Non -Ruminant Animals

Agricultural Extension · Level 6  ·  6 Chapters

What this unit covers

In this unit, you will be able to confidently manage the breeding, feeding, and health care of non-ruminant animals by mastering essential skills like selecting and servicing breeding stock, formulating nutritious feed rations, and implementing effective parasite and disease control measures. You’ll learn to handle all tools and equipment safely and keep accurate records that support animal well-being and productivity. By the end, you’ll be equipped to contribute to a healthy, thriving animal environment with professionalism and care.

Where this takes you

Understanding and managing non-ruminant animals is a vital skill that opens doors to numerous career opportunities within Kenya's vibrant agricultural and livestock sectors. Whether you dream of working in a large commercial farm, joining the bustling jua kali meat processing industry, or starting your own poultry or piggery business, these skills will be your foundation for success.

  • In Kenya’s agribusiness sector, especially in counties with thriving poultry and pig farming like Kiambu, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu, skilled breeders are essential for improving stock quality, enhancing productivity, and ensuring animal health.
  • County governments often employ livestock officers who use these skills to support local farmers, improve breeding programs, and control parasites to boost food security.
  • Companies such as Brookside Dairy and KTDA have diversified into non-ruminant ventures, requiring experts who can maintain breeding records accurately and manage feed rations for optimal animal growth.
  • The jua kali sector, including small-scale meat processors and traders in Nairobi’s Gikomba and Kawangware markets, relies on knowledgeable entrepreneurs who can ensure healthy stock and quality meat products.
  • Mastering these skills also equips you for self-employment opportunities like running a poultry farm, piggery, or hatchery, where proper breeding and feeding translate directly into higher yields and income.
  • Safety and hygiene, including the use of personal protective equipment, are critical in preventing disease outbreaks, protecting your investment, and complying with Kenya’s strict livestock health regulations.

By mastering non-ruminant animal management, you are not just learning a trade—you are building a future where you can contribute to Kenya’s food security, create wealth, and inspire your community through sustainable livestock farming. Your journey to becoming a respected expert and entrepreneur starts here!

Chapters

1
Breed non-ruminant animals
33 topics
✓ Notes Ready
2
Feed non-ruminant animals
15 topics
✓ Notes Ready
3
Manage non-ruminant parasites
22 topics
✓ Notes Ready
4
Manage non ruminant diseases
25 topics
✓ Notes Ready
5
Carry out non ruminant routine management practices
16 topics
✓ Notes Ready
6
Market non ruminant products
19 topics
✓ Notes Ready

Practise this unit

The practical 89 The assessment itself — tools, materials and the marks Step-by-step guide 89 PPE, each step, what good looks like, common mistakes

Revise this unit

Exam-style questions 84 Written to CDACC standard, with answers Test yourself 234 Multiple-choice, one at a time Practise questions 196 Quick recall — check you know the facts
3 more for this unit

Beyond the syllabus

Decision simulator 6 On site, what would you do? Workplace scenarios 120 Real site situations — what would you do? Turn this into income 72 Where this skill earns — what to charge, how to find clients