Procurement of Goods | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Dairy Animals

• Critical for successful dairy farming.
• Selection based on type, breed, and age is crucial.
• Animals should be young, healthy, highly productive, and free from vices.
• Prefer dairy-type animals that efficiently convert feed into milk.
• Crossbred cows or buffaloes can be chosen based on the area's demand.
• Crossbred cows should be about 2-3 years old, true to breed, and exhibit good physical characteristics.
• Buffaloes should belong to recognized dairy breeds like Marrah or Surti.
• Graded buffaloes are an option, but pure breeds are recommended.
• Animals should be pregnant or in early lactation, avoiding older ones.
• Purchase animals with good breeding records, preferably from recognized farms.
• Test animals for diseases like Tuberculosis, Johne's disease, and Brucellosis before buying.
• Quarantine purchased animals for 21 days and vaccinate them before introducing them to the farm.
• Provide adequate nutrition to help them adapt to the new environment and reduce stress.

Housing Material

• Essential for protecting animals from the environment.
• Use locally available materials for economical construction.
• Ensure proper drainage and water provision in the housing area.

Feeds and Fodder

• Procure quality feeds and fodder to meet nutritional requirements.
• Plan for year-round fodder availability, including hay and silage.
• Consider the specific needs of different classes of animals (young stock, milch, pregnant, and dry stock).

Goods for Day-to-Day Maintenance

• Procure tools and equipment for daily farm maintenance.
• Ensure proper functioning of milking equipment, storage, and transportation tools.

Medicines, Vaccines, Amenities, etc.

• Purchase necessary medicines, vaccines, and amenities for animal healthcare.
• Be prepared for preventive vaccinations to control diseases.
• Keep a well-stocked medical kit for emergencies.

Housing Material

• Proper housing is essential for animal comfort with adequate space for feeding and watering.
• Use rough-finished cement concrete flooring to prevent slipping.
• Utilize locally available materials like coconut thatches or asbestos sheets for roofing.
• Procure materials in bulk from nearby sources to minimize transportation costs.
• Install mangers in sheds, byres, and milking stalls with proper drainage for feeding and watering.
• Wooden feeding troughs and steel buckets should be procured or made in the farm for cost efficiency.

Feeds

• Feed quality significantly impacts animal health, production, and farm economics.
• Grow required fodder on the farm and conserve it as hay and silage for use during lean periods.
• Cultivate grains for concentrate feeding on the farm or procure them when cost-effective.
• Carefully consider both the quality and cost of procured feed and fodder.

Goods for Day-to-Day Maintenance

• Procure essential items for daily farm activities in bulk during cost-effective seasons.
• Purchase locally items like cattle chains, section ropes, coir ropes, brooms, bamboo baskets, scrap iron sheets, harness ropes, and casting ropes.
• Lubricants like castor oil, permanganate crystals, udder wiping towels, and milking pails are necessary for milking.
• Use aluminium alloy milking pails and milk cans; stainless steel buckets are a durable option.
• Stock enough supplies for milking, and ensure the availability of essential materials for running diesel engines, tractors, and chaff cutters.
• Regularly oil the machines, and keep a supply of necessary materials for maintenance.

Medicines, Vaccines, and Semen

• Purchase and stock medicines for common ailments in dairy animals.
• Prepare an indent for medicines addressing issues like indigestion, diarrhea, bloat, respiratory disorders, mastitis, injuries, reproductive disorders, allergies, and urinary tract infections.
• Always keep antipyretics and antibiotics in stock, ensuring limited quantities are used before expiration.
• Stock emergency medicines like glucose and saline for use in critical situations.
• Schedule regular vaccinations against contagious diseases with the assistance of veterinary authorities.
• Procure and keep vaccines ready for use at the right time by veterinarians.
• Arrange for the insemination of animals in heat by obtaining semen from artificial insemination centers, either as liquid or frozen semen.
• Purchase a liquid nitrogen container and necessary liquid nitrogen for storage in the farm.
• Effective procurement involves proper planning and estimation, ensuring goods are purchased when abundant and inexpensive.
• Buy grains after harvest when prices are lower.
• Prefer indigenous and locally available materials for building, utensils, and machinery to save costs and ensure easy availability of spares.
• Avoid overstocking to prevent money lock-up and potential spoilage.
• Monitor expiry dates, especially for antibiotics, and purchase only when required to use before expiration.
• Judicious procurement, storage, and utilization significantly contribute to profitable dairy farming.