FAQs on Animal Husbandry Video Lecture - Geography for UPSC CSE
1. What is animal husbandry? |
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Ans. Animal husbandry refers to the practice of rearing and breeding animals for various purposes such as food, fiber, labor, and companionship. It involves the care, management, and breeding of domesticated animals to ensure their well-being and productivity.
2. What are the different branches of animal husbandry? |
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Ans. Animal husbandry comprises various branches, including:
- Dairy farming: Focuses on the production and management of milk and dairy products.
- Poultry farming: Involves raising domesticated birds, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, for meat and egg production.
- Livestock farming: Involves raising animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs for meat, wool, and other products.
- Apiculture: The practice of beekeeping for honey production.
- Aquaculture: Involves the cultivation of aquatic organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and algae, for food and other purposes.
3. What are the benefits of animal husbandry? |
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Ans. Animal husbandry offers several benefits, including:
- Food production: It provides a significant source of meat, milk, eggs, and other animal-based products for human consumption.
- Economic opportunities: Animal husbandry generates income and employment opportunities for farmers and those involved in the animal agriculture industry.
- Sustainable agriculture: It plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Conservation of genetic diversity: Animal husbandry helps in preserving and conserving various animal breeds, preventing their extinction.
- Utilization of by-products: Animal by-products, such as manure and animal waste, can be used as organic fertilizers and energy sources.
4. What are some common challenges in animal husbandry? |
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Ans. Animal husbandry faces several challenges, including:
- Disease management: Animals are susceptible to various diseases, and ensuring their health and well-being requires proper veterinary care, vaccinations, and disease prevention measures.
- Environmental impact: Large-scale animal farming can have negative environmental consequences, such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Animal welfare concerns: Ensuring the ethical treatment and welfare of animals is a significant challenge in animal husbandry, as it involves balancing productivity with animal rights and well-being.
- Market fluctuations: Farmers may face challenges related to market demand, price fluctuations, and competition, affecting their profitability and sustainability.
- Technological advancements: Keeping up with technological advancements and adopting modern farming practices can be challenging for small-scale farmers, requiring access to resources and training.
5. How can animal husbandry contribute to sustainable agriculture? |
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Ans. Animal husbandry plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture by:
- Providing nutrient-rich organic fertilizers: Animal manure and waste can be used as natural fertilizers, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting soil health.
- Enhancing crop production: Livestock farming and dairy production contribute to increased crop productivity through the use of animal draft power, which aids in plowing and cultivating fields.
- Closing nutrient cycles: Animals can consume crop residues and by-products, converting them into valuable manure. This closed-loop system helps in recycling nutrients and reducing waste.
- Diversifying farming systems: Integrating animals into crop farming systems promotes diversification, which enhances ecosystem resilience and reduces the risks associated with monoculture.
- Supporting rural economies: Animal husbandry provides income opportunities for small-scale farmers and contributes to rural development, helping to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods.