FARM STRUCTURE
1. State four factors to be considered when planning for farm structures.
1. Purpose and function – Determine what the building will house (livestock type,
storage, workshop, etc.).
2. Available budget and cost – Estimate overall construction and maintenance
expenses.
3. Materials availability – Assess which building materials (timber, concrete blocks, iron
sheets, etc.) are locally accessible and affordable.
4. Site characteristics – Examine topography (slope, drainage), soil type, and risk of
flooding or erosion.
2. Explain eight factors that are considered when siting farm structures.
1. Topography/land slope – A gentle slope ensures proper drainage and reduces
waterlogging.
2. Soil type and bearing capacity – Heavy clay or sandy soils may require deeper
foundations or stabilisation.
3. Drainage and flooding risk – Avoid areas prone to water accumulation; ensure
runoff channels.
4. Proximity to water source – Locate near wells, streams, or boreholes to facilitate
daily water needs.
5. Prevailing wind direction – Position livestock buildings upwind of waste storage or
vice versa to minimise odour.
6. Accessibility – Ensure easy access via roads or tracks for feeding, veterinary visits,
and deliveries.
7. Sunlight and shade – Orient buildings to maximise natural light (for workers and
hygiene) and provide shade for animals.
8. Biosecurity and isolation – Keep disease-sensitive structures (e.g., poultry houses) at
a safe distance from other units.
3. State two limitations of stones as building materials.
1. Weight and bulkiness – Stones are heavy, making transport and handling laborious.
2. Irregular shapes – Require extra skill and mortar to fit together, increasing labor and
construction time.
4. Describe ten materials used in the construction of farm structures.
1. Timber – Used for roof trusses, door/window frames, and interior partitions.
2. Stone – Employed for foundations, low walls, or boundary walls.
3. Concrete blocks – Manufactured blocks used for walls; uniform, strong, and
relatively cheap.
4. Bricks – Burnt clay bricks for durable walls or pillars where available.
5. Mud blocks (adobe) – Sun-dried earth blocks reinforced with chopped grass;
economical in rural areas.
6. Corrugated iron sheets – Widely used for roofing and side cladding because of
durability and ease of installation.
7. Aluminium sheets – Lighter roofing material; resistant to rust, used for roofs and
gutters.
8. Thatch (grass) – Traditional roofing material providing good insulation but prone to
shorter lifespan.
9. Nails and fasteners – Steel or iron nails, wire ties, and bolts to join timber and metal
sheets.
10. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – Used as a damp-proof course (DPC) above foundation
walls and for water pipes.
5. State four advantages of concrete blocks as building materials.
1. Uniform size and shape – Simplifies wall construction and speeds up building.
2. High compressive strength – Provides durability and load-bearing capacity.
3. Good fire resistance – Non-combustible and safer in case of fire.
4. Thermal mass – Helps regulate indoor temperatures by absorbing and slowly
releasing heat.
6. Give a reason why water used to make concrete blocks should be free from any impurities.
o Impurities (salts, organic matter, or clay) can weaken the cement paste, reduce
block strength, cause discolouration, and promote cracking.
7. State four uses of concrete in construction.
1. Foundations – Bedding footings and strip footings for load distribution.
2. Floor slabs – Ground-level floors in barns, store structures, or milking parlours.
3. Walls (cast in situ) – Low or high-rise walls when reinforced.
4. Posts and pillars – Sturdy, weather-resistant supports for gates, fences, or
overhangs.
5. (Bonus) Paths and yard surfaces – Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces in high-traffic
areas.
8. State the use of chopped grass in making of mud blocks.
o Reinforcement and crack control: Chopped grass (or straw) binds the earth mix,
reducing shrinkage cracks and providing tensile strength to the block.
9. State four uses of aluminum sheets in construction.
1. Roofing – Light, rust-resistant roofing material that reflects heat.
2. Cladding or wall sheeting – Smooth exterior finish, offering weather protection.
3. Gutters and downpipes – Corrosion-resistant drainage components.
4. Window or door frames – Lightweight, durable framing that resists moisture.
5. (Bonus) Flashings and fascia – Added around roof edges or roof-wall junctions for
waterproofing.
10. State four uses of timber in construction.
1. Roof framing (rafters, purlins, trusses) – Provides the skeleton for roofing materials.
2. Door and window frames – Holds doors and windows in place, offering insulation.
3. Flooring boards or decking – Elevated wooden floors or verandah decks.
4. Wall studs or partitions – Internal framing for non-loadbearing walls or dividing
pens.
5. (Bonus) Fencing posts or rails – Durable supports for perimeter fences.
11. Give three reasons for seasoning timber.
1. Reduce moisture content – Prevents rot, decay, and fungal growth.
2. Minimise warping and shrinkage – Ensures dimensional stability and straighter
boards.
3. Improve strength and load-bearing capacity – Drier timber is stronger and less
prone to insect attack.
12. Describe three methods of chemical timber treatment.
1. Pressure (Bethel) impregnation – Timber is placed in a sealed vessel; vacuum and
pressure pumps force preservative deep into the wood.
2. Brushing or spraying – A surface application where preservative is painted or
sprayed onto exposed timber, suitable for fence posts or poles.
3. Soaking (dip or immerse) – Timber is submerged in a tank of preservative solution
for a set period, allowing chemicals to penetrate by capillary action.
13. Name two chemicals in each case that can be used to treat timber against:
a) Fungal attack:
1. Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA)
2. Borax (sodium borate)
b) Insect damage:
1. Creosote
2. Malathion (organophosphate insecticide)
c) Weather elements:
1. Bitumen (water-repellent coating)
2. Exterior wood preservative paint (e.g., water-proofing emulsion)
14. State two limitations of using thatch for roofing.
1. Poor fire resistance – Highly flammable, increasing risk of fire spread.
2. Shorter lifespan – Requires periodic replacement (every 3–5 years) and is
susceptible to termite or rodent damage.
15. State six factors to consider when selecting construction materials.
1. Availability and proximity – Locally sourced materials reduce transport costs.
2. Cost and affordability – Fit the farm’s budget over both initial purchase and
maintenance.
3. Durability and lifespan – Ability to withstand local weather, pests, and wear.
4. Strength and load-bearing capacity – Meet design requirements for roofs, walls, and
floors.
5. Ease of maintenance – Materials that are simple to clean, repair, or replace.
6. Environmental suitability – Resistance to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and
local pests.
7. (Bonus) Skills and labor availability – Choose materials that local craftsmen know
how to work with.
16. Give four reasons why farm buildings are important.
1. Shelter and protection – Safeguard livestock from rain, wind, sun, and extreme
temperatures.
2. Production efficiency – Provide dedicated spaces for feeding, milking, or processing,
which improve workflow.
3. Biosecurity and disease control – Controlled environments reduce disease
transmission.
4. Storage – Secure space for feed, equipment, tools, and harvested produce,
preventing spoilage and theft.
5. (Bonus) Work environment – Healthy, well-lit, and ventilated areas for staff improve
safety and productivity.
17. Give two uses of PVC course at the top of the foundation wall.
1. Damp-proof course (DPC) – Prevents rising damp by forming a moisture barrier
between foundation and wall.
2. Smooth leveling layer – Offers a level base for brick or block laying and prevents
mortar being drawn downward by capillarity.
18. Name four routine management practices carried out in a crush.
1. Cleaning and disinfection – Remove manure, dirt, and pathogens after each use.
2. Lubrication of moving parts – Grease hinges, latches, and sliding gates to ensure
smooth operation.
3. Structural inspection and repair – Check for loose bolts, cracks in bars, or damaged
gates and fix them promptly.
4. Check floor surface and drainage – Ensure non-slip surface and clear any blockages
in drain channels.
19. Describe the various parts of a plunge dip.
A typical plunge dip comprises:
20. Loading race (entry alley): A narrow channel guiding animals single-file into the dip.
21. Plunge tank (concrete trough): Filled with acaricide solution at a depth sufficient to immerse
the animal’s body.
22. Exit race (draining alley): Sloped channel where animals leave the dip; excess solution drains
back into the tank.
23. Overflow or mixing chamber: Allows fresh water or additional acaricide to be added,
maintaining correct concentration.
24. Dip tank shelter (roof): Overhead cover protecting dip solution from direct sunlight and rain,
reducing evaporation.
25. Drainage channel and sump: Collects spent solution and sediment for disposal or
recirculation.
26. Holding or waiting pen: Holds animals before entry to ensure orderly flow and reduce
crowding.
20. Give two uses of the dip tank shelter.
1. Protect acaricide solution from sunlight (UV), which can degrade active ingredients.
2. Provide shade for animals and operators, reducing stress on livestock and improving
comfort for workers.
21. Give four maintenance tasks for the plunge dip.
1. Regular cleaning of sediment and debris from the tank bottom to prevent clogging
and maintain chemical efficacy.
2. Inspect and repair cracks or leaks in the concrete structure to prevent solution loss.
3. Monitor and replenish dip solution – Check acaricide concentration and top up as
needed.
4. Maintain ramps and rails – Ensure ramps are intact, with non-slip surfaces and
secure handrails for animal safety.
5. (Bonus) Check drainage outlets – Clear any blockages so spent solution drains
properly and does not stagnate.
22. State three advantages of using the plunge dip for tick control.
1. Complete body immersion – Ensures all body areas come into contact with
acaricide, killing ticks thoroughly.
2. High throughput – Can treat large numbers of animals quickly, making it efficient for
big herds.
3. Reusability of solution – Dip bath can be used multiple times until concentration
drops below effective levels.
4. (Bonus) Lower labor per animal – Animals move through singly with minimal
handling compared to manual spraying.
23. State three disadvantages of using the plunge dip for tick control.
1. Risk of drowning or stress – Animals may panic or become exhausted in deep dip if
not properly guided.
2. Chemical contamination – Dirt, feces, and pathogens introduced by successive
animals degrade the solution.
3. High initial construction cost – Building a concrete plunge dip requires materials,
labor, and maintenance expenses.
4. (Bonus) Decreased acaricide concentration over time – Frequent monitoring and
replacement are needed.
24. Describe the various parts of a spray race.
A standard spray race consists of:
25. Entry alley or holding pen – Funnels animals single-file toward the spray zone.
26. Spray chamber or spray tunnel – Enclosed or semi-enclosed space with high-pressure
nozzles on both sides to wet animals thoroughly.
27. Concrete channel or floor with drain – Sloped to collect excess chemical solution and
wastewater, directing it to a sump for recycling or disposal.
28. Exit alley – Allows animals to leave after being sprayed; may include a footbath with fresh
water for rinse.
29. Pump and piping system – Delivers acaricide under pressure to the nozzles; includes a
control valve and filtration.
30. Control panel – Regulates pressure and flow to ensure uniform coverage.
25. State five advantages of a spray race over a plunge dip.
1. Lower chemical and water usage – Only animals’ surfaces are sprayed; solution does
not need to fill an entire tank.
2. Reduced drowning risk – Animals remain standing on a solid floor, avoiding fatigue
or panic.
3. Easier to inspect and treat individual animals – Operators can verify coverage and
treat missed spots.
4. Lower initial construction costs – Spray races require less concrete and fewer
structural elements than plunge dips.
5. More flexible scheduling – Animals can be brought in small numbers; not dependent
on tank volume.
6. (Bonus) Less risk of cross-contamination – Fresh chemical mix is used for each
group, reducing pathogen build-up.
26. State four maintenance tasks for a spray race.
1. Clean and flush nozzles regularly – Prevent clogging by removing mineral deposits or
debris.
2. Inspect and repair pipes, hoses, and joints – Check for leaks and ensure consistent
pressure.
3. Service the pump and pressure system – Lubricate moving parts, inspect seals, and
replace worn filters.
4. Repair or replace flooring – Maintain a non-slip surface and ensure drains are open
to prevent water pooling.
5. (Bonus) Check and calibrate chemical dosing – Verify correct concentration for
effective tick control.
27. State four disadvantages of a spray race.
1. May not guarantee full coverage – Some animals may turn or move, missing certain
body areas.
2. Labor-intensive for large herds – Each animal must be individually guided through,
increasing handling time.
3. Dependence on reliable water and power supply – Pump failure or water shortage
halts spraying operations.
4. Potential for uneven chemical distribution – Nozzles may spray at inconsistent
pressures without frequent calibration.
5. (Bonus) Higher ongoing chemical costs – Frequent replenishment is needed since
solution is not reused extensively.
28. Describe the various parts of a milking shed.
A typical milking shed (parlour or shed) includes:
29. Holding yard/collecting area – Where cows wait in an orderly line before milking.
30. Milking parlour or stanchion area – Equipped with stanchions or headlocks to hold cows in
position.
31. Operator’s pit or platform – Lowered pit where the milker stands to attach and remove
milking machines comfortably.
32. Milk collection system – Includes teat cups, milk lines, pipeline, stainless-steel collection
tank or bulk tank.
33. Wash area – With hoses, brushes, and detergents for cleaning udder and equipment after
milking.
34. Drainage channels – Floor drains that carry wastewater and manure away to a sump or soak
pit.
35. Ventilation openings or fans – Ensure air circulation to reduce humidity and heat.
36. Storage for cleaning supplies and spare parts – Shelves or cabinets near the wash area.
29. State five maintenance tasks for a milking shed.
1. Daily cleaning and disinfection – Wash floors, walls, and equipment (teat cups,
pipelines) after each milking session.
2. Inspect and repair pipelines and hoses – Check for cracks or leaks that could
contaminate milk.
3. Service milking machines – Regularly lubricate pulsation units, replace rubber liners,
and calibrate vacuum levels.
4. Maintain ventilation – Clean or replace fans and vents to prevent moisture buildup.
5. Check structural elements – Repair any cracks in concrete floors, fix broken tiles, and
repaint surfaces to prevent corrosion.
30. Describe the various parts of a zero-grazing unit.
A zero-grazing unit (for confined cattle feeding) consists of:
31. Animal housing stall – Enclosed pen with solid or slatted floor, sized per animal (e.g., 2.5–3
m² per cow).
32. Feeding passage (manger) – Raised trough alongside the stall for offering cut fodder (cut-
and-carry method).
33. Water trough – Positioned within reach of the animal but separate from the feeding area to
prevent contamination.
34. Manure channel or pit – Sloped floor or gutter that collects urine and dung, leading to a pit
or composting area.
35. Fodder storage area – Adjacent to the unit where green fodder bundles are kept dry.
36. Worker’s walkway – Narrow corridor behind or beside the stall to allow feeding, cleaning,
and observation.
37. Roof and walls – Provide shelter, control temperature, and reduce direct sun or rain
exposure.
38. Drainage system – Channels and pipes to remove liquid waste and cleaning water.
31. Explain seven structural requirements of a calf pen.
1. Adequate space per calf – Each calf requires roughly 1.5–2.0 m² of floor area to
move freely.
2. Solid, level floor with proper slope – Concrete or compacted earth sloped (about 2–
3%) toward a drain for urine/feces removal.
3. Dry and clean bedding area – Use sawdust, straw, or rice husks to insulate against
cold and absorb moisture.
4. Secure partitions and gates – Strong wooden or metal dividers to prevent escape
and separate sick from healthy calves.
5. Good ventilation – Open sides with wire mesh or windows, protected by mesh to
allow airflow without drafts.
6. Adequate shelter from elements – Roof with overhang to protect against rain and
direct sun, with side walls up to 1 m high.
7. Non-painted or non-toxic surfaces – Avoid paints or preservatives that calves might
chew; use smooth concrete or untreated wood.
8. Accessible feed and water troughs – Positioned so calves can feed/drink without
contamination from bedding.
32. Give two reasons why calves should be housed singly within the first three months of life.
1. Disease prevention – Isolating each calf significantly reduces the spread of diarrhea,
pneumonia, and other contagious conditions.
2. Individual feeding and monitoring – Makes it easier to observe appetite, growth,
and health indicators on a per-calf basis.
33. Give a reason why the walls of a calf pen should not be painted.
o Potential toxicity and ingestion risk: Paint flakes can be ingested by calves, causing
poisoning; unpainted surfaces (smooth concrete or untreated wood) are safer and
easier to clean.
34. State three maintenance tasks for a calf pen.
1. Daily removal of manure and wet bedding – Keeps the pen dry and reduces
pathogen load.
2. Periodic disinfection of floors and walls – Use a mild disinfectant (e.g., chlorinated
lime) between calf cohorts.
3. Inspect and repair partitions, gates, and latches – Ensure structure remains sturdy
and safe.
4. (Bonus) Replace bedding regularly – Provide fresh, dry bedding at least twice a week
to prevent ammonia buildup.
35. Explain seven structural requirements of a deep litter house.
1. Adequate floor area per bird – Typically 0.1 m² per broiler or 0.2 m² per layer bird to
prevent overcrowding.
2. Solid, level concrete floor – Facilitates cleaning and holds the litter material (wood
shavings or straw).
3. Good ventilation – Side vents, ridge vents, or adjustable windows to control
humidity, ammonia, and temperature.
4. Insulated roof – Corrugated iron or polycarbonate sheets with insulation (polythene
or thatch) to minimise heat stress.
5. Predator-proof walls – Wire mesh on openings to keep out rodents, cats, and wild
birds.
6. Feeding and drinking areas – Elevated troughs or drinkers placed to reduce litter
contamination.
7. Access for cleaning and manure removal – Wide doors or removable panels to
facilitate periodic litter turning or complete replacement.
8. (Bonus) Lighting arrangement – Overhead lights spaced to ensure uniform
illumination across the house.
36. List four materials required in the construction of a poultry house.
1. Timber or steel – For roof trusses, frames, and door/window supports.
2. Corrugated iron sheets or polycarbonate panels – For roofing.
3. Wire mesh – For ventilation openings and predator protection.
4. Concrete (blocks or poured slab) – For floor and lower wall to allow easy cleaning.
5. (Bonus) Insulation material (e.g., polythene sheeting or thatch) to moderate
temperature.
37. List four types of poultry houses that may be found on a farm.
1. Deep litter house – Birds walk on litter (wood shavings) covering concrete or earth
floor.
2. Battery cage house – Birds housed in stacked cages, common for layer production.
3. Free-range or open-sided house – Allows birds access to outdoor runs during the
day.
4. Fold or moveable pen system – Pens that can be moved daily to fresh pasture,
commonly used for broilers on pasture.
38. State two uses of a farrowing crate in the farrowing pens.
1. Prevent piglet crushing – The crate restricts the sow’s movement, reduces the
chance of laying on piglets.
2. Facilitate individual feeding and heat lamps – Allows placement of a heat source for
piglets without sow interference and easier access to piglets for monitoring.
39. Explain five types of pigpens in a piggery unit.
1. Farrowing pen – Equipped with a farrowing crate where sows give birth and nurse
piglets; includes creep area for piglets.
2. Nursery pen – For weaned piglets (6–30 kg), designed with smaller feeders/drinkers
and warmer environment.
3. Grower pen – Houses pigs between 30–60 kg; more space per pig and larger
drinkers/feeders.
4. Finisher pen – For pigs from 60 kg until market weight (100–120 kg); sturdy flooring
and feeders appropriate for older pigs.
5. Gestation stall or pen – Individual stalls or group pens for pregnant sows, with bunk
feeders for controlled feeding.
6. (Bonus) Boar pen – Strong, solitary pen with reinforced walls for an adult boar,
separate from sows to prevent unwanted breeding.
7. (Bonus) Isolation pen – Quarantine area for sick or newly introduced pigs before
mixing with the herd.
40. State four structural requirements of a piggery unit.
1. Strong, smooth, non-slip floors with good drainage – Typically slatted or sloped
concrete to allow manure to drain into a pit.
2. Proper partitions and gates – Durable walls between pens to prevent aggression and
escape.
3. Adequate ventilation and temperature control – Open sides, windows, or fans to
reduce heat stress and maintain air quality.
4. Separate pens/areas for different categories – Farrowing, nursery, grower, and
finisher areas must be physically separated to reduce disease transmission.
5. (Bonus) Feed and water trough placement – Accessible to all pigs without
contamination from waste.
6. (Bonus) Manure handling system – Slurry pit or gutter channels that connect to a
waste store or composting area.
41. Describe the various parts of a piggery unit.
1. Farrowing area – Includes farrowing crates, creep area, heat lamps, and non-slip
floor.
2. Nursery pens – Smaller pens with protective heat sources, kid-height feeders, and
drinkers.
3. Grower/finisher pens – Larger pens with slatted or solid concrete floors, group
feeders, and waterers.
4. Boar section – Individual pen with reinforced walls and a secure gate.
5. Isolation/quarantine pen – Located downwind and away from main herd, with
separate tools and feeding equipment.
6. Feed storage and mixing area – Dry, ventilated store for feed ingredients and a small
room for mixing.
7. Manure disposal area – Slatted floor drains into a slurry pit or composting bay.
8. Loading/unloading ramp – For easy loading of market hogs and receiving new stock.
9. Office or record-keeping hut – Space for record logs, medication storage, and minor
veterinary supplies.
42. State three structural requirements of a rabbit hutch.
1. Raised floor above ground – Typically 30–45 cm off the ground to prevent dampness
and predator access.
2. Wire mesh flooring or removable tray – Allows droppings to fall into a removable
tray for cleaning, while being comfortable on feet.
3. Solid nesting box – Enclosed, dark area with bedding for does to kindle and nurse
kits.
4. Ventilation openings covered with wire mesh – Ensure air circulation but keep
predators out.
5. (Bonus) Weatherproof roof – Sloped, waterproof (corrugated iron or plywood) that
extends beyond walls to shed rain.
43. Explain four factors to consider when siting a fish pond.
1. Soil type – Preferably heavy clay or loam that retains water; sandy soils require lining
or concrete.
2. Proximity to reliable water source – Ensure constant supply for filling, topping up,
and water exchange (e.g., well, stream).
3. Land slope and drainage – Gentle slope of 5–10% allows controlled overflow and
ease of draining for harvesting.
4. Sunlight exposure – Ideally 6+ hours of sunlight to encourage plankton growth, but
partial shade to avoid overheating in hot climates.
5. (Bonus) Distance from pollution sources – Avoid runoff from farmland or industrial
effluent that could contaminate water.
6. (Bonus) Accessibility – Farm track or road access for routine feeding, monitoring,
and pond harvesting.
44. State five maintenance tasks for a fish pond.
1. Regular weeding of aquatic plants – Prevent invasive vegetation from outcompeting
desired phytoplankton.
2. Maintain inlet and outlet structures – Keep screens and gates clear of debris to
ensure proper water exchange.
3. Monitor water quality – Test dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature; aerate if
necessary.
4. Desiltation – Remove accumulated mud and organic matter every 1–2 years to
restore pond depth.
5. Predator control – Repair fence or netting, remove predatory birds or animals.
6. (Bonus) Check embankment integrity – Repair any cracks or eroded sections to
prevent breaches.
45. State four structural requirements of a store.
1. Elevated, impermeable floor – Concrete floor raised above ground level to prevent
moisture ingress and rodent entry.
2. Ventilated walls and vents – Provide airflow to keep stored produce (grain, feed) dry
and prevent mould.
3. Secure doors and windows – Lockable doors and mesh-covered windows to deter
theft and pests.
4. Strong walls and roof – Durable materials (timber, metal, brick) to protect contents
from weather and structural collapse.
5. (Bonus) Rodent-proofing features – Metal sheet “flashing” at the base or rodent
baffles on posts to keep rats and mice out.
46. State four maintenance tasks for a store.
1. Regular cleaning and sweeping – Remove dust, grain spillage, and cobwebs to deter
rodents and insects.
2. Inspect and repair roof and walls – Seal any gaps or leaks to prevent water entry.
3. Rodent/insect control – Place traps, use bait stations, and seal holes or cracks.
4. Check ventilation openings – Ensure vents are not blocked and insect screens
remain intact.
5. (Bonus) Repaint or treat surfaces – Keep wood or metal protected from rot and rust.
47. State eight uses of fences on the farm.
1. Contain livestock – Prevent animals from straying or mixing with other groups.
2. Protect crops – Keep grazing animals or wildlife out of fields.
3. Mark property boundaries – Clearly delineate farm limits and prevent trespassing.
4. Provide security – Deter thieves or unauthorized entry.
5. Support climbing plants – (Live fences) Crops like beans or vines can use fences as
support.
6. Divide management zones – Separate pasture, arable fields, and buildings for
rotational grazing.
7. Windbreak – Properly arranged fences or hedges reduce wind speed and soil
erosion.
8. Wildlife control – Keep predators away from livestock or poultry.
9. (Bonus) Privacy or shelter – Dense live fences (e.g., hedgerows) block noise and
visual intrusion.
48. Name four plant species ideal for use as live fences.
1. Gliricidia sepium – Fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing, and produces cut fodder.
2. Leucaena leucocephala – Deep roots, good fodder species, and forms dense hedges.
3. Calliandra calothyrsus – Nitrogen-fixing, attractive flowers, and fodder tree.
4. Crotalaria grahamiana (sunhemp) – Quick ground cover, fixes nitrogen, deters
nematodes.
5. (Bonus) Sesbania sesban – Grows rapidly in wet soils, fixes nitrogen, and provides
shade.
49. Name four types of dead fences used on the farm.
1. Post-and-wire fence – Wooden or metal posts with barbed wire or high-tensile wire
strands.
2. Post-and-rail fence – Horizontal wooden rails supported by vertical posts.
3. Stone wall – Dry-stacked or mortared fieldstones, common in rocky areas.
4. Bamboo fence – Bundled bamboo poles tied horizontally between posts.
5. (Bonus) Mesh fence – Wire mesh (chain-link or welded wire) stretched between
posts.
50. Describe the procedure of establishing a wire fence.
51. Mark the boundary line – Use stakes and a string line to define the fence path.
52. Dig post holes – At regular intervals (e.g., 3 m apart) to a depth of 60–75 cm, depending on
soil.
53. Set corner and strainer posts – Place the first and last posts of each straight run; pack
concrete or gravel around the base and allow to set.
54. Install intermediate posts – Align mid-line posts, ensure they are vertical, and pack earth or
concrete around them.
55. Attach tensioners and stays – On corner posts, fix wooden or steel braces to withstand wire
tension.
56. Unroll the wire – Starting at a corner post, unroll wire mesh or barbed wire to the next
strainer post.
57. Tension the wire – Use a fence-straining tool or tensioner to pull wire taut between
strainers.
58. Secure wire to posts – Staple or tie the wire at each post, ensuring it is level and tight.
59. Fit gates – Install gate frames in designated openings with hinges and latches that swing
freely.
60. Inspect and adjust – Walk the fence line, retighten any loose wire, and ensure posts are
firmly in place.
51. Why are concrete floors recommended for dairy sheds?
o Hygiene and ease of cleaning: Smooth, impervious surface allows thorough washing
and disinfection, reducing mastitis-causing bacteria.
o Durability: Withstands heavy cattle traffic and equipment.
o Non-porous: Prevents ammonia buildup and pest harborage, promoting udder
health.
52. Describe the procedure of establishing the foundation of a permanent farm building.
53. Site clearing and levelling – Remove vegetation, topsoil, and debris; mark out building lines
per plan.
54. Excavate trenches – Dig to the specified depth (often 60–90 cm) along walls and column
positions, ensuring a stable bearing layer.
55. Prepare trench bottom – Level the base, add a layer (10–15 cm) of compacted gravel or
coarse stone for drainage.
56. Place reinforcement (if required) – Lay steel bars (rebar) parallel in the trench, no less than
cover dimensions and per engineering specs.
57. Pour concrete for footings – Use a cement:sand:aggregate mix ([Link]) or as specified; fill the
trench to ground level, vibrating or tamping to remove air pockets.
58. Allow curing – Keep the concrete moist for at least 7 days to reach adequate strength.
59. Install damp proof course (DPC) – Lay a strip of bitumen felt or PVC sheeting above the
footings before building up walls.
60. Build plinth or foundation walls – Using concrete blocks or bricks from DPC level up to the
finished floor level, ensuring alignment and plumb.
61. Backfill – Once plinth is at correct height, backfill around foundations with clean fill, compact
in layers to avoid settlement.
62. Check levels and alignment – Verify all walls and corners meet the building plan before
constructing the superstructure.
