Animal Husbandry (Livestock)

Animal husbandry is an important agro-complementary occupation in India, practiced mainly for milk production and as support in farming operations. Proper care and management of cattle are essential to ensure high yields and maintain cleanliness.

• Cows and buffaloes are raised for milk, while bulls and male buffaloes are used for tasks like pulling heavy loads.
• Indigenous varieties such as Sahiwal, Sindhi, Gir, Lal Kandhari, and exotic breeds like Jersey and Brown Swiss are maintained for their high milk yield.
• Cattle must be given a balanced diet that includes fibre-rich coarse food, fresh fodder, and plenty of water.
• The cattle shed should be clean, dry, well-ventilated, and have a proper roof to ensure hygiene and comfort.
• Regular vaccination is necessary to maintain the health of cattle and prevent diseases.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is an important branch of agriculture focused on breeding and managing animals raised for products like meat, milk, wool, and fibre. It involves the care, feeding, selective breeding, and raising of livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, buffaloes, and camels. Over time, it has expanded to include poultry farming and fisheries, encompassing activities like rearing, catching, and selling fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. For centuries, animals like bees, silkworms, and cattle have provided essential resources like honey, silk, and dairy products, highlighting the importance of animal husbandry in human life.

• Livestock in India and China constitutes over 70% of the world's population, but their contribution to global farm produce is only 25%, indicating low productivity.
• To address this, traditional methods of animal care and breeding must be supplemented with advanced technologies.
• This includes improving feeding practices, disease management, and genetic selection to enhance productivity and quality.
• The integration of modern techniques ensures sustainable and efficient production, benefiting both the agricultural economy and consumers.

• Meaning — Animal husbandry is an agricultural practice of breeding and raising livestock (cows, buffaloes, pigs, sheep, camels, goats, etc.). It is both a science and an art.
• Scope — Includes poultry farming, fish farming, beekeeping, sericulture, and lac culture. Animals provide products like milk, eggs, meat, wool, honey, and silk.
• India's Status — India & China have 70% of the world's livestock but produce only 25% of the world's farm output → need for a professional & scientific approach.
• Farm Management — Starts with selecting high-yielding breeds, proper nutrition, clean environment, health maintenance, veterinary supervision & vaccination.
• Aim — Improve quality & productivity using industrial principles of production, processing and marketing with new technologies.