Animal Husbandry

1. Animal Husbandry – Definition
   Animal husbandry involves breeding, feeding, and management of livestock for economic production.
2. Importance of Animal Husbandry
   It provides milk, meat, eggs, manure, employment, and supplementary income to farmers.
3. Major Livestock Species
   Cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry are major livestock species in India.
4. Dairy Farming
   Dairy farming focuses on milk production and plays a vital role in rural livelihoods.
5. Indigenous Cattle Breeds
   Indigenous breeds are well adapted to the local climate and have disease resistance.
6. Exotic Breeds
   Exotic breeds have high productivity but require better management and nutrition.
7. Crossbreeding
   Crossbreeding improves productivity by combining desirable traits of indigenous and exotic breeds.
8. Breeding Systems
   Natural service and artificial insemination are common breeding methods.
9. Artificial Insemination (AI)
   AI enables genetic improvement and disease control in livestock.
10. Livestock Nutrition
    Balanced feeding ensures proper growth, reproduction, and productivity.
11. Green Fodder
    Green fodder supplies essential nutrients and improves milk yield.
12. Dry Fodder
    Dry fodder like straw provides roughage and maintains rumen health.
13. Concentrate Feed
    Concentrates provide high energy and protein to productive animals.
14. Livestock Housing
    Proper housing ensures animal comfort, hygiene, and disease prevention.
15. Animal Health Management
    Regular vaccination and disease control reduce mortality and productivity losses.
16. Common Livestock Diseases
    Foot and Mouth Disease, mastitis, and brucellosis affect livestock productivity.
17. Poultry Farming
    Poultry farming provides eggs and meat with quick returns.
18. Sheep and Goat Farming
    Small ruminants are suited for arid and semi-arid regions.
19. Pig Farming
    Pig farming provides quick income due to the high reproductive rate.
20. Integrated Livestock Farming
    Integration with crops improves resource recycling and farm income.
21. Role of Livestock in Soil Fertility
    Animal manure enhances soil organic matter and nutrient availability.
22. Livestock Insurance
    Insurance protects farmers against loss due to animal death.
23. Animal Welfare
    Proper care and ethical practices ensure animal health and productivity.
24. Government Schemes in Animal Husbandry
    Schemes promote breed improvement, fodder development, and dairy infrastructure.
25. Animal Husbandry and NABARD                                                                NABARD supports dairy, poultry, and livestock projects through rural credit.