Animal Husbandry

We Care Center Kanjirapally started a Farm School (We Farm-Multi category Agro Farm School) for the students who are intellectually disabled. The inauguration held on 04Th June 2018 which is aimed to provide proper training to the differently abled people. Mar Mathew Arackal, Bishop, Diocese Kanjirapally inaugurated the Farm school which includes Gardening, Farming and animal husbandry.

Animal Husbandry and agriculture are synergistically involved and are the important source of income and employment. Animal husbandry is a large-scale business that involves raising, breeding, sheltering, and caring for animals that provide food. Cattle farming is a type of animal husbandry that involves raising livestock like cows, goats, buffalo and sheep. Dairy farming not only is a source of income but also a major source of protein, supplementary nutrition, fertilizer, fuel and a store of wealth.

Dairy farming (Cow)
Animal husbandry and agriculture are symbiotic sectors, contributing significantly to income generation and employment. Cattle farming, a key component of animal husbandry, involves the rearing and management of livestock such as cows, goats,buffaloes and sheep. Dairy farming, particularly cow-based, provides essential protein,supplementary nutrition, fertilizer, fuel, and economic security.

Our curriculum focuses on:
Cattle Management:

  • Indigenous and crossbred cattle breeds (e.g., Gir, Jersey, Nadan, Vachoor)
  • Housing and enclosure design
  • Nutrition and feeding strategies (pasture, feed supplements)
  • Health management (vaccination, disease control)
  • Breeding and reproduction
Value-Added Products from Cattle Waste:
  • Organic fertilizer (composting)
  • Biogas production
  • Manure tea (liquid fertilizer)
  • Bio-Pesticides
  • Animal bedding
  • Feed Supplements
Dairy Processing:
  • Milk handling and storage
  • Curd formation (fermentation)
  • Whey extraction and processing
  • Butter production (churning, shaping)
Value-Added Dairy Products:
  • Cheese (various types)
  • Yogurt
  • Ghee (clarified butter)
  • Butter oil
  • Cream
  • Frozen desserts
  • Milk Powder
Benefits of Integrated Animal Husbandry:
  • Sustainable farming practices
  • Increased farm income
  • Job creation and entrepreneurship
  • Improved food security and nutrition
  • Enhanced environmental conservation
  • Better resource utilization
  • Risk reduction
Our dairy farm is located in Pulimavu, Kanjirapally Panchayat, Kottayam District,Kerala, India.

Breeds

NAME NUMBER
Holstein Friesian 2
Jersy 2
Karikoru 2
Vechur 1
Gheer 1
Calves 4

Goat farming
Location Goat farming is located in Pulimavu area in the Kanjirapally panchayat, Kottayam District,Kerala, India.
NAME NUMBER
Malabari 16
Jamna Pyari 3
Shirohi 2
Beetal 2
Nadan 7

Feed & Fodder
Fertile land with assured irrigation facilities is available so that fodder crops could be successfully raised and abundant good quality green fodders will be made available for animal feeding throughout the year.

WE FARM we have the following breeds: -

Malabari Origin: Kerala, India Characteristics: Adaptable, early mature, good milk production, hardy Benefits: High nutritional value in milk, suitable for diverse climates. Jamnapari Origin: Uttar Pradesh, India Characteristics: Large size, high milk yield Benefits: Rich in fat content, good for cheese and other dairy products. Sirohi Origin: Rajasthan, India Characteristics: Medium-sized, drought-resistant, good for meat and milk Benefits: Excellent for dual-purpose farming (milk and meat) Betal Goat: A Promising Choice The Betal goat breed, native to India, is well-suited for farming in various climates due to its adaptability and disease resistance. Its high milk production, fast growth rate, and good fertility make it a valuable asset for both dairy and meat production. Goat farming offers a unique blend of therapeutic and educational benefits for special needs children. This practice can significantly improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Goat farming also offers therapeutic benefits beyond its economic and agricultural advantages. These benefits stem from interactions with animals, engagement in farming activities, and the natural environment. Here are the Key benefits of goat farming.

Key Benefits:

Therapeutic Benefits:

  • Stress Reduction: Interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Emotional Well-being: Caring for animals can promote positive emotions and overall mental health.
  • Sensory Integration: Working with goats provides various sensory experiences.
  • Social Skills: Goat farming can foster teamwork, communication, and social interaction.
Educational Benefits:
  • Practical Learning: Hands-on experience in agriculture, biology, and nutrition.
  • Vocational Training: Development of skills like responsibility, animal care, and entrepreneurship.
  • Cognitive Development: Learning about animal behaviour, feeding habits, and health.

Poultry
Poultry refers to domesticated birds raised for their eggs, meat and feathers. It includes chickens, ducks, and other birds. Number of animals & birds at Pulimavu –

NAME NUMBER
Hen (Nadan) 27
Muttakozhi 98
Duck (Mani Tharavu) 3
Rabbit 3
Love Birds 30
Hen

Poultry farming offers a unique opportunity for children to engage in hands-on learning and therapeutic experiences. By actively participating in tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and preparing feed, children develop a strong sense of responsibility, empathy, and connection with nature.

Cognitive and Social-Emotional Development:
  • Cognitive Skills: Children learn about biology, nutrition, and the life cycle of chickens. They also develop mathematical skills through tasks like counting eggs and measuring feed.
  • Social-Emotional Skills: Caring for chickens fosters teamwork, cooperation, and communication. Children learn to share responsibilities, manage their time, and build self-esteem through successful animal husbandry.
Physical and Sensory Development:
  • Fine Motor Skills: Activities like collecting eggs, feeding, and grooming chickens require precise hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
  • Gross Motor Skills: Tasks such as cleaning the coop and carrying feed promote physical activity and strength.
  • Sensory Experiences: Interacting with chickens provides opportunities for sensory stimulation, including tactile, auditory, and visual experiences.
Therapeutic Benefits:
  • Stress Reduction: Spending time with animals, particularly gentle creatures like chickens, can have a calming effect on children.
  • Emotional Well-being: Caring for chickens can foster emotional connections and promote mental health.
  • Better Recovery: Hen farming is used in recovery programs for individuals with PTSD, addiction, or trauma, offering calming routines and a sense of accomplishment.
Inclusive Learning:

Poultry farming can be adapted to accommodate children with diverse abilities. By providing appropriate tools and support, children with disabilities can participate fully in the learning process and benefit from the therapeutic and educational advantages of this activity.

Love Birds

Pet therapy, particularly involving avian companions like love birds, has emerged as a promising intervention for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This therapeutic approach leverages the unique bond between humans and animals to address a range of cognitive, emotional, and social challenges.

Neurobiological Mechanisms

The therapeutic benefits of pet therapy can be attributed to several neurobiological

1. Hormonal Regulation: Interacting with animals triggers the release of oxytocin, a neurotransmitter associated with bonding, trust, and reduced stress. 2. Sensory Stimulation: The visual, auditory, and tactile experiences provided by love birds can stimulate the senses, enhancing cognitive function and sensory processing. 3. Social Engagement: Caring for love birds promotes social interaction and communication skills, fostering empathy and emotional connection. 4. Hormone modulation: Physical contact with animals decreases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. 5. Emotional healing: Regular interactions with pets encourage the brain to rewire itself,fostering adaptive emotional responses.

Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

Individuals with intellectual disabilities often experience difficulties in cognitive and emotional regulation. Pet therapy can:

  • Enhance Cognitive Function: Engaging in tasks related to bird care, such as feeding, cleaning, and training, can improve cognitive skills like attention, memory, and problem-solving.
  • Reduce Anxiety and Stress: The calming presence of love birds can alleviate anxiety and stress, leading to improved mood and overall well-being.
  • Promote Emotional Regulation: Interacting with animals can help individuals develop emotional self-awareness and self-control.
Social and Behavioural Benefits

Pet therapy can also positively impact social and behavioural skills:

  • Improve Social Skills: Caring for love birds can facilitate social interaction, cooperation, and empathy.
  • Increase Self-Esteem: Successfully caring for a pet can boost self-esteem and confidence.
  • Reduce Behavioral Challenges: Pet therapy has been shown to reduce challenging behaviors, such as aggression and self-injury, in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Conclusion

Pet therapy, specifically involving love birds, offers a holistic approach to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. By addressing cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral needs, this therapeutic intervention can significantly improve quality of life. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the benefits of pet therapy for this population.

Rabbit

We Farm, a facility dedicated to rabbit husbandry, houses diverse breeds such as Chinchilla White Giant and Grey Giant. The daily routine involves a meticulous morning care regimen for the rabbits, including cage sanitation, feeding, and hydration. Rabbit care offers a multifaceted approach to the holistic development of differently abled students. It fosters essential life skills, such as feeding, grooming, and the development of a sense of responsibility. Additionally, it provides valuable vocational training, equipping students with practical experience in animal husbandry and agriculture. The tactile nature of interacting with rabbits offers significant benefits for students with sensory processing disorders. The gentle touch and calming presence of these animals can have a profound impact on sensory integration. Moreover, rabbit care encourages social interaction, teamwork, and effective communication among students, promoting the development of essential social skills. Caring for rabbits’ nurtures empathy, compassion, and self-awareness, contributing to the development of emotional intelligence. It also instills a sense of accomplishment and pride, boosting self-esteem. For students with intellectual disabilities, the structured routine of rabbit care tasks provides a sense of stability and order. In conclusion, rabbit cultivation at We Farm offers a comprehensive approach to the development of differently abled students, encompassing physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains.

Duck (Mani Tharavu)

Duck cultivation offers several therapeutic and developmental benefits for differently-abled children. Interaction with these waterfowl can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being. Furthermore, the physical tasks involved, such as feeding, watering, and cleaning enclosures, can enhance fine and gross motor skills, improving hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and mobility. Beyond physical benefits, duck cultivation can instill a sense of responsibility, routine, and time management. Additionally, it can provide vocational training, leading to potential employment opportunities or entrepreneurial ventures. The social aspect of caring for ducks can foster community building and enhance self-esteem and independence.

Locate Us