New Trends in Enhancing Production and Management | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Enhancing Production Techniques

Improvements in animal production involve advancements in brooding, feeding, and management practices. The goal is to maximize the output of milk, meat, or eggs by employing various strategies.

1. Crossbreeding for High Production:

   • Crossbreeding involves mating animals of different breeds to produce offspring with desirable traits.
   • By breeding indigenous breeds with high-producing exotic ones, farmers aim to create crossbred animals capable of higher productivity.
   • These crossbred animals inherit beneficial traits from both parental breeds, such as heat tolerance, disease resistance, and high productivity.

2. Genetic Potential and Selective Breeding:

   • Genetic traits play a crucial role in determining an animal's potential for high production.
   • Indigenous breeds often possess valuable traits like adaptability to local conditions and disease resistance.
   • Selective breeding involves choosing animals with desirable traits as parents to pass on those traits to future generations.
   • Over time, new breeds may be developed through careful selection and breeding practices to further enhance productivity.

Optimizing Brooding and Feeding

To ensure that animals reach their full genetic potential for high production, proper brooding, feeding, and management practices must be implemented.

1. Feed Composition and Supplements:

   • Animals require a balanced diet comprising green fodder, concentrate mixtures, and supplements to meet their nutritional needs.
   • Green fodder provides essential nutrients and fiber, while concentrate mixtures offer concentrated sources of energy and protein.
   • Mineral and vitamin supplements are necessary to address any deficiencies in the animal's diet and promote overall health.
   • Growth promoters may also be included in the feed to stimulate growth and improve feed efficiency.

2. Management Practices:

   • Proper housing management is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of animals.
   • Clean and well-ventilated housing helps prevent diseases and promotes optimal growth and productivity.
   • Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, should be monitored and controlled to create a comfortable and conducive environment for the animals.
   • Cooling systems, such as air conditioners or coolers, may be necessary to maintain suitable temperatures, particularly in hot climates.
   • Adequate lighting and warmth are essential for poultry houses, especially during the brooding period for young chicks.

Key Points to Highlight

• Selective Breeding: Crossbreeding and selective breeding are key strategies for developing animals with higher production capabilities.
• Nutritional Needs: Providing a balanced diet and supplements is crucial for meeting the nutritional requirements of animals and optimizing productivity.
• Management Practices: Proper housing and environmental management are essential for maintaining animal health and welfare.
• Continuous Improvement: Through ongoing research and implementation of new techniques, farmers can continually improve animal production and efficiency over time.