Livestock KIT #6. History Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, bison, muskoxen, caribou/ reindeer

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1 Agriculture in the Classroom KIT #6 Livestock History Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, bison, muskoxen, caribou/ reindeer

2 The information provided in this kit introduces students to a diverse range of livestock that is currently being raised in the Northwest Territories or has been raised in the north in the past. One of the activities in this kit provides students with a unique opportunity to incubate and hatch their own chicks. They can then care for and raise the chickens as laying hens or meat birds. Materials are also included for making cheese in the classroom. Several resource materials and books are also provided for supplemental information on raising livestock on a small scale.

3 Kit #6 Overview History 2 Chicken Facts 3 Chickens 3 Activity 1: Incubating and Hatching Your Own Chicks! 4 Turkeys 4 Turkey Facts 4 Ducks 5 Duck Facts 5 Geese 6 Geese Facts 6 Rabbits 7 Rabbit Facts 7 Pigs 8 Pig Facts 8 Sheep 9 Sheep Facts 9 Goats 10 Goat Facts 10 Cattle 11 Cattle Facts 11 Bison 12 Bison Facts 12 Muskoxen 13 Muskoxen Facts 13 Caribou / Reindeer 14 Caribou / Reindeer Facts 14 Activity 2: Making Cheese! 15 Large Curd Cottage Cheese 16 Feta Cheese 17 Songs and Games 18 References and Resource Links 21 Photo Credits 22

4 Kit #6 Materials Activity 1 Supplies: Incubating and Hatching Your Own Chicks - Incubator and brooder supplies, starter feed, waterer, chick feeder and fertilized chicken eggs. Activity 2 Supplies: Making Cheese - Basket mold, vegetable rennet tablets, mesophilic, DS starter, hermophilic DS starter, dairy thermometer, calcium chloride, non-iodized salt, cheesecloth, measuring cups, measuring spoons, stir spoons, large pots and recipe booklet. Children s Books: Mommy, Me and My Chickens: An Urban Family s Guide to Raising and Caring for Backyard Chickens by Holly Berkley The Chicken Problem by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson Young Chicken Farmers: Tips for Kids Raising Backyard Chickens by Vickie Black Reference Books: 4-H Guide Raising Chickens by Tara Kindschi Hatching and Brooding Your Own Chicks: Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese, Guinea Fowl by Gail Damerow The Practical Guide to Keeping Chickens, Ducks, Geese and Turkeys by Fred Hams The Rabbit Book: A Guide to Raising and Showing Rabbits by Samantha Johnson DVD: Home Cheese Making and All Things Dairy by Elisabeth Fekonia 1 Agriculture in the Classroom

5 History In the past, aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut harvested animals from the land. They fished, hunted and trapped local animals that naturally lived in the area. Today many people continue to harvest animals from the land, however many people also buy meat and animal products from the grocery store. Animal products that you find at a grocery store generally come from animals that were raised on a farm or ranch. *Have students discuss the variety of local animals they eat regularly and what types of meat or animal products (eggs, milk, cheese, ice cream) they consume from the store. For over 100 years, people in the north have been raising their own animals for meat or other products such as eggs and milk. Over the years, people have kept livestock such as chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats and cows. Muskoxen, bison and reindeer or caribou have also been raised in the north for food and other products. Details and fun facts regarding these animals are outlined in the section below. Numerous resource books are included in this kit for further information. *Have students discuss any experiences they may have with raising livestock in the north. Raising farm animals in the north can be very rewarding and lots of fun. It is important to note that with the extreme temperatures experienced during winters in the north, all animals need adequate shelter and some animals, such as chickens, require a heat source such as a heat lamp in their shelter during most of the winter. It is very important that animals have access to fresh water and quality feed throughout the year. 2

6 Chickens Chickens have been kept in many communities throughout the Northwest Territories. During the 1970 s chickens were even raised in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut! There is currently a commercial chicken barn in Hay River operating as Hay River Poultry Farm and Choice North Farms which houses 119,000 layers. Eggs produced at the barn are sold throughout the Northwest Territories as well as southern provinces. Today a number of people are currently keeping small flocks of chickens for meat and eggs. A few small hatcheries exist in Hay River where people can purchase fertilized eggs or young chicks to raise for themselves. Chicken Facts Chickens belong to the order Galliformes which are heavy, ground feeding birds. Grouse and ptarmigan, which are commonly found in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, also belong to this order. Female chicks are called pullets. When they grow up they are called hens. Hens will begin lay eggs when they are full grown usually at around 6 months old. Male chicks are called cockerels. When they grow up they are called roosters and they crow: cock-a-doodle-doo! It takes a chick approximately 21 days to develop in the egg. Several chickens that live together are called a flock. If a rooster is not present in a flock of hens, a hen will often take the role. She may stop laying eggs and begin to crow. Chickens can communicate with each other by making specific sounds. Hens will lay eggs without a rooster however if you want fertilized eggs that will hatch into baby chicks, a rooster is required. Chicken eggs can be white, brown, green or blue. The color of the egg shell depends on the breed of chicken. A good laying hen will produce about 250 eggs a year. This number will decrease as the hen ages. Hens need at least 14 hours of daylight to produce eggs. Some chickens are bred specifically for meat production while others are bred for egg production. Some breeds are great for both meat and eggs. Chickens contain both dark and white meat. Chickens are omnivores. This means they enjoy eating grass, herbs, fruits, vegetables and grains as well as insects, worms and small mammals such as mice. A chicken can easily live years. Under optimal conditions, chickens have been known to live as long as 25 years! 3 Agriculture in the Classroom

7 Activity 1: Incubating and Hatching Your Own Chicks! In this kit is everything you need to hatch your own chicks! Detailed instructions are included with the incubator and brooding supplies. Fertilized eggs are supplied by a local hatchery in Hay River, NT. Guidance and support from the Territorial Farmers Association is provided throughout the duration of the project. Turkeys Turkeys are large birds that also belong to the order Galliformes - heavy, ground feeding birds. Domesticated turkeys are related to the wild turkeys which are native to North America and inhabit some areas of southern Canada. Domesticated turkeys are bred and raised mainly for meat but turkey eggs can also be used for cooking and baking. Compared to chickens or ducks turkeys produce few eggs. Turkeys have been raised successfully in a few communities in the Northwest Territories on a small scale. Turkey Facts A male turkey is called a tom or a gobbler, a female turkey a hen, and a baby turkey a poult or chick. A young male turkey is called a jake and a young female is called a jenny. A group of turkeys is called a flock. Turkeys have brightly colored folds of skin on their head and neck areas. The fleshy bumps on the head and neck are called caruncles. The long flap of flesh that hangs over the beak is called a snood and the skin that hangs from the neck is called a wattle. Male turkeys have the largest and most prominent wattles. Female turkeys can have small wattles. Turkeys are social animals. They enjoy the company of other creatures, including humans. Turkeys range in size from five to forty pounds or more. The largest turkey on record weighed eighty-six pounds. Turkeys are a common meal at celebrations such as thanksgiving and Christmas. Pulling the wishbone is a thanksgiving tradition for many families. Two people grasp each end of the wishbone, make a silent wish and pull. Whoever gets the joint portion gets their wish. Turkeys use different sounds to communicate. Male turkeys make a gobbling sound. Hens will make a clicking or clucking sound. In the spring, male turkeys puff up their bodies, spread their tail feathers, grunt and make their gobbling sound to attract females. Domestic turkeys can be purchased from hatcheries or fertilized eggs can be incubated and hatched at home. Turkey poults take about 28 days to develop in the egg. 4

8 Ducks Domesticated ducks have been raised successfully in a few communities in the Northwest Territories. Most domesticated ducks raised on farms today are descended from the wild mallard duck. Mallard ducks inhabit most areas of the Northwest Territories and some areas of Nunavut during the summer months. Ducks can be raised for both meat and egg production. Some duck breeds such as the Campbell or Runner are exceptionally good layers that can produce up to 300 or more eggs a year. Pekin, Rouen and Muscovy ducks are popular for meat production. Ducks love eating slugs and other garden pests and are sometimes kept on a farm for natural pest control. Duck Facts Ducks are birds. They are also called waterfowls because they are normally found in places with water such as ponds, streams and rivers. A male duck is called a drake and a female duck is called a duck or a hen. Baby ducks are called ducklings. Male ducks (drakes) usually have brightly colored feathers. The feathers of female ducks are dull in color so that they can hide and be camouflaged from their enemies when they are in their nests. Ducks have webbed feet that are designed especially for swimming. Their webbed feet act like paddles in the water. A duck s feet have no nerves or blood vessels and cannot feel cold even in icy water. Another special adaptation ducks have is water-proof feathers. There is a special gland that produces oil near the duck s tail. This oil is spread over the feathers of a duck when it preens itself. Beneath the water-proof coat are soft, fluffy feathers called down that keeps the duck warm. A type of duck called an eider duck lines its nest with their down feathers. These feathers are collected after the ducks leave their nest and are used to make warm quilts and pillows. Although you do not need a pond to raise ducks, they do like to get their heads and feet wet. A small tub of water at least 8 inches deep will usually work. Some duck breeds need a water source in order to mate successfully. Ducks eat a variety of vegetation, weeds, grains, insects and slugs. Commercial duck food can be purchased to supplement their diet. Ducks are very social animals. Males and females sometimes live in pairs or together with their ducklings. They communicate with body language and with a variety of sounds including quacking, whistles, cooing, yodels and grunts. Domestic ducks can live for about 10 years. Fertilized duck eggs can be hatched in an incubator. On average, a baby duck takes about 28 days to develop in the egg. Duck eggs are larger and much more nutritious than chicken eggs. 5 Agriculture in the Classroom

9 Geese Like ducks, geese are also classified as waterfowl. There are four species of wild geese known to inhabit the Northwest Territories and Nunavut during the spring, summer and fall months. One of these species is the well known Canada goose. There are about fifteen breeds of domestic geese that are raised on farms for meat, eggs and for their feathers and down. Some people keep geese on their farm as guard animals or to help with chores like weeding. Geese are large and strong birds known for their sometimes noisy and aggressive behaviour. In the Northwest Territories, geese have been successfully raised on a small scale. They are noted for their hardiness and have no problem overwintering so long as adequate shelter and proper feed is provided. Geese Facts A male goose is called a gander. A female is called a goose and a baby is called a gosling. A group of geese is called a gaggle. Even though they are waterfowl, geese spend most of their time on land. They like to inhabit grassy areas near water. Geese are vegetarian and thrive on grass and weeds. Geese are very social animals and usually get along well with other livestock. Geese are known to mate for life, raising new families together each year. If one mate dies, the other mate will sometimes wait several years before choosing a new partner or might even stay single. When geese are scared or threatened, they will stretch out their necks and hiss or honk loudly. Geese can live for over 20 years. Geese feathers and down are valuable for filling pillows and comforters. Fertilized goose eggs can be hatched in an incubator. On average, a baby goose takes about days to develop in the egg. 6

10 Rabbits Rabbits are small mammals that belong to the family Leporidea. Other animals in this family include hares and pikas. In the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, two hare species including the Arctic and Snowshoe Hare live naturally in the area. These are often harvested by local people during the winter months for meat and fur. Although hares and rabbits look very similar, hares are usually larger than rabbits and have longer legs and longer ears. Hares run with long, high leaps. Domestic rabbits have been raised on a small scale in the north - mainly for meat but some people also utilize the fur. Rabbits are easy to care for and are well adapted to our northern climate. They do need adequate shelter and feed to be raised successfully. Rabbit Facts A male rabbit is called a buck and the female is a doe. A baby rabbit is called a kitten or kit. Rabbits have long sensitive ears that can be turned in any direction. They have long hind legs and a short tail. Their eyes are large and placed high on the side of the skull. They have nearly a 360 degree field of view. Their fur is thick, and in some breeds it is long and very soft. Their feet are fully furred. There are over 50 breeds of domestic rabbit. Some breeds such as the angora have been developed for their beautiful, soft wool. Large breeds like the New Zealand or Californian have been developed for their meat. Rabbits are vegetarians or herbivores and will eat all sorts of vegetation such as grass, weeds and shrubs. Domestic rabbits are often fed commercial rabbit pellets to supplement their diet. Rabbits are known to reproduce quickly. They can have babies at 6 months of age and can have 20 to 40 babies a year. It is important to keep males separate from females to avoid unwanted litters. Baby rabbits should stay with their mother until they are about 8 weeks old. Rabbits are raised not only for meat but also for fur or wool and for fertilizer. Rabbit droppings are excellent fertilizer that can easily be used in the garden. Many people also keep rabbits as pets. Rabbits can overheat in warm temperatures. It is important that they have a shaded area and access to fresh water at all times during the summer months. Rabbits can live for about 10 years. In the wild they usually only live for one year. 7 Agriculture in the Classroom

11 Pigs Domestic pigs originate from wild boars. Although wild boars presently do not inhabit the Northwest Territories or Nunavut, they do live in other parts of Canada. A number of people have raised domestic pigs in the Northwest Territories on a small scale and at one time they were also raised in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. In the early 1990 s a commercial hog operation was established in Hay River which housed about 1000 hogs. Three breeds including Yorkshires, Hampshires and Landrace were raised in the hog barn for meat production. Although pigs are generally raised for meat they are also very good at clearing land and preparing it for planting pasture or other crops. Pig Facts Pigs are also called hogs or swine. A male pig is called a boar and a female pig is called a gilt if she has not yet had piglets and a sow if she has. Baby pigs are called piglets. A sow can give birth to a litter containing 7 to 12 piglets, about twice a year. The gestation period of a sow is 114 days (just under four months). Pigs are very smart animals and learn quickly. They are known to pick up tricks faster than dogs. Piglets can learn their names by two to three weeks of age and respond when called. Pigs are very social animals and can form close bonds with each other. Pigs enjoy close contact and will lie close together when resting. Pigs use their grunts to communicate with each other. Although pigs are often thought of being messy, they are actually very clean animals that go to the bathroom far from their living or eating area. Pigs cannot tolerate too much heat or sun and must have access to a shelter to escape the heat. Pigs have no sweat glands so they roll in the mud to cool their skin. The mud also protects their skin from the sun. Pigs have a very good sense of smell and because their eyes are on the sides of their heads they have a very good field of vision. Pigs are omnivores. They will eat animal products as well as grass, vegetables, fruits and grains. The meat produced by pigs is called pork. Meat such as bacon and ham comes from pigs. 8

12 Sheep Sheep are hoofed animals that belong to the Bovidae family. Animals in the Bovidae family are ruminants which mean they have a four-chambered stomach. They use the first chamber to store quickly ingested food (cud) which they then bring back into their mouths to chew again before fully digesting it. Domestic sheep have been raised by a few people in the Northwest Territories mainly for their meat and wool although they can be milked as well. Sheep are generally easy to care for and require little space. One or two lambs can easily be raised in a backyard with simple fencing and a small shelter. Sheep are great lawn mowers and provide excellent fertilizer as they work. Domestic sheep are related to Dall sheep which are found in the Mackenzie Mountain area of the Northwest Territories. Sheep Facts Male sheep are called rams, female sheep are called ewes and baby sheep are called lambs. A group of sheep is called a flock. Sheep graze on grass and vegetation in the summer and are usually fed hay during the winter. Access to a salt and mineral block and fresh water are also required for good health. Sheep are very quick learners and can learn to be called by name. Sheep do not have any way to defend themselves other than flock together and run away. When sheep are frightened they will sometimes run right into things. Sheep are happiest when they have companions and should not be raised alone. Sheep usually give birth once a year and have 1 to 3 lambs. They normally live to be about 10 years old, but can sometimes live to be as old as 20. Lambs form strong bonds with their mothers. They can identify their mother by her bleat. Sheep are very selective in their grazing habits. They have a split in their upper lip which enables them to pick the preferred leaves off a plant. Sheep see in color. The average sheep has a field of vision of 270 degrees. They have a poor depth perception. For this reason, sheep will avoid shadows or harsh contrasts between light and dark. They will move towards the light. Sheep have an excellent sense of hearing. They are more sensitive to sound than people and may get scared by loud noises. If sheep end up on their back they need to be helped up as they cannot get up from that position. Milk from sheep is richer in fat, solids and minerals compared to cow milk. Sheep milk is ideal for making cheeses including feta, Roquefort, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta and Gbejna. Yogurt can also be made from sheep milk. Wool is harvested from sheep at least once a year, usually in early spring. The wool can be used for clothing, blankets and many other items. 9 Agriculture in the Classroom

13 Goats Like sheep, goats are hoofed animals that belong to the Bovidae family. They are ruminants (have a four chambered stomach) but unlike sheep and cattle which are grazers, goats are browsers and eat a varied diet including all sorts of vegetation and the tips of woody shrubs and trees. Domestic goats have been raised by a few people in the Northwest Territories mainly for their meat and milk. Goats are great at clearing bush and overgrowth. Some people use them to help clear land to prepare it for cultivation. They provide excellent fertilizer as they work! Domestic goats are related to mountain goats which are found in the Mackenzie Mountain area of the Northwest Territories. Goat Facts A male goat is called a buck or billy, a female goat is called a doe or a nanny and a baby is called a kid. A male goat that has been castrated is called a wether. A group of goats is called a herd, trip or tribe. Goats are very intelligent and curious animals. They explore and investigate anything unfamiliar which they come across. Goats have excellent coordination and balance. They are able to survive in steep mountainous areas and can even climb trees. Some species can jump over 5 feet high. Goats are often difficult to keep contained as they are so smart and agile. Goats are very social animals and will communicate with each other by bleating baaah. Goats will bleat when stressed, hungry, or calling for attention from their owners. Does will also call to their kids to ensure they stay close by. Goats are herbivores (plant eaters) and eat a wide variety of shrubs, woody plants, weeds and grass. They can survive in many areas where sheep and cattle would not. There are over 200 breads of goats. The smallest breeds weigh about 20 pounds while goats of the larger breeds can weigh over 250 pounds. Goats generally live for 8 to 12 years. Some have been known to live over 15 years. More people consume milk and milk products from goats worldwide than from any other animal. Goat milk is used for drinking, cooking, and baking. It is also used to make cheese, butter, ice cream, yogurt, soap, and other body products. Goat s milk is higher in calcium, vitamin A and niacin than cow s milk and it is also easier for people to digest. Goat meat is lower in fat and cholesterol compared to beef, pork, sheep and poultry. In addition to meat and milk, goats are also raised for fiber (mohair and cashmere). Some people use goats as pack animals or to pull carts. 10

14 Cattle Cattle are large, hoofed animals that belong to the Bovidae family. Like sheep and goats, cattle have a four chambered stomach to digest their food. Animals that have a four chambered stomach are called ruminants. Cattle have been raised in a number of communities in the Northwest Territories for their meat and milk. At one time, dairy operations were established in Yellowknife, Hay River and Aklavik. Fresh milk was available to people living in these communities. There were also beef operations near a number of communities including Fort Smith, Hay River and Horn River (just west of Fort Providence). Although there are no large scale beef operations today, there are still a few people raising cattle for personal use in Hay River. In addition to meat and milk, cattle produce valuable manure that can be composted and used in the garden. Domestic cattle are related to Wood Bison which inhabit Wood Buffalo National Park and other areas in the Northwest Territories. Cattle Facts Male cattle are called bulls. Male cattle that have been castrated are called steers. Females that have given birth are called cows. Young females that have not yet had a calf are called heifers. Baby cattle are called calves. There are hundreds of different breeds of cattle. Some breeds are good for milk production and others are better for meat. Some breeds are good for both milk and meat. The meat produced from cattle is called beef. Beef is cut into steaks, roasts, ribs, or ground into ground beef. It can also be dried and flavored to make beef jerky. Meat from calves is known as veal. Leather can be produced from the hide of cattle. The hide of one animal can produce: 20 footballs; 12 basketballs; 18 soccer balls; 12 baseball gloves; 18 volleyballs or 144 baseballs. Milk from cows can be made into ice cream, cheese, cream, cream cheese, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, butter and many other products. Dairy cows are usually bred yearly to keep milk production going. A cow needs to be milked twice a day, 12 hours apart. It is very important to stick to a milking schedule. A single cow can produce up to 30 litres of milk a day. There is plenty for her calf and for people to enjoy. Cattle are large animals and need space for grazing. Two or more acres per cow should be enough space. Cattle are herbivores and enjoy grazing grass and other vegetation. During the winter cattle eat hay and some people feed them grain as well. Fresh water is needed daily. In the north, cattle need shelter during the cold winter months. They also need shelter during the summer to protect them from the heat as well as from mosquitoes, bulldogs and other biting insects. Before tractors were available, people used cattle to help plow the land to prepare it for planting crops. Some farmers still use cattle to till the soil on their farms. 11 Agriculture in the Classroom

15 Bison Bison are very large animals that belong to the Family Bovidae. Bison have a shaggy dark brown mane, humped shoulders and short legs that are covered with hair. They have a long tail with a furry tuft at the end. Their coat is extremely thick in the winter to keep them warm. In the spring they shed their winter coat to keep cool. Bison have short, black horns on their head that they use to defend themselves against predators. Wood bison are native to northern Canada and exist in and around a number of communities in the Northwest Territories including Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Fort Liard and Fort Providence. In the early 1990 s a bison ranch called Hanging Ice Ranch was established outside of Fort Smith, NWT. In 1991, about 60 wood bison from Alberta were brought to the ranch to grow, reproduce and eventually provide a local source of meat. Unfortunately only a few years later the ranch was closed down. Bison require a lot of feed over the winter months and bringing in hay and grain from down south was very expensive. Bison Facts There are two types of bison native to Canada: plains bison and wood bison. Wood bison are the type of bison that live in Wood Buffalo National Park and other areas of the Northwest Territories. Female bison are called cows. Males are called bulls and babies are called calves. A group of bison is called a herd. Bison cows are very protective of their young and bulls can be quite aggressive during the rut (mating season). Bison raised on farms graze on grass and vegetation during the summer and are fed hay during the winter months. Bison are mainly produced for meat but their hides are also valuable. Bison meat is often prepared as steaks or ground and made into sausage or burger patties. Bison that are raised on grass and hay produce lean meat that is rich in omega 3 oils. Male wood bison are about 1.8 m (6 feet) tall and can weigh up to 1000 kg (2200 lbs). Females are somewhat smaller. Although they are normally slow moving, wood bison can jump obstacles almost two meters high, swim up to four km, and can run 60 km per hour. A bison s eyesight is poor, but their hearing and sense of smell is very good. A bison can smell an animal three kilometers away. Bison like to wallow (roll on the ground from side to side) in the dirt to remove parasites from their fur and relieve themselves of biting insects. 12

16 Muskoxen Muskoxen are large powerful animals that belong to the Bovidea family. Muskoxen have been harvested commercially in Nunavut for meat, hide and leather and for their extremely warm wool called qiviut. The muskoxen in Nunavut are not raised on ranches or farms but are harvested from wild populations. Usually only a few hundred animals are harvested each year, resulting in a very high demand for muskox products. Muskoxen populations are closely monitored and if numbers are too low, commercial harvesting is not allowed that year. Muskoxen Facts Male muskox are called bulls. Female muskox are called cows and babies are called calves. A group of muskoxen is called a herd. Muskoxen live in the arctic tundra and survive on grasses, roots, mosses and lichens. During the winter they use their powerful hooves to dig through snow to graze on these plants. Muskoxen have long shaggy hair that is well adapted to extreme cold temperatures. They have an outer coat of long hair called guard hairs and a shorter inner coat that provides extra insulation during the winter. The inner coat of fur, known as qiviut, is used to spin wool that is eight times warmer than sheep s wool and finer than cashmere. Muskoxen are herd animals and generally live together in groups of about 25 to 35. If threatened by predators such as wolves, muskoxen form a protective circle around their young. Their heads and horns face outwards towards the predator. Muskoxen are one of the most powerful land animals in the world. Both male and female muskoxen have horns that grow bigger each year. In Nunavut, muskoxen are usually harvested in February or March. Muskox meat is very nutritious, tender and flavorful and can be marketed as a gourmet meat. One average sized bull can produce about 135 kg of meat. Muskox hides can be dried and tanned to make bedding, clothing and shelter. 13 Agriculture in the Classroom

17 Caribou / Reindeer Caribou (also called reindeer) are native to the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Caribou are in the Family Cervidae. Other animals in this family include elk, deer and moose. Caribou have played an important role in the history and culture of aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut as they provided an important source of meat and hide for clothing. Although aboriginal people in the north traditionally hunted wild populations of caribou, in the early 1930 s they were introduced to reindeer farming due to declining caribou populations in the area. A herd of Reindeer (originally from Russia) was brought over from Alaska to the Mackenzie Delta area for the purposes of supplying meat to people locally and throughout Canada. Local people learned how to herd the reindeer and harvested them yearly at a place called Reindeer Station located near Inuvik, NWT. The reindeer herd was managed and harvested regularly until the 1980 s. Caribou / Reindeer Facts Caribou are called caribou in North America and reindeer in Europe and Asia. Male caribou are called bulls, females are cows and babies are called calves. Cows usually have one calf each year, which can stand after only a few minutes and walk with its mother by the next day. Hunting of wild caribou and herding of semi-domesticated caribou (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) has been an important activity for Arctic and Subarctic peoples all over the world. Caribou belong to the deer family. They are the only member of this family where both males and females carry antlers. Caribou are ungulates which means they have hooves. The caribou s large hooves support it through the snow or muskeg. Caribou use their hooves to dig for lichen and other plants in the snow. The caribou has a short, stocky body that conserves heat. The hairs on a caribou s coat are hollow which help provide insulation during the winter and allow caribou to swim easily. Caribou have long legs to help them move through the deep snow. Caribou are well adapted to the north however they have a hard time coping with biting insects in the summer. In the Northwest Territories and Nunavut there are Woodland Caribou, Barrenground and Peary Caribou. Many of the populations of caribou have declined significantly from what they were in the past. Measures have been taken to help strengthen populations so the herds do not die out. Most caribou in the wild migrate seasonally from summer to wintering ranges. They usually travel 19 to 55 km a day and cover 5000 km in a year. Caribou are herbivores and eat grasses, vegetation and lichen. Caribou usually live in very large herds of thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands of animals. Although very few people currently farm or herd caribou in Canada, reindeer farming or herding is very popular in Europe in countries such as Finland. 14

18 Activity 2: Making Cheese! Included in this kit is everything you need to make your own cheese from cow, goat or sheep s milk! Additional details and instructions for making hard cheeses are also provided. Hard cheeses require waxing and aging so it is suggested that students start with the Large Curd Cottage Cheese or the Feta recipes outlined below. *Have students view the Home Cheesemaking and All Things Dairy DVD by Elisabeth Fekonia to provide background information on the art of cheesemaking and how to milk cows and goats. Materials Basket Mold Vegetable Rennet Tablets Mesophilic DS Starter Thermophilic DS Starter Dairy Thermometer 1/2 oz. Calcium Chloride 1 yard Re-usable Cheesecloth Measuring cups Measuring spoons Stir spoons Large pots Recipe Booklet *In addition to these materials you will need one gallon of whole (homo) milk and whole cream (optional). Although fresh milk is best, pasteurized milk from the grocery store will work. 15 Agriculture in the Classroom

19 Large Curd Cottage Cheese Ingredients 1 gallon of homo milk ¼ tsp calcium chloride 1 packet of Mesophilic direct set culture Yield: 1 ½ to 1 ¾ pounds *Please read all directions thoroughly before beginning. ¼ rennet tablet dissolved in ¼ cup cool water (chlorine free use bottled water or water that has been boiled and cooled or left to sit over night) 1 tsp of salt (more or less depending on taste) 2-4 tablespoons cream (optional) *Store cultures and rennet in freezer if you will be using them at a later date. Directions 1. Heat milk to 90 degrees F. Use indirect heat by immersing your milk pot in a larger pot of hot water, or keep your pot in a sink of hot water. 2. Add ¼ tsp. calcium chloride and stir. 3. Add the mesophillic direct set culture, stir, and let the milk set at 85 degrees F. for 30 minutes. 4. Add the rennet (1/4 tablet) and water (1/4 cup) mixture and stir into the milk. Cover; allow the milk to set undisturbed for 4 to 8 hours or until set. (Curd is ready when it will form a clean break see page 4 of recipe booklet for illustration). 5. Cut curd into ½ inch cubes. 6. Slowly heat the curd to 110 degrees F. This shrinks the curd and removes more water from it. 7. Line a colander with cheesecloth and place in a bowl. Gently break up the mass of curd into small pieces with your hands. Mix salt and optional cream and refrigerate. 8. Enjoy when cooled. *If cheese is too rubbery use less rennet next time. If cheese is not solid enough use more rennet. 16

20 Feta Cheese Yield 1: pound *Please read all directions thoroughly before beginning. Ingredients 1 gallon of homo milk (or goats milk if available) ½ tsp calcium chloride 1 packet of Mesophilic direct set culture Brine Solution ½ rennet tablet dissolved in ¼ cup cool water (chlorine free use bottled water or water that has been boiled and cooled or left to sit over night) Salt for brine solution Dissolve 1 ¼ pounds of salt (non iodized) into ½ gallon of cool water. Pour salt into water slowly and stir. Add 1 tsp. of calcium chloride and 2 ½ tsp. white vinegar. Directions 1. Heat milk to 86 degrees F. Use indirect heat by immersing your milk pot in a larger pot of hot water, or keep your pot in a sink of hot water. 2. Add ½ tsp. calcium chloride and stir. 3. Add the mesophillic direct set culture and stir gently. Put the lid on the pot of milk and let stand at 86 degrees F. for 60 minutes. 4. Add the rennet (1/2 tablet) and water (1/4 cup) mixture and stir into the milk for one minute. Cover pot and allow the milk to set undisturbed for 30 minutes at 86 degrees F. 5. Curd is set when you see it separating from the edge of the pot see page 4 of recipe booklet for illustration. 6. Cut curd into ½ inch cubes and let rest for 10 minutes. 7. Slowly heat the curd to 95 degrees F. over 1 hour. This shrinks the curd and removes more water from it. 8. Stir curds every 10 minutes as they slowly heat. 9. After 1 hour of slowly heating, drain they liquid (whey) by pouring it through a cheese cloth lines colander. Let the curds knit together by allowing them to sit and drain in the colander for 4 hours at room temperature. 10. Cut into blocks, turn and drain for ½ hour. Submerge in saturated brine solution for hours. Remove the cheese and let it set to stabilize for 1-2 days at room temperature. 11. Keep cheese in refrigerator for 7 to 10 days and then enjoy! *This feta cheese can be stored for several months in a light brine solution see page 7 of the instruction booklet included. STORAGE: Rennet tablets, mesophilic culture and thermophilic culture should be stored in the freezer. Rennet tablet will last up to 5 years and cultures will keep up to two years if stored properly. Calcium chloride should be stored tightly sealed in a cool, dark place. Additional cheese making kits and supplies can be purchased from: The Urban Homesteading Store in Edmonton Alberta com/search.php?search_query=cheese New England Cheesemaking Supply Company store/p/167-ricki-s-basic-cheese-making-kit.html 17 Agriculture in the Classroom

21 Songs and Games Old MacDonald Had a Farm Lyrics available at: Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! And on that farm he had some chicks, E-I-E-I-O! With a chick-chick here, and a chick-chick there Here a chick there a chick, everywhere a chick-chick! Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! And on this farm he had a cow, E-I-E-I-O! With a moo-moo here, and a moo-moo there Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo-moo! Chick-chick here, and a chick-chick there Here a chick there a chick, everywhere a chick-chick! Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! And on that farm he had some ducks, E-I-E-I-O! With a quack-quack here and a quack-quack there Here a quack there a quack, everywhere a quack-quack! Moo-moo here, and a moo-moo there Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo-moo! Chick-chick here, and a chick-chick there Here a chick there a chick, everywhere a chick-chick! Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! 18

22 Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! And on that farm he had some pigs, E-I-E-I-O! With a oink-oink here and a oink-oink there Here an oink there an oink, everywhere an oink-oink! Quack-quack here and a quack-quack there Here a quack there a quack, everywhere a quack-quack! Moo-moo here, and a moo-moo there Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo-moo! Chick-chick here, and a chick-chick there Here a chick there a chick, everywhere a chick-chick! Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! Well Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! And on that farm he had a dog, E-I-E-I-O! With a bow-wow here, a bow-wow there Here a bow, there a wow, everywhere a bow-wow Oink-oink here and a oink-oink there Here an oink there an oink, everywhere an oink-oink! Quack-quack here and a quack-quack there Here a quack there a quack, everywhere a quack-quack! Moo-moo here, and a moo-moo there Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo-moo! Chick-chick here, and a chick-chick there Here a chick there a chick, everywhere a chick-chick! Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O! 19 Agriculture in the Classroom

23 Farm Animals Word Search Puzzle H B O R L A M B S S E D S U F N D U E R O N E C T Y S O O E A R O L P L D A A R E E A G C A S L E L L T E D V F L O A S L S E B E S T W L S S E G E N O H N I E A P A N S E D T I W S O K N L U C O K W N S A S P Y E A R P L H C L I D N R G S K F E P M A I L E O H O R O S E I I S U H C F N N D E R F H O E T U C R K K Y E A C O W S S R S T S R E T S O O R O F H A G G E E Y N A R L E F I E L L I I E S N S S T A N D N M A L E S P A R S S E C O S L T S Word List BULLS DOGS LAMBS CALVES DONKEYS PIGLETS CATS FILLIES PIGS CHICKENS FOALS PUPPIES CHICKS HENS ROOSTERS COLTS HORSES SHEEP COWS KITTENS From: 20

24 References and Resource Links Information regarding the history of farming in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut was adapted from: A History of the Development of Agriculture in the NWT prepared by Cardinham Text and Creations in Printable Farm Animal Coloring Sheets Chickens, Turkeys, Geese, Ducks Website with a search tool to help determine what chicken breed is right for you Beginners Guide to Hatching Classroom Project (Printed copy available in kit) Chart outlining what foods are safe for chickens Rabbits, Goats, Cows, Sheep, Pigs Agriculture in the Classroom

25 Reindeer / Caribou, Muskoxen, Bison Photo Credits Helen Green, Hay River NT Jackie Milne, Hay River NT Northern Farm Training Institute, Hay River NT Turkey: Duck 1: Duck 2: White-Ducks Sheep: Bison: Muskoxen: Caribou: 22