Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Optional Subject: Important Terms and Definitions

Introduction:
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science is an optional subject in the UPSC examination. This subject covers various aspects related to the management, breeding, and healthcare of animals. To excel in this subject, it is essential to understand and memorize certain key terms and definitions.

1. Animal Husbandry:
Animal husbandry refers to the science of breeding, feeding, and caring for animals, especially livestock. It includes practices such as selection of breeding stock, nutrition management, disease control, and animal welfare.

2. Veterinary Science:
Veterinary science is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and injuries in animals. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including surgery, pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology.

3. Livestock:
Livestock refers to domesticated animals raised for agricultural purposes. This includes animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. Livestock plays a crucial role in providing food, fiber, and other products to humans.

4. Animal Breeding:
Animal breeding involves the selection and mating of animals to produce offspring with desirable traits. It aims to improve the genetics of livestock, resulting in better productivity, disease resistance, and adaptability.

5. Artificial Insemination (AI):
Artificial insemination is a technique where semen is collected from a male animal and introduced into a female animal's reproductive tract using methods other than natural mating. AI allows for controlled breeding and the use of superior genetics.

6. Embryo Transfer (ET):
Embryo transfer is a procedure where embryos are collected from a genetically superior female animal and transferred to surrogate females, which carry the pregnancy to term. ET allows for rapid multiplication of superior genetics and can be used for breed improvement.

7. Vaccination:
Vaccination is the administration of a vaccine to stimulate an animal's immune system and provide protection against specific diseases. Vaccines contain weakened or killed pathogens or their components, which trigger an immune response without causing disease.

8. Zoonotic Diseases:
Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Examples include rabies, avian influenza, and brucellosis. Understanding zoonotic diseases is crucial for disease control and prevention.

9. Rinderpest:
Rinderpest was a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals. It caused significant economic losses and had a devastating impact on livestock populations. However, it has been successfully eradicated through vaccination campaigns.

10. Animal Welfare:
Animal welfare refers to the ethical and compassionate treatment of animals. It includes providing adequate nutrition, housing, healthcare, and minimizing stress and suffering. Animal welfare is a critical aspect of animal husbandry and veterinary science.

By memorizing and understanding these important terms and definitions, you will have a strong foundation in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, which will be beneficial for your UPSC preparation. These concepts will help you grasp the subject matter and answer questions more effectively.