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:
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Identify the three systems of rearing farm animals.
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Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
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Discuss which system is best for different animals and situations.
Keywords
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Intensive system – Keeping animals in a controlled space and feeding them.
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Extensive system – Allowing animals to roam freely and find their own food.
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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
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Pictures of different farm setups
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Chart showing the three systems of animal rearing
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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
Content Development
1. Extensive System (Free-Range System)
This is when animals roam freely on a large piece of land.
Advantages:
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Animals can find natural food.
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Less money is spent on feeding.
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Animals get fresh air and exercise.
Disadvantages:
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Animals can get lost or stolen.
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They are exposed to diseases and predators.
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It is difficult to monitor their health.
2. Intensive System
Animals are kept in an enclosed space and given food, water, and medicine.
Advantages:
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Farmers can monitor animals easily.
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It protects animals from predators.
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More animals can be reared in a small space.
Disadvantages:
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Animals do not get enough space to move.
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It requires more money for feeding and medicines.
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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:
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Animals get exercise and natural food.
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They are protected from predators.
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It is cheaper than the intensive system.
Disadvantages:
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Farmers must still provide food and shelter.
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Animals can still be exposed to some risks.
Class Activity
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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
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What are the three systems of rearing farm animals?
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Mention two advantages of the extensive system.
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State one disadvantage of the intensive system.
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What system combines features of both extensive and intensive farming?
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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
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Free-Range System (Extensive System)
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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.
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It is a natural method that mimics how animals live in the wild, and farmers only provide minimal supplementary feeding and healthcare.
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Commonly used for poultry, goats, sheep, and cattle in areas with vast land and good weather.
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Intensive System
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This system keeps animals in confined spaces such as cages, pens, or barns, where they are given food, water, and medical care.
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It is a highly controlled method that focuses on maximizing production.
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Commonly used in commercial farming for poultry, pigs, and dairy cows.
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Semi-Intensive System
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A combination of free-range and intensive systems, where animals are given some space to move around but also provided with food and housing.
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Suitable for small-scale farmers who want to balance cost and productivity.
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Often used for poultry, rabbits, goats, and pigs.
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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.