Civil Service Examinations - Questions and Answers - 1 | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Q1: Write short notes in about 200 words.
Herd Recording
Ans:

• An effective recording system is essential for the efficient management and thorough evaluation of a dairy herd. Dairy records play a crucial role in making daily management decisions such as breeding, ration allocation, and culling. Regular examination of these records allows dairy farmers to identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as assess the profitability of their farm.
• The practice of herd recording originated as a voluntary program among dairy farmers, particularly in developed countries like the USA. This involved periodic testing of cows for milk and butterfat content, with records kept accordingly. In the USA, the Cow Testing Association, formed by a group of 20 dairymen, employed a common milk tester to visit each farm monthly. The milk yield of each cow was measured, and a sample was collected for fat determination. State extension specialists now supervise these records, ensuring adherence to uniform rules and regulations established by the United States Department of Agriculture and the American Dairy Science Association. The USDA utilizes this information to evaluate the sires used in artificial insemination (AI). Additionally, a list of outstanding cows is compiled for mating with exceptional sires, aiming to produce future high-performing sires.
• The Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) tester conducts monthly visits to each dairy farm, gathering information on milk yield, fat content, calving dates, sex of calves, breeding dates, sires used, as well as forage and concentrates fed to cows. This data is then sent to a central computing facility, which generates a performance report for the farmer. A herd summary and management report covering the preceding 12 months are provided, comparing the herd with the breed average. These records are widely accepted by breed associations for documentation.
• In conclusion, herd recording proves highly beneficial for dairy farmers, offering insights into the status of their animals, aiding in day-to-day management decisions, and facilitating overall improvement. It also serves as a valuable resource for others interested in understanding the precise standing of a particular dairy farm.

Q2: Write short notes on:
Adaptation of goats from the stand-points of land use and economy
Ans: 

• The goat, being a small-sized ruminant, exhibits a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse socio-economic conditions prevalent in our country. It is highly productive, often giving birth to more than one offspring at a time. With a short gestation interval, it quickly acclimatizes to varied agroclimatic conditions. The goat is selective in its forage choices, showing a preference for available options. Interestingly, there are no religious restrictions on the consumption of goat meat and its products among the various religious communities in rural areas.
• The goat proves to be an ideal choice for marginal and landless laborers due to its cost-effective maintenance, providing short-term returns with low-risk capital investment. The involvement of women and children in goat care reduces the need for external labor, resulting in decreased expenditures. In areas where raising cows and buffaloes is challenging, goats thrive, sustaining themselves on leaves and shoots of trees. They demonstrate superior adaptation to arid tropical conditions, and indigenous goats often display resistance to common livestock diseases.
• In semi-arid regions with sparse vegetation, bushes, and shrubs unsuitable for cattle, goats find sustenance. Mountainous areas with steep slopes, unsuitable for cattle, become viable for goats. Their mobile upper lips and highly prehensile tongues enable goats to graze on very short grass, and their higher crude fiber digestibility allows them to adapt to even harsher conditions. Goats efficiently utilize even drier and coarser grass that might be less acceptable to other livestock species.

Q3: Name and discuss the pertinent points whites need to be considered for feeding
(i) Dry cows
(ii) Cows at calving times
(iii) Calves up to the age of 4 months
Ans:
(a) Feeding Dry Caws

• As the cow approaches the advanced stage of pregnancy (around 300 days of lactation), it is essential to initiate the drying-off process. This allows the cow to recuperate and prepare for the upcoming lactation period. Practices such as intermittent milking, a significant reduction in concentrate ratios, or complete withdrawal of concentrates for one to two days are commonly employed. Despite not producing milk during the dry period, it is crucial to provide the necessary nutrients for the growing fetus.
• Farmers often tend to overlook the nutritional needs of dry and pregnant cows due to their lack of milk production. It is imperative to educate farmers about the significance of feeding pregnant cows. The typical approach involves feeding pregnant cows 1 to 1.5 kilograms of concentrate mixture during the last 60 days of gestation. The goal is to ensure that pregnant cows gain at least 0.5 kilograms of body weight daily during this period. High-yielding cows may have experienced a loss of 20 to 30 kilograms of body weight in the early stages of lactation.
• Research indicates that achieving a body weight gain of 20 to 30 kilograms during the last 60 days of gestation can result in an additional milk production of 340 to 502 kilograms in the next lactation. For instance, a farmer producing 25,000 liters of milk from 10 cows in the first lactation can potentially increase production to 30,000 liters in the subsequent lactation, effectively maintaining 12 cows.

(b) Feeding Cows at Calving Times

• During pregnancy, essential nutrients are vital for the proper development of the fetus. In the last 60 days of pregnancy, the pregnant animal typically experiences an increase in live weight, ranging from 25 to 35 kilograms. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for fetal growth and uterine development, nutrients are also stored in reserves that can be utilized for early lactation milk production. Therefore, it is necessary to provide nutrients that cater to all these needs.
• Initially, the cow is fed a bran mash moistened with lukewarm water, serving as a laxative diet. Some green grass may also be included. After the initial two days, a mixture of oats, bran, and linseed mash can be introduced to replace the bran mash. If the cow is in good condition at the time of calving, the specific amount of feed during these initial days becomes less critical. Subsequently, the concentration of feed should be gradually increased with the goal of reaching full dosages within a two-week period.

(c) Feeding Calves up to the age of 4 months

• The nutritional needs of growing calves can be categorized into two phases: the pre-ruminant growth period, occurring before the rumen is fully developed, and the post-ruminant growth period, which follows the development of the rumen.
• For the pre-ruminant growth period (birth to two months), a significant portion of energy and protein requirements for calves is satisfied by whole and skim milk. Newborn calves start consuming dry food, such as calf starter and hay, in small quantities from the second week after birth. The intake of solid foods gradually increases when the milk allowance is reduced. In India, the duration of milk or skim milk feeding varies, ranging from birth to 45 days or extending up to six months. The quantity of whole milk and skim milk provided to each calf also varies, and supplementation with different concentrates and roughages further influences the nutritional needs of the calves.
• At NDRI Karnal, calves were fed 298 kg of whole milk (up to 120 days) and 452 kg of skim milk (up to 180 days), resulting in a daily gain of 347 and 291 grams for male and female calves, respectively. In IVRI Izatnagar, a growth rate of 421 grams was achieved by feeding 116 kg of whole milk and 36 kg of aldim milk up to 60 days, supplemented with calf starter and high-quality hay in crossbred calves. Studies indicated that while large quantities of milk with calf starters or milk replacements with roughages were fed, the latter method was found to be more economical and led to early maturity.
• Considering the nutrient requirements of pre-ruminant calves, it is generally accepted that after 60 days of age, feeding whole or skim milk is no longer necessary. The total milk quantity may not exceed 140 kg in the first 60 days. It is recommended to provide good-quality calf starters from the second week of the calf's age.

Q4: Write short notes on
Feeding trials
Ans:

• Initially, animal feeding was conducted through a trial-and-error approach. Subsequently, feeding trials began at Agricultural Experimental stations on a scientific basis. These trials extended to laboratory animals, providing fundamental data applicable to both human nutrition and the feeding of farm animals.
• Comparative feeding trials involve recording the results produced by a specific feed or ration in terms of growth, milk production, meat production through animal fattening, egg production, or other functions. Comparisons between two rations are made by calculating the production of a unit of product. While such experiments reveal which ration is superior or inferior, they do not explain the reasons behind these differences. One method of comparison involves keeping all mixtures of rations constant except for the one being analyzed. For instance, a comparison between fish meal and linseed meal for hogs showed that a ration containing fish meal led to an average daily growth in body weight of 0.8 kg, compared to 0.8 kg with a ration containing the same amount of linseed meal, with other ingredients being consistent. This clearly indicates that fish meal is superior to linseed meal, although the cause for the difference is not discerned by this method.
• Feeding trials with laboratory animals, particularly small animals like rats, are employed. The costs involved are lower, requiring less labor and animal expenses. The life cycle of these animals is short, allowing for quicker results. Consequently, the value of feeds concerning growth, reproduction, and lactation can be determined more efficiently. A larger number of smaller animals can be utilized, with the added benefit of controlling environmental factors. However, results obtained with laboratory animals cannot be directly extrapolated to larger livestock. They only offer preliminary information and serve as pilot studies.

Q5: How would you establish a flock of about 100 sheep? What factors would you consider? Justify your decisions.
Ans:

• When establishing a flock of sheep, it is essential to consider its purpose, whether for fine wool, carpet wool, or meat production. In plain regions, sheep are primarily maintained for meat or carpet wool, while woolly sheep are predominantly raised in hilly areas. Nomads usually rear sheep for meat, constantly moving their flocks based on agricultural stages. These sheep are grazed in agricultural fields on a barter system, utilizing stubble left after harvest as feed and the sheep's excreta as manure. In such setups, no elaborate housing or special provisions are necessary. Acquiring 100 ewes between 1 and 2 years old with selected rams is typically sufficient.
• For sheep meant for wool production in hilly areas, a well-equipped farm is necessary. Separate sheds for ewes, rams, and lambs, as well as lambing and shearing sheds, are essential. Facilities for dipping to protect sheep from external parasites and storage space for essential medicines and wormicides are required. Establishing a flock of 100 sheep can serve as breeding stock for the region, support sheep development activities, provide training for farmers, supply ram semen for breeding, and undertake fodder seed and tree sapling multiplication.
• The chosen breed for the farm should suit the local environment and may be a local pure breed or crossbred, including exotic breeds. After selecting the breed, choosing the foundation stock becomes crucial for genetic improvement. Selecting the best-performing rams and ewes as parents is essential, considering economic traits and environmental conditions. Breeding stock should aim to increase the number of lambs weaned per ewe, lamb growth rate, and wool quantity.
• Sheds are necessary for a sheep farm, oriented north-south for optimal sunlight exposure. Ewe sheds, ram sheds, lambing sheds, and a cleaning shed-cum-storeroom should be constructed with specific dimensions. Pasture is crucial for maintaining sheep, with concentrates provided during advanced pregnancy. Adequate pasture land, typically one developed pasture per sheep or two ordinary pastures, is necessary. The buildings need not be elaborate, but proper sheds are vital for the well-being of the sheep and the storage of wool.

Q6: Write short notes on: Role of co-operatives in lowering the consumer price of livestock products

Ans: 

• The role of cooperatives in reducing the consumer price of livestock products is evident, especially when there is a surplus production of milk. Farmers often face challenges dealing with unscrupulous middlemen who demand low prices and extended credit, leaving producers with little incentive to develop the industry. The solution lies in producers uniting to form milk supply societies and unions, enabling them to market their own products and eliminate middlemen. In such organizations, producers receive fair prices for their milk, and consumers benefit from obtaining valuable nutrients at reasonable prices.
• One successful example is the Kaira Cooperative, Asia's largest dairy enterprise, which attributes its success to the belief that the privilege of collecting farmers' milk comes with the responsibility of providing necessary animal husbandry inputs to boost production. The cooperative is attuned to farmers' needs and responsive to their demands, with 760 primary village societies comprising 2 lakh farmer members. Employing 4000 individuals in Village Cooperatives and 2000 in Kaira Union, the cooperative owns its factory, processes, and markets its milk. The Union is managed by elected members from primary societies, collecting and transporting milk via 82 trucks, conducting 17 lakh fat tests daily, and ensuring producers are paid each morning and evening.
• The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) is another example, marketing Rs 1,200 crore worth of milk and milk products annually. With 1.8 million farmers producing 42 lakh liters of milk daily, this cooperative eliminates middlemen, allowing consumers to access quality milk and milk products at reasonable prices.

Q7: Write short notes on:
Pricing policy with respect of milk

Ans:

• When determining the producer's price for fluid milk, several key considerations must be taken into account. Firstly, the price should be correlated with the cost of milk production to ensure a fair profit margin for the producers. Additionally, it should consider the seasonal variations in production and demand, and it should be linked to the consumer's price index, considering general market trends.
• From the perspective of milk processors and product manufacturers, the price of milk should consider factors such as the operational stage of the plant, transportation, processing/manufacturing, and distribution costs, plant capacity to utilize surplus milk in the milk shed area, and the market objectives of the plant, including its product diversification program.
• Setting the consumer's price requires careful consideration of the population covered by the milk scheme, the distribution of people across different occupational and income groups (lower, middle, and higher), and the total cost of transportation, processing/manufacturing, and distribution. It should adequately cover these costs while ensuring a reasonable profit margin for the milk plant operator.
• Therefore, striking a balance between the producer's price, serving as a production incentive, and the consumer's price, which should be within the purchasing power of the average consumer throughout the year, becomes imperative.

Q8: What factors influence the cost of milk production? Please elaborate on your response about the conditions in India. Additionally, briefly discuss a suitable policy to facilitate increased milk production.
Ans: 

• Milk production costs involve various components, including feed, labor, capital for animal care, technical outputs, animal depreciation, and other miscellaneous recurring expenditures. Feed constitutes a significant portion, ranging from 50 to 75 percent of total costs, encompassing green and dry fodder, concentrates, and balanced feed. Despite some free resources, all must be accounted for in cost calculations. Emphasizing the use of green fodder and incorporating agricultural by-products in balanced feed helps reduce costs.
• Labor, particularly human labor, is challenging to assess in rural areas where family members handle multiple tasks. Housing investments contribute to capital costs, emphasizing the use of locally available materials to minimize expenses. Investment in milch animals, covering feed, labor, veterinary care, and other inputs, adds to capital costs, considering the cost of animals, land, and buildings. Technical inputs like artificial insemination services and depreciation also contribute to costs.
• The gross cost is calculated by summing these expenditures, and after subtracting income from sources other than milk, such as dung, the net cost is obtained. The average cost is determined by considering both efficient and less efficient farmers in a region. To enhance milk production, a strategic breeding policy, incorporating crossbreeding and indigenous breeds, is essential. Facilities for artificial insemination, feed availability, and calf-rearing support should be provided. Marketing plays a crucial role, necessitating the formation of milk producer cooperatives to minimize middlemen.
• Establishing a national milk pricing policy is crucial, aiming to guarantee producers a fair price, provide consumers with wholesome milk at reasonable rates, and ensure a reasonable profit margin for processors and manufacturers. The pricing should consider seasonal variations, operational factors of milk plants, and the size and income distribution of the population covered.
• A two-axis milk pricing policy is proposed, offering incentives for high-yielding indigenous cows and crossbred cows and buffaloes. This approach involves purchasing cow milk at rates comparable to buffalo milk, discouraging adulteration. Pricing should be based on fat and solid non-fat (SNF) content, promoting compositional quality and discouraging malpractices.
• The overall pricing policy should strike a balance between producer incentives and consumer affordability while maintaining a focus on increased milk production.

Q9: "Anand pattern of dairy cooperatives is an ideal example of organisation of rural milk procurement and collection". Discuss. Write a note on the impact of dairy cooperatives on milk production in rural areas in India.
Ans: 

• The milk vendors and private dairies, on one hand, exploited milk producers by paying very low prices for procured milk, while on the other hand, they charged exorbitant prices for the supplied milk to urban consumers, thereby generating significant profits for themselves. Often, they supplied diluted milk of subpar quality to urban consumers. Additionally, delayed payments created financial challenges for milk producers, forcing them to seek loans from village moneylenders who charged high-interest rates. This resulted in negligible or almost zero profits from milk sales. With inadequate veterinary assistance, cows faced health issues, and improper breeding practices led to losses rather than profits for dairy farmers, contributing to the persistent rural poverty in India.
• This troubling situation highlighted the need to ensure fair treatment for dairy farmers and promote income-generating activities linked to farming to address issues such as rural unemployment, poverty, malnutrition, and social injustices. The Anand pattern of dairy cooperatives, initially developed in Gujarat's Kaira district, played a significant role in addressing these challenges.
• The Anand pattern established a two-tier structure, consisting of village-level milk producers' cooperative societies and district-level milk producers' cooperatives. These district-level unions later formed a state-level cooperative milk marketing federation, creating a three-tier structure. In this system, village-level societies collected milk, measured its fat content, and paid producers based on the fat content, eliminating dependence on private vendors. The cooperative structure ensured that milk producers had a say in the organization's activities, and employment opportunities were provided to villagers. Veterinary and artificial insemination services were also offered at the village level.
• Under the Anand pattern, milk marketing facilities and technical support were provided directly to milk producers through their cooperatives at the village and district levels. All milk offered for sale was purchased by the cooperative, and surplus milk was converted into milk products and stored. Inputs such as cattle feed and fodder seeds were sold at the village level. This approach ensured that the interests of milk producers were safeguarded at all levels, reducing reliance on middlemen and promoting a fair and transparent system.
• The impact of dairy cooperatives on milk production in rural areas, particularly the success of the Anand pattern in the Kaira district, led to significant increases in production. The cooperative structure, replicated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) across the country, resulted in millions of farmers benefiting from higher income and improved living conditions. The cooperative system not only guaranteed a market for producers but also eliminated intermediaries, allowing farmers to negotiate better prices based on increased production costs. This organized approach paved the way for a dairy industry owned and controlled by farmers, providing a reliable and quality-conscious alternative to traditional marketing systems.
• The introduction of Operation Flood, supported by the NDDB, facilitated internal education for adult illiterates in dairy-related practices, leading to a positive change in the mindset of cattle breeders. The living conditions of milk producers improved, and cattle upgrading programs under Operation Flood resulted in a substantial increase in the population of high-yielding crossbred cattle.
• The positive impact of the Anand pattern and Operation Flood has contributed to a significant rise in per capita milk availability in the country. The Anand pattern of milk cooperatives has become the cornerstone for improving rural milk yield and addressing various challenges in the dairy sector.

Q10: Write short notes on Different systems of farming.
Ans: 

• There are two primary systems of farming: (1) mixed farming and (2) specialized farming. In the context of India, mixed farming typically involves combining arable farming with livestock raising, particularly for milk. Although mixed farming broadly encompasses incorporating dairy, poultry, sericulture, and fisheries alongside agriculture, the emphasis often lies on dairy farming. Given the variability and uncertainty in income from agriculture due to seasonal conditions, farmers seek alternative sources of income, with dairying emerging as their preferred and most viable choice.
• Observations indicate that when dairying is integrated into mixed farming, there is enhanced coordination and greater profitability achieved through the combined production of milk and crops compared to other combinations. It has been estimated that the profits triple when dairying is combined with agriculture, whereas the combination of agriculture with other enterprises like poultry or sericulture only results in a doubling of profits. Additionally, incorporating dairying into mixed farming ensures a steady income stream through milk production.
• One significant advantage of mixed farming, particularly when dairy farming is involved, is the creation of consistent employment opportunities throughout the year. This enables the farmer and their family to be actively engaged, maximizing returns. Therefore, for marginal farmers, it is recommended to adopt mixed farming as it provides a more stable and lucrative approach, particularly when dairy farming is integrated into the agricultural system.