Livestock and Poultry Management in India: Key Notes for IBPS AFO and NABARD Exam

Livestock and poultry are critical to India's agricultural sector, significantly contributing to the economy and rural livelihoods. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of their significance, systems of production, breeds, management practices, and disease control, tailored for IBPS AFO and NABARD exam aspirants.

Overview of Livestock and Poultry Census

The Livestock Census in India is conducted every five years by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The latest data from the 20th Livestock Census (2019) reveals:

• Total Livestock Population: Approximately 536 million.
• Cattle: 300 million.
• Buffaloes: 108 million.
• Sheep: 74 million.
• Goats: 148 million.
• Poultry: 935 million.

This census helps in formulating policies, planning, and implementing livestock development programs.

Role of Livestock and Poultry in Indian Agriculture

Livestock and poultry play a multifaceted role in Indian agriculture:

• Economic Contribution: They contribute about 4.11% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 26.4% to the agricultural GDP.
• Livelihood Support: They provide employment to around 8% of the rural population.
• Nutritional Value: They are a source of high-quality protein, essential for human health.
• Manure: Livestock waste is utilized as organic fertilizer, enhancing soil fertility.

Systems of Livestock Production

1. Extensive System

• Description: Livestock are allowed to graze freely over large areas.
• Examples: Sheep and goat farming in arid regions.

2. Semi-Intensive System

• Description: Combines grazing with supplemental feeding.
• Examples: Dairy farming where cattle graze during the day and are housed at night.

3. Intensive System

• Description: Livestock are kept in confined spaces with controlled feed.
• Examples: Commercial poultry farming.

4. Mixed Systems

• Description: Integration of crop and livestock production.
• Examples: Mixed farming systems where crops and livestock are raised together, improving resource use efficiency.

Livestock Breeds and Breeding

Definition of Breed

• A breed is a group of animals with common characteristics, maintained through selective breeding.

Classification of Cattle and Buffalo Breeds

• Indigenous Cattle Breeds: Gir, Sindhi, Sahiwal, Kangayam, Umblacherry.
• Exotic Cattle Breeds: Jersey, Holstein Friesian.
• Buffalo Breeds: Murrah, Jaffarabadi, Bhadawari, Nili-Ravi, Surti.

Characteristics of Specific Breeds

• Gir: Hardy, high milk yield.
• Sindhi: High milk production, adaptable.
• Sahiwal: Good milk yield, disease resistant.
• Kangayam: Draught power, moderate milk production.
• Umblacherry: Good for draught, low milk yield.
• Jersey: High milk yield, early maturity.
• Holstein Friesian: High milk production, large body size.
• Murrah: High milk yield, adaptable.
• Jaffarabadi: High draught power, good milk yield.
• Bhadawari: High draught power, moderate milk yield.
• Nili-Ravi: High milk production, adaptable.
• Surti: Moderate milk yield, good draught power.

Importance of Crossbreeding in livestock

• Purpose: Enhances milk production, disease resistance, and adaptability.
• Example: Crossbreeding Indian breeds with exotic ones for better milk yield.

Signs of the Estrous Cycle and Artificial Insemination

• Signs: Restlessness, increased vocalization, and frequent urination.
• Artificial Insemination in cattle: 
• Merits: Genetic improvement, disease control.
• Demerits: Requires skilled labour, and lower success rates if not performed correctly.

Livestock Housing Management

Farm Site Selection

• Criteria: Good drainage, adequate space, proximity to feed sources.

Space Requirements

• Cattle: 10-15 square meters per animal.
• Poultry: 0.5 square meters per bird.

Types of livestock Housing Designs

• Loose Housing: Allows animals to move freely.
• Tied Housing: Animals are tethered.

Animal Care and Management

• Newborn Calves: Provide colostrum and clean bedding.
• Heifers: Ensure proper nutrition and regular health checks.
• Pregnant and Lactating Animals: Balanced diet, regular monitoring.

Milk Production and Processing

Clean Milk Production

• Definition: Milk free from contaminants.
• Methods: Clean milking equipment, and proper hygiene.
• Milk Adulterants: Water, starch, detergent.

Processing of Milk

• Cooling: Immediate refrigeration to prevent spoilage.
• Pasteurization: Heat treatment to kill pathogens.
• Methods: HTST (High-Temperature Short-Time), UHT (Ultra-High Temperature).

Milk Preservation

• Techniques: Refrigeration, freezing, evaporated milk.
• Advantages: Extends shelf life.
• Disadvantages: Nutrient loss, cost.

Livestock Nutrition and Fodder Management

Balanced ration for livestock

• Ration: Total feed intake.
• Balanced Ration: Meets nutritional requirements.

Green Fodder for livestock

• Requirement: 50-60% of the total ration.
• Carrying Capacity: Number of animals supported per unit area.
• Forage Cycle: Seasonal growth patterns.

Livestock Disease Management

Classification

• Viral: Foot and Mouth Disease, Rabies.
• Bacterial: Anthrax, Brucellosis.
• Metabolic: Ketosis, Milk Fever.

Control and Preventive Measures

• Vaccination: Essential for disease prevention.
• Hygiene: Regular cleaning and disinfection.

Common livestock diseases

• Foot and Mouth Disease: Highly contagious, affects cattle and pigs.
• Anthrax: Serious bacterial infection, that can be fatal.
• Haemorrhagic Septicemia: Bacterial infection, causes sudden death.
• Black Quarter: Bacterial disease, affects cattle.
• Tympanites: Gas buildup in the stomach, treated by reducing feed intake.
• Ketosis: Metabolic disorder, managed by dietary adjustments.
• Milk Fever: Calcium deficiency, treated with calcium supplements.
• Mastitis: Infection of the udder, managed with antibiotics and good hygiene.

Zoonotic diseases in livestock

Prevention and Control

• Anthrax: Vaccination, proper disposal of carcasses.
• Tuberculosis: Regular testing, and pasteurization of milk.
• Brucellosis: Testing and culling infected animals, vaccination.
• Rabies: Vaccination of pets and wildlife, avoiding contact with wild animals.

This blog provides a thorough examination of livestock and poultry’s role in India, from census data to disease management. It’s designed to help IBPS AFO and NABARD exam aspirants understand key concepts and stay updated with the latest information. For further details, refer to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the National Dairy Development Board.