NABTEB Syllabus for Animal Husbandry
The NABTEB syllabus for Animal Husbandry is designed to provide students with practical insights into the management and care of farm animals. Emphasizing real-world applications, the curriculum covers essential areas such as breeding techniques, feeding regimes, disease prevention, and the economic aspects of livestock production. This hands-on approach ensures that students are not only knowledgeable but also competent in implementing effective animal husbandry practices.
Incorporating both classroom instruction and fieldwork, the syllabus encourages active participation and experiential learning. Students engage in activities like identifying signs of common animal diseases, developing feeding plans, and understanding market dynamics affecting livestock products. Through this immersive educational experience, learners are prepared to meet the challenges of modern animal husbandry and contribute meaningfully to the agricultural industry.
A Complete NABTEB Syllabus for Animal Husbandry
1. Pig Keeping (CAH 11, 18 & 21)
| Topic | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Pig Raising | Identify regions in Nigeria where pigs are raised. |
| Pig Management | Explain free-range, semi-intensive, and intensive pig breeding practices. |
| Pig Housing | Describe conventional pig housing structures (e.g., backyard round huts). |
| Feeding in Pigs | Understand the importance of feeding pigs and sources of various nutrients. |
| Pig Feeding Requirements | Maintain a hygienic environment in piggery operations. |
| Pig Rearing Terminologies | Define common terms used in pig rearing. |
| Pig Breeds | Identify different pig breeds prevalent in tropical regions. |
| Breeding Systems in Pigs | Discuss types of mating, merits and demerits of each breeding system. |
| Pig Nutrition & Feeding | Explain the digestive system of pigs. |
| Diseases & Pests in Pigs | Identify nutritional diseases affecting pigs. |
| Breeding Systems in Pigs | Explain out-breeding, crossbreeding, and in-breeding; address infertility issues in pigs. |
| Nutritional Requirements in Pigs | Detail nutritional needs from birth to finishing; feed requirements for piglets, growers, fatteners, breeders, and finishers. |
| Care & Management of Pigs | Manage sows, boars, gilts, baby pigs, growers, and finishing pigs effectively. |
| Routine Management Practices | Discuss daily management practices in pig rearing. |
| Record Keeping in Pig Management | Emphasize the importance of maintaining records in pig production. |
| Processing of Pigs | Explain slaughtering equipment and processes involved in pig processing. |
2. Poultry Raising (CAH 12, 16 & 23)
| Topic | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Poultry Keeping | Highlight the importance of poultry to farmers. |
| Poultry Species | Identify domestic fowl, ducks, etc., and explain their general characteristics. |
| Poultry Management | Explain various poultry raising systems. |
| Poultry Housing | Describe common facilities in poultry houses; differentiate between conventional and unconventional housing. |
| Poultry Feeding | Understand nutrient requirements for various classes of poultry. |
| Hygiene in Poultry Feeding | Explain types and importance of vaccination. |
| Terminologies in Poultry | Define various terms used in poultry raising. |
| Classes of Poultry | State characteristics of exotic birds (e.g., fast-growing, large size). |
| Ingredients in Poultry Feeding | Explain the digestive system of known poultry breeds. |
| Poultry Pests and Diseases | Identify types of endoparasites and their control measures. |
| Climate Conditions in Poultry | Explain effects of climate on poultry. |
| Origin of Poultry Species | Differentiate between local and exotic poultry breeds. |
| Importance & Site Selection | Explain the importance of housing in poultry and suitable designs for the tropics. |
| Poultry Equipment | Describe poultry equipment and their uses. |
| Nutrient Requirements for Poultry | State nutrient intake levels; explain common feed compositions. |
| Routine Management Practices | Outline daily management practices like debarking, despairing of cocks, clipping, dubbing, and water supply. |
| Hygiene and Health | Identify common poultry diseases in the tropics; explain possible causes. |
| Brooding, Hatching, Sourcing Chicks | Explain types of hatching (natural and artificial); define brooding and its types. |
| Poultry Products and Processing | Explain the sources of chicks. |
| Record Keeping | Describe the importance of maintaining records of poultry products and performance. |
| Improving Local Chickens | Explain cock exchange programs. |
3. Rabbit Keeping (CAH 14, 20 & 22)
| Topic | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Rabbit Keeping | Understand the importance of raising rabbits; identify types and breeds. |
| Rabbit Housing | Define rabbit housing; list conditions and materials necessary for constructing rabbit housing. |
| Rabbit Production | Describe reproductive features; distinguish between male and female rabbits. |
| Rabbit Feeding | Identify common feeds; understand nutritional composition and classification. |
| Rabbit Health | Define diseases and pests; recognize symptoms; emphasize the importance of sanitation. |
| Rabbit Production Terminologies | Define common terms used in rabbit keeping. |
| Characteristics and Challenges | Discuss general characteristics of rabbit breeds; identify common difficulties in rabbit keeping. |
| Materials for Rabbit Housing | Highlight important features and materials used in constructing rabbit housing. |
| Breeding Techniques in Rabbits | Explain sexual maturity, mating patterns, signs of pregnancy and kindling, and maturity ratios. |
| Food and Nutrient Requirements | Detailed feeds required by rabbits; classify rabbits. |
| Common Diseases and Pests | Identify common diseases; discuss control measures and importance of hygiene. |
| Husbandry and Handling Practices | Describe routine management practices and proper handling of rabbits. |
| Features of a Good Rabbit House | Emphasize hygiene, necessary equipment, and differences between maternity hatches and nest boxes. |
| Handling and Care of Rabbits | Discuss care from doe to kitten, weaning periods, handling precautions, predators, rebreeding times, abortion, and infertility. |
| Importance of Feeding Rabbits | Address nutritional deficiencies, feed conversion efficiency, compounding rations, and coprophagy. |
| Digestion of Feed in Rabbits | Explain digestion, assimilation, absorption, and the digestive system in rabbits. |
| Record Keeping in Rabbit Keeping | Highlight the importance and types of records in rabbit production. |
| Processing of Rabbits | Describe equipment used, processing methods, importance of slaughtering, and uses of rabbit products and by-products. |
4. Cattle Production
| Topic | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Cattle Keeping | Understand the importance of cattle to farmers and beef consumers. |
| Cattle Breeds in Nigeria | Identify various cattle breeds in Nigeria. |
| Terminologies in Cattle Production | Define terms like bull, culling, in-cow, calf, heifer, etc.; understand equipment used in cattle farming. |
| Cattle Housing | Emphasize the importance of housing; list materials required for construction. |
| Cattle Feeding | Identify various forages consumed by cattle; understand nutritional requirements. |
| Diseases, Pests, and Control | Discuss causes of diseases and pests; treatment and care of affected animals. |
| Cattle Identification | Explain methods of identifying cattle (e.g., ear tags, branding). |
| Cattle Breeds | Describe various cattle breeds and their features. |
| Hybrid Breeds | Discuss hybrid cattle breeds and their characteristics. |
| Cattle Production Management | Outline management systems; analyze advantages and disadvantages. |
| Feeds & Feeding of Cattle | List common foods; explain feeding patterns and importance of feed. |
| Hygiene & Health Care | Highlight importance of hygiene; discuss manure disposal, causes of infection, and disease control. |
| Reproduction in Cattle | Define reproduction; describe male and female reproductive organs. |
| Products & By-products | Explain the importance and uses of milk, hides, and other cattle products. |
| Record Keeping | Emphasize the usefulness of maintaining records in cattle production. |
| Best Practices for Production | Identify breeds best suited for localities; discuss feeding requirements and dry season feeding strategies. |
| Healthcare and Quarantine | Explain the importance of isolating new or sick animals; discuss health control principles. |
| Management Systems by Age | Describe management systems for different classes of cattle (e.g., colt, heifer, bull). |
| Reproductive Activities | Define maturity; identify symptoms of heat; explain abortion and its causes; discuss prevention measures. |
| Milking Procedures | Describe milking procedures; discuss products derived from cattle. |
| Selection of Replacement Stock | List features to consider when selecting heifers or bulls; explain their importance. |
5. Goat and Sheep Production (CAH 15, 19 & 25)
| Topic | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Goat and Sheep Production | – Explain the importance of raising goats and sheep. |
| Breeds | – Identify and list breeds of goats and sheep. |
| Management | – Explain different farm management systems; state their advantages and disadvantages. |
| Housing | – Describe types of housing; identify local materials used for construction. |
| Nutrition & Feeding | – Explain nutrient requirements (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, fats). |
| Health & Hygiene | – Emphasize the importance of a clean environment; discuss types and uses of vaccinations. |
| Terminologies & Breeding | – Define terms related to goat and sheep farming; discuss breeding methods and care. |
| Breeding Selection & Management | – Explain selection criteria; discuss qualities suitable for reproduction; outline parturition processes. |
| Nutrition and Feeding | – Detail feeding practices and |
NABTEB Recommended Textbooks for Animal Husbandry
Here are some recommended textbooks for NABTEB Animal Husbandry, suitable for students preparing for the examination:
- Integrated Animal Husbandry for Schools and Colleges by Babayemi et al.
This textbook is tailored for senior secondary students, covering essential topics such as animal breeding, nutrition, health management, and housing. - A Textbook of Animal Husbandry by G.C. Banerjee
A comprehensive resource that delves into various aspects of animal husbandry, including livestock management, breeding practices, and disease control. - Textbook of Animal Husbandry by Ramesh Nandan
This book provides detailed information on animal production techniques, health care, and farm management practices, making it a valuable resource for students seeking in-depth knowledge. - Management and Welfare of Farm Animals: UFAW Farm Handbook edited by John Webster
While more advanced, this book offers insights into the ethical and welfare considerations in animal husbandry, which can enrich a student’s understanding of best practices in the field.
Conclusion
The NABTEB syllabus for Animal Husbandry is designed to build a strong foundation of knowledge and practical skills necessary for efficient livestock management. By covering key areas such as breeding, feeding, housing, disease control, and marketing, the syllabus ensures that students are well-prepared to meet both academic requirements and real-world agricultural challenges. Successful completion of this syllabus will empower students to contribute meaningfully to the growth and sustainability of the livestock sector.
