Karnataka: Animal Husbandry | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Animal Husbandry Meaning

Animal husbandry involves the rearing, breeding, and raising of animals for various food products such as meat, fiber, eggs, and milk. It is an essential branch of agriculture that plays a crucial role in providing us with a variety of high nutritional value food products.

What is Animal Husbandry?

• Livestock Rearing and Selective Breeding:
  • Animals are raised and bred commercially to meet the high demand for food products.
  • Selective breeding is employed to enhance genetic qualities and behaviors in animals.
• Food Products from Livestock:
  • Milk Production: Animals like cows, buffaloes, and goats, known as milch animals, provide us with dairy products rich in protein.
  • Egg Production: Animals like hens, ducks, and geese offer eggs, which are valuable sources of protein.
  • Meat Production: Animals like chickens, ducks, oxen, goats, and pigs are raised for meat consumption.
  • Marine Animals: Seafood provides essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Department of Animal Husbandry:
  • Monitoring and Care: The department of animal husbandry oversees the care, breeding, and management of animals.
  • Commercial Scale: Animal husbandry is conducted on a large scale, with animals being bred, cared for, and sheltered in specialized facilities like farms or regions.
  • Diverse Sectors: Animal husbandry encompasses various sectors such as poultry, milk farms, apiculture (beekeeping), and aquaculture.

Types of Animal Husbandry

Dairy Farming

• Dairy farming involves the sustainable production of milk from animals such as cows, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. The milk is then processed into various dairy products like curd, cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream.
• Proper care of dairy animals is essential to ensure their health and well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups help in maintaining the animals' physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Milking of animals can be done manually or using machines. The milk is preserved and processed into dairy products on an industrial scale for commercial use.

Poultry Farming

• Poultry farming focuses on the commercial raising and breeding of birds like ducks, chickens, geese, pigeons, and turkeys for eggs and meat production.
• Ensuring a disease-free environment and proper care of the birds are crucial for obtaining healthy and nutritious food products. Eggs and meat from poultry are rich sources of protein.
• Hygiene and sanitation practices must be strictly observed. Bird droppings can be utilized as manure to enhance soil fertility.
• Poultry farming not only provides employment opportunities but also contributes to the economic growth of farmers.

Fish Farming

• Fish farming, or aquaculture, is the process of cultivating fish in enclosed tanks or ponds to meet the rising demand for fish and fish protein.
• Fish species like salmon, catfish, cod, and tilapia are commonly raised in fish farms.
• Two primary types of fish farming are:
  • Extensive aquaculture: Relies on local photosynthetic production within the ecosystem.
  • Intensive aquaculture: Involves providing external food sources to the fish for accelerated growth.

Bee Farming

• Bee farming, or apiculture, is the practice of managing bee colonies in man-made hives to produce honey, wax, and support flower pollination.
• Honey bees are domesticated on a large scale and play a crucial role in agriculture and ecosystem balance.
• Apiaries or bee yards are the designated locations where bees are maintained.

Role of Animal Husbandry in Human Welfare 

• Dairy Products: Animals like cows, goats, and sheep play a crucial role as a primary source of milk and its by-products including yogurt, cheese, and butter.
• Meat: Animals such as cows, buffaloes, pigs, and goats are bred for their meat, which is a significant source of dietary protein.
• Land Management: Livestock is utilized for managing land by grazing, which helps control weed growth in agricultural areas. For instance, goats and sheep can consume dry shrubs in fire-prone regions, reducing fire hazards.
• Fibre: Animals also provide fibers such as wool and leather. For example, sheep are raised for wool production, while camels can be a source of leather.
• Manure: Animal excreta, blood, and bones are valuable as manure, enhancing crop yields when spread on fields. Additionally, manure serves as a fuel source and can be used for wall and floor plastering.
• Labour: Animals serve as a source of non-human labor, aiding in tasks like plowing fields, transporting goods, and even military activities. For agricultural purposes, animals like horses, yaks, and donkeys are commonly employed.

Advantages of Animal Husbandry 

Animal husbandry offers several benefits to both animals and humans.
Let's explore these advantages in detail:

• Proper Animal Management: Animal husbandry involves the effective management of animals, ensuring they receive appropriate food, shelter, and protection from diseases. This contributes to their overall well-being and productivity.
• Employment Opportunities: Engaging in animal husbandry provides employment opportunities for a significant number of farmers, thereby enhancing their livelihoods and economic stability.
• Genetic Improvement of Livestock: Through techniques such as crossbreeding, animal husbandry facilitates the development of high-yielding breeds. This genetic enhancement leads to increased production of essential food items like milk, eggs, and meat, meeting the growing demands of consumers.
• Environmental Sustainability: Animal husbandry promotes the proper disposal of animal waste, contributing to environmental cleanliness and sustainability. By managing waste effectively, it helps create a healthier living environment for both animals and humans.