weather.
Intensive System
- This system keeps animals in confined spaces such as cages, pens, or barns, where they are given food, water, and medical care.
- It is a highly controlled method that focuses on maximizing production.
- Commonly used in commercial farming for poultry, pigs, and dairy cows.
Semi-Intensive System
- A combination of free-range and intensive systems, where animals are given some space to move around but also provided with food and housing.
- Suitable for small-scale farmers who want to balance cost and productivity.
- Often used for poultry, rabbits, goats, and pigs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rearing Systems

1. Free-Range System

Advantages:
✔ Animals have access to fresh air, sunlight, and natural food, leading to healthier growth.
✔ Lower cost of feeding, as animals can graze and forage on their own.

Disadvantages:
✖ Increased risk of predators attacking the animals (e.g., foxes, eagles).
✖ Harder to control diseases and infections due to exposure to outdoor pathogens.

2. Intensive System

Advantages:
✔ Higher productivity, as animals are kept in controlled conditions and provided with proper nutrition.
✔ Easier management and supervision, reducing the risk of animal loss.

Disadvantages:
✖ Overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and diseases among animals.
✖ High cost of operation due to feeding, housing, and veterinary care.

3. Semi-Intensive System

Advantages:
✔ Provides animals with some level of freedom while still ensuring controlled feeding and protection.
✔ More cost-effective than the intensive system while offering better security than free-range farming.

Disadvantages:
✖ Requires more land and resources than the intensive system.
✖ Farmers still need to supplement feeding, which can increase costs compared to free-range farming.

Topic: Systems of Rearing Farm Animals – Intensive, Extensive & Semi-Intensive

Part A: Fill-in-the-Gap Objective Questions (with options a–d)

The system where animals are kept in a confined space and fed regularly is called the ______ system.
a) Extensive
b) Intensive
c) Nomadic
d) Free-range
In the ______ system, animals are allowed to roam and graze on a large piece of land.
a) Intensive
b) Semi-intensive
c) Extensive
d) Industrial
The ______ system combines both confinement and free movement of animals.
a) Controlled
b) Free-range
c) Nomadic
d) Semi-intensive
In the intensive system, animals are mostly fed with ______ feeds.
a) Natural
b) Kitchen
c) Processed
d) Scattered
One major disadvantage of the extensive system is ______.
a) Low cost
b) More space
c) Exposure to harsh weather
d) Easy control of animals
A major advantage of the intensive system is ______.
a) Freedom for animals
b) More grazing land
c) Controlled feeding
d) Less supervision
In the ______ system, animals may be allowed to graze during the day and kept in shelters at night.
a) Intensive
b) Free-range
c) Semi-intensive
d) Extensive
The intensive system is commonly used in ______ farming.
a) Subsistence
b) Small-scale
c) Commercial
d) Backyard
One of the challenges of extensive system is the risk of ______.
a) Animal theft
b) Clean shelter
c) Regular feeding
d) Vaccination
In the semi-intensive system, animals are partly confined and partly ______.
a) Ignored
b) Restrained
c) Free
d) Caged
The system that requires the highest cost of feeding and management is the ______ system.
a) Extensive
b) Intensive
c) Nomadic
d) Semi-intensive
The system that promotes fast growth and high productivity is the ______ system.
a) Free-range
b) Extensive
c) Intensive
d) Wild
Which of the following systems is best for areas with plenty of land?
a) Intensive
b) Industrial
c) Extensive
d) Modern
The intensive system often leads to accumulation of ______.
a) Sand
b) Manure
c) Grass
d) Insects
The ______ system is suitable for small-scale farmers with limited land and resources.
a) Intensive
b) Extensive
c) Mixed
d) Semi-intensive

Part B: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the main systems of rearing farm animals?
Intensive, Extensive, and Semi-Intensive systems.
What is an intensive system of animal rearing?
It’s a method where animals are kept in confinement and fed regularly with high-quality feed.
What is the extensive system of animal rearing?
It’s a method where animals roam freely on large grazing land.
What is the semi-intensive system?
It’s a combination of both intensive and extensive methods—animals graze during the day and are confined at night.
Which system is the most cost-effective?
The extensive system, since animals graze on natural pasture.
Which system offers the highest productivity?
The intensive system, because of better feeding and health care.
Is the semi-intensive system good for beginners?
Yes, it balances freedom and control and is relatively easier to manage.
What are the disadvantages of the intensive system?
High cost, labor demand, and possible animal stress.
Can all animals be raised using the intensive system?
Yes, but it works best with poultry, pigs, and dairy cattle.
Which system is more natural for animals?
The extensive system, since animals move freely and graze.
What type of feed is used in intensive systems?
Concentrated, balanced, and processed feed.
Is the extensive system suitable in cities?
No, it’s more suitable for rural or farm-based areas with large land.
Which system reduces the risk of disease outbreak?
Intensive, if proper hygiene is maintained.
Why is semi-intensive becoming more popular?
It offers a good balance between cost, space, and productivity.
Can I combine two systems on the same farm?
Yes, especially intensive and semi-intensive, depending on your goals.

Part C: Evaluation (Theory) Questions

Define the intensive system of rearing animals and list two examples of animals commonly reared this way.
Explain two advantages and two disadvantages of the extensive system.
Describe the semi-intensive system and state how it differs from the intensive system.
Compare and contrast the intensive and extensive systems of animal rearing.
List three challenges farmers may face in the semi-intensive system.
Suggest three ways to improve the productivity of the intensive system.
State two reasons why the extensive system may not be suitable for urban areas.
Why is hygiene important in the intensive system?
Give one example of a farm animal and explain which rearing system is best for it and why.
As a student farmer, which system would you choose and why?