Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management: Feeding, Reproduction and Health
Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management tests breeds, feeding, reproduction, disease prevention and clean milk production. Haryana is known for Murrah buffalo and Hariana cattle, so local examples are fair game.
Core rules
- Give colostrum within the first hour after birth. It carries antibodies that a calf cannot get later.
- A balanced ration supplies energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Dry matter intake is roughly 2.5–3% of body weight; water is often the most neglected nutrient.
- Detect heat at about 18–21 days in cycling animals and use artificial insemination at the correct time. Keep breeding and calving records.
- Vaccinate against foot-and-mouth disease, haemorrhagic septicaemia and black quarter as per local schedule. Deworm on veterinary advice. Clean the milking area and check for mastitis.
Worked example
A 400 kg cow needs about 2.5% dry matter = 10 kg DM/day. Green fodder 25 kg at 20% DM supplies 5 kg DM. Wheat straw 4 kg at 90% DM supplies 3.6 kg DM. Concentrate 2 kg at 90% DM supplies 1.8 kg DM. Total = 5 + 3.6 + 1.8 = 10.4 kg DM, close to the target. Adjust concentrate for milk yield, and introduce any feed change over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.
Traps that cost marks
Do not discard colostrum, delay the first feed, change feed suddenly, or ignore water. Do not miss booster vaccinations, reuse a needle, or put milk from a mastitis cow into the bulk tank. Do not confuse a 21-day heat cycle with a 28-day cycle.