Civil Service Examinations - Questions and Answers - 3 | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Q21: Propose a development program aimed at boosting animal production in a remote village utilizing the available resources and input supply. Provide a comprehensive discussion on how the program's message will be effectively communicated to the community. Additionally, outline the evaluation criteria that will be employed to assess the growth in the coming years.
Ans: 

• In a remote village where daily transportation to and from the town or city is not feasible, raising livestock such as cattle, buffaloes, or poultry, which require daily transport of products like milk and eggs to the city, is impractical. Therefore, only animals whose products can be transported to the city at longer intervals, such as every fortnight or month, can be considered. These animals include sheep, goats, and swine, which can be reared and sold periodically, providing the farmer with a source of income for his livelihood.
• Raising pigs may not be advisable, as pork needs to be marketed rather than selling the live animal itself, which would require additional inputs like setting up a processing facility and frequent transportation to cities. Therefore, the most suitable alternatives are sheep or goats, with sheep being preferable, especially those bred for mutton production rather than wool. Selective breeding with indigenous mutton breeds can be implemented for improvement, considering the high heritability estimates for traits associated with mutton production.
• In drought-prone areas, sheep units consisting of 20 ewes and 1 ram can be distributed to farmers, especially in areas without grazing facilities. Establishing sheep cooperatives on 100-acre plots developed by the forest department can provide a model for cooperative sheep rearing technology, including inputs like exotic germplasm, health cover, and veterinary aid. The government or cooperative organizations can organize sheep breeding farms, acting as a nucleus for sheep development activities and providing training facilities for farmers.
• To reach the masses, forming sheep cooperative societies and extension centers is crucial. Radio broadcasts can be an effective method of communication in remote locations, disseminating information through talks, dialogues, folk songs, and dramas. Distribution of informative leaflets in local languages, livestock shows, and exhibitions can further enhance awareness. Farm and home programs, method demonstrations, and training programs for neighboring farmers can contribute to spreading the message.
• For the evaluation of growth, a periodic survey of the area is necessary, examining livestock populations, meat animal sales, wool production, and the economic conditions of the villagers. This baseline data can be compared with subsequent surveys conducted after a reasonable period, such as 5 or 10 years, to measure the impact and results of the sheep breeding and development program on the growth rate and economic conditions of the community.

Q22: Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each:
(a) Management of piglet up to weaning
Ans: 

• Piglets at birth: Right after birth, it is essential to dip the piglets' navels in tincture of iodine. To prevent any issues, the sharp needle teeth of young pigs should be clipped, avoiding lacerations to the sow's udder or potential fights among piglets. For easy identification, piglets should be ear-notched or tattooed, especially when dealing with large numbers. There is a risk of piglets dying from chilling in the initial days, so protective measures against cold environments are necessary. Placing a pig breeder in a pen corner, warmed with an electric light, provides a safeguard against chills. A suitable brooder box with padding, containing straw, creates a warm enclosure. In cases of hypoglycemia in piglets, warm water with glucose should be administered to restore their health. If left unattended, piglets suffering from this condition may become lethargic and eventually succumb.
• When a sow has an excess of piglets, some may be transferred to another sow with a smaller litter or extra teats. However, the foster mother might reject new piglets, so a disinfectant solution can be applied to all piglets to prevent identification issues. In the absence of a foster mother, small quantities of warm milk can be given 5 to 8 times a day for the first 2 to 3 weeks, followed by three times a day thereafter. Each piglet requires about 150-200 ml of milk daily, and adding a few drops of saturated ferrous sulfate solution helps prevent iron deficiency.
• Providing colostrum to piglets during the first three days is crucial. If the sow's colostrum is unavailable, cow's colostrum can be substituted. In outdoor systems, piglets obtain their iron and copper requirements from the pasture by rooting the soil or nibbling on tender grasses. However, in intensive indoor systems, there may be a deficiency of these trace minerals, leading to piglet anemia. To counteract this, the sow's udder is smeared with saturated ferrous sulfate solution for 4-6 weeks after farrowing. Additionally, ferrous sulfate may be added to the concentrate mixture fed to the sow at a rate of 0.1 percent of the sow's feed.
• Weaning of piglets typically occurs at 7 to 8 weeks, with a pre-starter mixture provided during the first two weeks.

(b) Backyard poultry
Ans:

• Poultry farming originated as backyard poultry, predominantly in rural areas, where each household raised a modest number of hens (usually up to 10) and a rooster. This practice extended to urban areas, especially in houses with available backyards. These birds played a crucial role in supplying eggs to households, meeting a significant portion of protein requirements at minimal costs. These backyard poultry birds primarily relied on household scraps, grains, and leaves from backyard plants, requiring no special feed. Moreover, there was no additional expenditure on shelter or labor. This informal and low-cost method of poultry farming served as a source of affordable protein.
• However, with the advent of industrialized egg production, approximately 75 percent of India's egg consumption shifted to urban areas and their outskirts, where 25 percent of the population resides. The remaining 25 percent of egg consumption occurs in rural villages, home to 75 percent of the population. The per capita egg consumption in India is relatively low, at less than 30 eggs per year. In urban and peripheral areas, where 75 percent of the eggs are consumed, the per capita consumption is much higher, reaching around 90 eggs per year, leaving only 10 eggs per year for rural areas. The high cost of eggs in urban areas makes it challenging for the rural population to afford them.
• To address this disparity, there is a need to promote and enhance backyard poultry farming in rural areas and households in towns where backyard space is available. Producing one egg typically requires 160 to 200 grams of feed, costing approximately Rs. 0.65 to Rs. 0.80 per kilogram of feed. Considering additional costs, the total cost of producing one egg is less than Rs. 1. However, the selling price is considerably high at Rs. 1.25 or Rs. 1.30. This price discrepancy could be mitigated if more eggs are produced through backyard poultry at competitive rates. Large poultry farmers may then turn to non-conventional and more economical feed resources, potentially reducing their profit margins. This shift would not only provide a source of income to farmers and their families but also significantly increase overall egg production in the country, similar to how 1 or 2 cow units contribute significantly to the country's milk supply.

(c) Importance of hoof management in horses
Ans:

• In a horse of average size (1000 pounds), the entire weight is distributed to the ground through four small points. At rest, each front leg digit bears 300 pounds, and each hind leg digit bears 200 pounds. If a foot is lifted, this value approximately doubles. During galloping, each foot takes turns supporting the horse's entire weight, and as speed increases, the pressure can reach up to 2000 pounds per hoof. When landing from a jump, the front feet support even more weight.
• Understanding this, it becomes evident that there is tremendous stress and strain borne by the feet and legs, both when the horse is stationary and, more importantly, when it is in motion. Therefore, regular skilled attention to the hooves is crucial.
• The typical hoof, with a growth rate of 0.9 cm/month in a mature horse and 1.2 cm/month in yearlings, replaces itself from the coronary band to the ground in about a year. Due to this continuous growth, shoeing and balancing are necessary every 4-6 weeks in the forelimbs and 2-3 weeks in the hindlimbs. This helps correct hoof conformation, ensuring even balance of pressure on the limbs, preventing sudden injuries due to imbalance or progressive effects of abnormal stress that can lead to permanent damage, and avoiding hoof splitting and misshaping. Shoeing also aids in gripping the track or arena, preventing excessive hoof wear.
• Injuries to sensitive structures can increase the rate of hoof growth, emphasizing the importance of proper hoof trimming. Maintaining the right moisture content in the hoof is crucial for preventing hoof cracking and splitting. Dry hooves can become brittle and prone to breaking, so it's essential to oil the hooves. Proper and timely shoeing is necessary to prevent the wearing of the hoof, which can result in lameness, hindering proper movement and keeping the limb firmly on the ground.

Q23: "Draft animals are redundant following mechanization In agriculture." Give your comment with justification.
Ans:

• Contrary to the belief that draft animals become obsolete with the mechanization of agriculture, especially in countries like India, the reality is quite different. In the Third World, two billion people rely on 400 million draft animals for plowing and small-scale transportation. The market value of these animals and associated infrastructure may amount to as much as 100 billion dollars, providing 150 million horsepower. The replacement of draft animals by mechanized power would entail a colossal cost, requiring 250 billion dollars for capital equipment and an additional 5 billion dollars per year for recurring expenses such as maintenance, spares, and petroleum.
• Given the substantial challenges and costs, it is impractical to think of completely replacing draft animal power with mechanical power. Additionally, the diminishing oil reserves and the potential rationing of petroleum in the future make the continued use of draft animal power a pragmatic choice. Approximately 80 percent of tilling and sowing operations in India are still carried out using draft animal power, given their versatility, ability to work under varying field conditions, and the valuable by-products of dung and urine as biomass.
• With over 83 million draft animals in India, including bullocks, buffaloes, camels, donkeys, horses, mules, and yaks, their use is deeply embedded in the country's agricultural practices. The majority of land holdings are small, and specialized farming is limited, making draft animals indispensable for various tasks. In regions like deserts, steep hills, and slushy areas, mechanical power is not a convenient or feasible alternative. Draught animals offer an economical solution, especially for small and marginal farmers.
• Beyond agriculture, draft animals play a vital role in rural transportation, with two-thirds of rural energy coming from them. In both India and China, draught animals are extensively used in plowing vast areas. In India, they contribute significantly to rural transportation, with 15 million animal-drawn vehicles covering two-thirds of the transportation needs. Draught animals also offer sustainable energy solutions through biogas production from their dung.
• In conclusion, despite advancements in mechanization, draft animals remain essential contributors to agriculture, transportation, and energy production in developing countries like India.

Q24: Discuss in brief the importance of livestock farming under Indian conditions Compare the dairy farming practiced in India with that in advanced countries. State how would you make dairy farming a more profitable enterprise than it is at present.
Ans:

• Nearly 75 percent of the Indian population resides in villages, cultivating over 180 million hectares of cropped land. The average landholding size is about 3 to 4 hectares and much of the draught power for agricultural operations and rural transport is supplied by bullocks and other draught animals. Around 30 percent of rural households have limited income primarily due to unemployment or underemployment. Livestock rearing plays a crucial role in overcoming this economic challenge, offering labor-intensive practices with favorable cost-benefit ratios.
• Livestock rearing provides a significant source of cash income on a day-to-day basis, particularly through the sale of milk, eggs, and sheep. The output of the livestock sector in 1996 was valued at Rs 86,144 crore, excluding the value of work animals. Income from livestock farming is shared more equitably than income from land, with even landless agricultural laborers owning a few animals or birds and participating in the livestock production process.
• Livestock power, a cheap and dependable resource, becomes crucial in areas where oil is costly, mostly imported, and in regions facing potential petroleum rationing. The employment potential in the livestock sector is estimated to be 42.5 million man-years by the year 2000. Additionally, women contribute approximately 60 percent of all labor input in cattle farming.
• The fermentation of around 75 percent of collected dung in the country is estimated to yield about 195 million MW of energy per year, along with 236 million tonnes of manure. This not only provides energy but also helps correct soil imbalances caused by increased use of chemical fertilizers. Gobar gas produced from dung fermentation can be used for heating, lighting, and even operating irrigation pump sets.
• Beyond economic benefits, livestock farming improves the general health of families through better nutrition from milk, meat, and eggs. It has a profound impact on the socio-economic conditions of farmers and the overall well-being of the public. While India's dairy farming industry is still developing compared to advanced countries, it has the potential for self-sufficiency and prosperity, given dedicated efforts.
• To enhance the profitability of dairy farming, various factors must be considered. These include selecting economical land away from towns and villages, obtaining cows with an average yield of 8 to 10 kg of milk per day, minimizing labor costs by utilizing family labor, limiting the number of animals to 5 or 6, reducing feed costs by raising fodder on the farm, ensuring regular breeding and culling of old or unproductive animals, and optimizing milk disposal strategies. Integrating dairy farming into mixed farming practices and utilizing dung and urine for various purposes further contribute to economic viability and sustainability.

Q25: Write short notes on:
Mixed dairy farming vs. Specialised farming.
Ans: 

• The income from agriculture tends to be irregular and uncertain, particularly during adverse seasonal conditions. In such situations, farmers often need to rely on alternative sources of income, and dairy farming emerges as the optimal choice due to its better coordination and more profitable returns from both milk and crop production.
• Dairy farming provides a steady income stream through milk production, creating increased employment opportunities for farmers and their families throughout the year. Additionally, there is efficient utilization of agricultural byproducts by incorporating them into the cow's feed. The use of cow dung and urine as manure contributes to improving soil fertility. In instances of agricultural failure due to factors like inadequate rainfall, the resulting agricultural waste can still be utilized as feed for cows.
• Given that the average landholding in India is less than two hectares, and many farmers have limited resources, specialized farming with a large number of cows is often not feasible. Therefore, mixed farming, which includes both crop cultivation and dairy activities, becomes a practical approach in villages, providing draft animals to support agricultural operations.
• Mixed farming practices are typically conducted away from urban centers, leading to challenges in selling milk at favorable rates. However, the establishment of rural milk cooperative societies has addressed this issue by facilitating direct milk purchases from farmers at better rates, which are then sold in cities.
• In contrast, specialized dairy farming involves a higher number of animals situated closer to urban areas. These farms breed and raise calves, with milk being sold to larger dairies or factories, or processed on-site for direct marketing. While land may be scarce near cities, and feed needs to be purchased, the direct sale of milk in urban centers allows for higher returns to offset the cost of feed.
• However, specialized farming has its disadvantages, as the income may not always align with the substantial investment involved, especially if fodder needs to be procured externally. Additionally, the sanitation and health conditions of cows near cities are often subpar. Many of these animals are sent for slaughter when they are no longer productive, hindering the sustainable development of dairy cattle.
• Given the large population and small landholdings prevalent in India, averaging around two hectares, mixed farming is advisable as it ensures a more consistent income and employment opportunities for farmers, even during adverse seasonal conditions.

Q26: Describe protein, energy, ruineral and fibre requirement of laying hen and computo a suitable ration for 1000 layers under Indian conditions.
Ans:

• Plants and animals share similar types of chemical compounds, though their quantitative composition varies. These compounds, which have comparable nature and functions, are collectively referred to as nutrients. Nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water, and they are present in both plant and animal bodies. While carbohydrates are found in small quantities in animal bodies, proteins are a principal constituent, along with water. Mineral matter consists of numerous elements present in varying amounts in different body parts.
• Carbohydrates play a crucial role in providing energy to birds, with starch, cellulose, pentosans, and other complex carbohydrates being of major importance. However, cellulose is entirely indigestible for chickens. Cereal grains and their by-products, rich in starch, form a substantial portion of poultry diets.
• Proteins are a predominant component in poultry products, comprising over 65% of the carcass on a dry weight basis in an eight-week-old broiler. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are essential nutrients for poultry. The amino acid content, rather than the protein molecule itself, is vital for efficient synthesis, especially considering the rapid rate required for tissue repair in adult birds and egg production.
• Fats make up a significant portion of the dry mass and day weight of broilers. However, the high cost and potential for rancidity limit the direct use of fats in poultry nutrition. Common feed ingredients usually contain sufficient fat to meet essential fatty acid requirements.
• Balancing the energy-protein ratio in poultry diets is crucial, and the protein level should be adjusted based on feed consumption. The optimum energy-protein ratios for different classes of birds, such as layers at different egg production percentages, play a vital role in poultry nutrition.
• Mineral requirements, including calcium, phosphate, sodium, chlorine, and manganese, are essential for chicken diets. Adequate levels of these minerals prevent deficiencies and ensure proper growth, bone development, and overall health.
• Maintaining low fiber content in poultry rations is necessary, as chickens have limited fiber digestion capabilities. The nutrient requirements and feed formulation process involve computing practical and economical rations based on the actual composition of various feed ingredients.
• Factors like energy intake, protein concentration, and nutrient requirements need to be considered in formulating poultry rations. Adjustments, such as the addition of premixes, salt, and various supplements, are made to meet specific dietary needs and optimize feed formulas for different classes of birds.
• In summary, understanding the diverse nutrient requirements and proper feed formulation are critical aspects of poultry nutrition to ensure the health, growth, and productivity of birds in various conditions.