Back to: Basic Science Primary 5
DOMESTIC ANIMALS (continued)
INTRODUCTION
In this topic, we are going to learn about how domestic animals reproduce, their habits and benefits
WHAT IS REPRODUCTION?
Reproduction is the ability of animals to give birth or to produce young ones of their kinds.
This requires bringing a male and a female together to create offspring or babies.
HOW DOMESTIC ANIMALS REPRODUCE?
Below is the method in which some animals reproduce.
| ANIMALS | METHOD OF REPRODUCTION |
| A. Chicken, fish, and snakes. | They lay eggs which contain their offspring that hatches in a few weeks.
|
| .
B. Other domestic animals, examples are goats, rabbits, sheep, cats, and dogs |
They mate and grow their babies inside the female until they are developed well enough to be born.
|
FEATURES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Animals that are good for domestication have similar traits or characteristics namely:
- They grow and mature quickly, making them good to breed.
- They breed easily on the farm and can undergo multiple periods of reproduction in a single year.
- They eat plant-based diets, which makes them cheap to feed.
- They easily adapt to changing conditions.
- They live in groups (herds) making them easy for humans to control.
THE DOMESTICATION PROCESS
Domestication happens through Careful breeding. Animals that exhibit desirable traits are chosen, and these desirable traits are then passed along to future generations. It is also done carefully according to the interest of people.
HABITS OF SOME DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Animal behavior or habit is considered as everything the animal does, including its movement, eating habit, activity and mental strength.
Animal habits are important to humans because it helps us understand how to behave around them.
Examples of some animals and their habits are:
- Their ability to be emotional e.g. dolphins
- Some are playful and pleasant companions e.g. cats.
- Some are wonderful hunters and guides e.g. dogs
- Some are good at carrying loads over long distances e.g. donkeys, and camels
- Some communicate with one another at specific times e.g. Cocks crow at dawn, hens cackle and birds chirp in the mornings and evenings.
All the above habits are imitated by humans to make the society a better and safe place.
BENEFITS OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS
- Animal skin from cattle can be used in the tanneries in making leather bags and clothes.
- Some animals like donkeys and horses are used for transportation.
- Animals like chicken, fish, pigs, cows, serve as food and are regular sources of protein.
- Animal dung serves as manure and greatly improves agricultural produce.
- Some animals are used to cultivate farmlands. Examples are cattle, horses.
EVALUATION
- List 3 types of animal used on farmlands
- Mention 2 habits of the domestic cats
SUMMARY
- Animal reproduction is the basic process of multiplying in numbers.
- It also involves the male and female of any animal to reproduce their own kind.
- Animal domestication provides income for farmers.
- Most Animals that are domesticated are often used as companions,
- They are also a major source of proteins.
ASSIGNMENT
- Draw a poultry bird.
- List 5 different animals and their method of reproduction.
- Mention 5 domestic animals that give birth to their young ones alive.