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Maharashtra HSC Animal Science & Dairying (Bifocal) study materials
Maharashtra HSC Animal Science & Dairying (Bifocal) study resources

Maharashtra HSC Animal Science & Dairying (Bifocal) practice questions

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Question 1Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

In Maharashtra, which livestock species is the primary source of the state's organized dairy milk supply, including the famous Aarey and Pune milk sheds?

  1. Backyard poultry
  2. Cattle and buffalo Correct answer.
  3. Goats
  4. Pigs

Explanation

Organized dairy farming in Maharashtra depends overwhelmingly on cattle and buffalo, which are the milch animals that supply chilling plants and cooperatives. Poultry, goats and pigs contribute meat and eggs rather than the bulk of liquid milk. This is why dairy development schemes in the state focus on crossbred cattle and improved buffalo breeds.

Question 2Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

A farmer keeps animals primarily to convert crop residues and grazing land into milk, manure and draught power for the same farm. This system is best described as:

  1. Integrated mixed crop-livestock farming Correct answer.
  2. Intensive zero-grazing dairy unit
  3. Contract poultry rearing
  4. Commercial feedlot production

Explanation

Integrated mixed farming links crop production with animal rearing so that residues feed animals and manure returns nutrients to fields. The animals are not fed purchased concentrate alone and are not kept in confinement without land. This recycling of on-farm resources is the defining feature of the mixed system common in rural Maharashtra.

Question 3Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

Which term describes animals of a local breed that have adapted over generations to the agro-climatic conditions of a region, such as the Khillar cattle of Maharashtra?

  1. Exotic breed
  2. Crossbred
  3. Indigenous (native) breed Correct answer.
  4. Synthetic breed

Explanation

Indigenous or native breeds evolved within a region and are adapted to local climate, feed resources and disease challenges. Khillar is a well-known draught cattle breed from the Deccan region of Maharashtra. Exotic and synthetic breeds are developed elsewhere or through deliberate crossing programmes.

Question 4Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

In animal husbandry terminology, the period during which a female is pregnant, from conception to parturition, is called:

  1. Dry period
  2. Service period
  3. Lactation period
  4. Gestation period Correct answer.

Explanation

Gestation is the interval between conception and birth, and its length is characteristic for each species, for example about 280 days in cattle. Lactation is the period of milk secretion after calving. The dry period is the non-milking interval before the next calving, while the service period runs from calving to conception.

Question 5Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

A dairy unit records that a cow yielded 12 litres on the day of calving, then 18 litres after a week, and 9 litres after five months. This pattern of milk secretion is best explained by:

  1. A normal lactation curve that rises to a peak and then declines Correct answer.
  2. A sign that the cow is in late gestation throughout
  3. A normal pattern of milk yield that rises steadily to the end of lactation
  4. An error, because milk yield should stay constant through lactation

Explanation

Milk yield follows a characteristic lactation curve: it rises after calving to a peak in early lactation, then falls gradually until the animal is dried off. A rise from 12 to 18 litres followed by a fall to 9 litres fits this curve. Yield is not constant, and it does not rise continuously to the end of lactation.

Question 6Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

A village milk cooperative collects milk twice daily and chills it to about 4 degrees Celsius before transport. The main purpose of this rapid chilling is to:

  1. Improve the flavour of the milk
  2. Slow microbial growth and preserve milk quality until processing Correct answer.
  3. Convert the milk into curd
  4. Increase the fat content of the milk

Explanation

Rapid chilling after milking slows the multiplication of bacteria and preserves the keeping quality of raw milk during collection and transport. Chilling does not add fat, improve flavour or ferment the milk. This is why village chilling centres are essential in the dairy supply chain.

Question 7Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

Which management practice is most appropriate for improving the reproductive efficiency of a dairy herd in which many animals show long calving intervals?

  1. Regular heat detection and timely artificial insemination Correct answer.
  2. Extending the dry period of every animal
  3. Reducing the number of milking sessions per day
  4. Increasing the concentrate ration of all animals throughout the year

Explanation

Long calving intervals usually result from missed heats and delayed insemination, so systematic heat detection with timely AI is the key intervention. Overfeeding concentrate or reducing milking does not correct the reproductive problem. Extending the dry period would further lengthen the calving interval.

Question 8Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

A farmer in a drought-prone taluka wants a livestock enterprise that uses crop residues, provides quick returns and requires low capital. Which choice best fits these constraints?

  1. Goat rearing under a semi-intensive system Correct answer.
  2. Establishing a modern dairy plant
  3. Setting up a large commercial piggery
  4. Large-scale broiler farming with imported feed

Explanation

Goat rearing suits smallholders in drought-prone areas because goats browse on shrubs and crop residues and require low capital. A dairy plant or large broiler unit needs heavy investment, and commercial piggery demands high feed and infrastructure inputs. Goats also give quick returns through meat and milk.

Question 9Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

In a crossbreeding programme, a Sahiwal cow is inseminated with semen from a Holstein Friesian bull. The resulting female offspring is best described as:

  1. A synthetic breed
  2. A purebred Holstein Friesian
  3. A native Sahiwal
  4. A crossbred carrying genes of both breeds Correct answer.

Explanation

Offspring of two different breeds carry genetic material from both parents and are termed crossbreds. Such crosses are commonly produced to combine the high milk yield of exotic breeds with the adaptation of indigenous breeds. The offspring is neither a purebred of either parent breed nor a newly constituted synthetic breed.

Question 10Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of an extensive livestock production system?

  1. Animals are housed in climate-controlled sheds
  2. Animals are fed mainly on pasture and crop residues with low purchased inputs Correct answer.
  3. Feed is purchased entirely as balanced concentrate pellets
  4. Production is aimed at maximum output per unit area

Explanation

Extensive systems rely on natural grazing, pasture and crop residues with limited purchased feed and low stocking density. Confinement in controlled sheds and total reliance on purchased concentrate are features of intensive systems. Maximizing output per unit area is also an intensive goal.

Question 11Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

A farmer reports that his buffalo, in the second month after calving, has a body condition that is dropping and milk yield that is falling below expectation. Which explanation is most consistent with the physiology of early lactation?

  1. The animal has already reached the peak of its lactation curve
  2. The animal is in the dry period and should stop milking
  3. Milk yield is naturally lowest in early lactation
  4. Energy demand exceeds intake, so body reserves are being mobilized Correct answer.

Explanation

In early lactation, energy demand for milk production often exceeds intake, so the animal mobilizes body reserves and may lose condition. This negative energy balance is a recognized feature of the early lactation phase. The animal is not dry, and yield is normally rising toward its peak rather than lowest at this stage.

Question 12Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

Which combination of species and purpose is correctly matched for common Indian livestock farming?

  1. Buffalo kept mainly for draught power
  2. Donkeys kept mainly for wool production
  3. Sheep kept mainly for milk in commercial dairies
  4. Poultry kept for eggs and meat Correct answer.

Explanation

Poultry enterprises are primarily oriented to egg and meat production and are a major livestock sector in India. Sheep are kept mainly for wool and meat, donkeys are used for transport and work, and buffaloes are kept chiefly for milk. The other options mismatch species with the purpose for which they are commercially reared.

Question 13Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

A farmer wants to reduce heat stress in a crossbred cattle shed during the hot Deccan summer. Which set of measures is technically most appropriate?

  1. Increasing the thickness of bedding in the shed
  2. Restricting water intake to reduce sweating
  3. Keeping the animals tightly grouped to reduce movement
  4. Providing shade, ventilation and cool drinking water, and adjusting feeding to cooler hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Heat stress is managed by reducing solar load through shade, improving airflow, supplying cool drinking water and shifting feeding to cooler parts of the day. Heavy bedding and crowding trap heat and worsen the problem. Restricting water is harmful because evaporative cooling depends on adequate intake.

Question 14Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

A cooperative wishes to compare two villages for dairy potential. Village A has 40 crossbred cows averaging 10 litres per day; Village B has 25 buffaloes averaging 7 litres per day. Based on daily milk availability alone, which conclusion is defensible?

  1. Both villages supply exactly the same quantity
  2. Village A supplies more total milk per day than Village B Correct answer.
  3. Village B supplies more total milk per day than Village A
  4. The comparison cannot be made without knowing the fat content

Explanation

Total daily milk is calculated as animals multiplied by average yield: Village A produces 400 litres and Village B produces 175 litres. On the stated basis of daily milk availability, Village A is clearly higher. Fat content would affect pricing, not the volume comparison requested.

Question 15Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

Why is record keeping considered a basic management tool in a dairy farm?

  1. It guarantees higher milk prices
  2. It provides data for culling, breeding and feeding decisions Correct answer.
  3. It eliminates the need for labour
  4. It replaces the need for veterinary care

Explanation

Farm records such as milk yield, breeding dates and health events give the information needed to make decisions on culling, breeding and feeding. Records do not replace veterinary care or labour, and they do not by themselves set milk prices. Their value lies in supporting informed management.

Question 16Introduction to Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Systems

A farmer plans to sell male buffalo calves rather than rear them. Which consideration most strongly supports rearing them for meat in a mixed farming system?

  1. Male buffaloes give more milk than females
  2. Male buffaloes cannot be fed on roughage
  3. Male buffaloes can be reared economically on crop residues and sold as meat animals Correct answer.
  4. Male buffaloes are needed for egg production

Explanation

Male buffalo calves have no milking role, but they can be reared on crop residues and roughage and marketed as meat animals, adding income to the farm. They do not produce milk or eggs. They also digest roughage well, so the claim that they cannot be fed roughage is incorrect.

Question 17External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

In cattle, the hornless condition is described by which of the following terms?

  1. Dehorned
  2. Horned
  3. Polled Correct answer.
  4. Scurred

Explanation

Polled is the standard term for an animal that is naturally hornless because of its genetic makeup. It is a heritable trait and is distinct from animals that once had horns and were later removed. Scurred animals have small loose horny growths, so they are not truly polled.

Question 18External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

Which dentition feature is used to estimate the age of a bovine more reliably than the others?

  1. Number of skin folds on the neck
  2. Eruption and wear of permanent incisors Correct answer.
  3. Size of the dewclaws
  4. Length of the tail switch

Explanation

Age in cattle is judged mainly from the temporary and permanent incisors in the lower jaw, noting when each pair erupts and how the wear table changes. The central pair of permanent incisors usually appears around two years and the full set by about four to five years. Other body features vary too much with breed and condition to be dependable.

Question 19External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

The breed Ongole is best described by which combination of characters?

  1. Medium-sized dairy breed with a long pendulous ear and a prominent hump Correct answer.
  2. Small hill breed with a compact body and no hump
  3. Heavy draft breed with a straight back and short ears
  4. Exotic dairy breed with a black and white coat

Explanation

Ongole cattle are a large, white to grey draught-cum-milk breed of the Andhra region, recognised by a prominent hump and long pendulous ears. The breed was exported and contributed to the development of zebu-derived breeds abroad. Its size and ear type separate it clearly from small hill cattle and exotic dairy breeds.

Question 20External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

A farmer wants to identify a buffalo breed known for high milk yield and a curled, sickle-shaped horn. Which breed fits this description?

  1. Bhadawari
  2. Jaffarabadi
  3. Murrah Correct answer.
  4. Nagpuri

Explanation

Murrah is the premier Indian dairy buffalo breed, with a jet-black body, tightly curled sickle-shaped horns and high milk production. It originated in the Haryana-Punjab tract and is widely used for upgrading other buffalo populations. The other listed breeds have different horn shapes, body sizes or production profiles.

Question 21External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

Which of the following is a wool breed of sheep recognised in India?

  1. Madras Red
  2. Nellore
  3. Marwari Correct answer.
  4. Deccani

Explanation

Marwari is a wool-and-carpet type sheep of the arid Rajasthan region, valued for its fleece as well as for meat. Deccani, Nellore and Madras Red are primarily meat-type hair sheep of peninsular India. Recognising whether a breed is woolled or hairy is a basic identification skill.

Question 22External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

The Jamunapari goat is most easily identified by which feature?

  1. A Roman nose with long pendulous ears Correct answer.
  2. A hornless head with a beard only in females
  3. A short straight profile with erect ears
  4. A black coat with white patches

Explanation

Jamunapari goats of the Etawah tract are tall, white with tan patches, and have a distinctly convex Roman nose and long pendulous ears. These facial features are the standard field marks used to identify the breed. Coat colour alone is unreliable because several breeds show white or patched coats.

Question 23External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

In poultry, the term 'sex feather' or 'saddle hackle' is used while identifying which feature?

  1. The number of toes on a chick
  2. The comb type of a hen
  3. The pointed neck and saddle feathers of a cock Correct answer.
  4. The colour of the egg shell

Explanation

In adult fowl, the cock is identified by long pointed hackle and saddle feathers, while the hen has rounded feathers in these regions. These sexually dimorphic feathers are called sex feathers and are a reliable field guide to sexing mature birds. Comb type and egg colour are breed characters, not sex indicators.

Question 24External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

Which cattle breed is classified as a milch breed of Indian origin?

  1. Sahiwal Correct answer.
  2. Hallikar
  3. Amritmahal
  4. Khillari

Explanation

Sahiwal is a well-known milch breed of the Punjab tract, with a reddish-brown coat and good lactation performance. Khillari, Hallikar and Amritmahal are draught breeds valued for work rather than milk. Classifying indigenous cattle into milch, draught and dual-purpose groups is a core identification skill.

Question 25External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

A veterinarian records a sheep as having a 'fat tail'. Which purpose does this anatomical feature mainly serve?

  1. Improving wool insulation of the rump
  2. Storing energy reserves for lean periods Correct answer.
  3. Attracting a mate during breeding
  4. Helping the animal swim across streams

Explanation

Fat-tailed and fat-rumped sheep store fat in the tail or rump as an energy reserve, which helps them survive dry seasons and long migrations. This adaptation is common in arid-zone breeds. It is not a sexual ornament and has no role in swimming or wool insulation.

Question 26External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

Which external landmark is used to describe the region between the horns on the top of the bovine head?

  1. Poll Correct answer.
  2. Withers
  3. Brisket
  4. Muzzle

Explanation

The poll is the topmost part of the head between and just behind the horns, and it gives the name to polled animals. The muzzle is the nose and mouth area, the brisket is the chest floor and the withers are the top of the shoulders. Using these landmarks correctly is essential for describing conformation.

Question 27External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

Which pair correctly matches a pig breed with its typical characteristic?

  1. Hampshire - heavy jowl and lop ears
  2. Berkshire - large floppy ears and white coat
  3. Duroc - black coat with a white belt
  4. Large White Yorkshire - white coat with erect ears Correct answer.

Explanation

Large White Yorkshire pigs are white with erect ears and are widely used as a maternal line in crossbreeding programmes. Hampshire is black with a white belt, Berkshire is black with white points, and Duroc is red. Coat colour and ear carriage together give a reliable field identification.

Question 28External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

The breed Rathi is classified under which group of cattle?

  1. Milch breed of the arid north-west Correct answer.
  2. Dual-purpose breed of eastern India
  3. Draught breed of southern India
  4. Exotic beef breed

Explanation

Rathi is a milch breed of the arid north-western tract, closely related to Sahiwal and Tharparkar, with a brown coat and good milk yield under harsh conditions. It is an indigenous zebu breed, not an exotic one. Its classification as milch follows its lactation performance rather than draught use.

Question 29External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

While examining a goat, an examiner notes a 'wattle'. Where is this structure found?

  1. At the tip of the tail
  2. Inside the ear canal
  3. On the forehead between the horns
  4. Under the throat, hanging from the neck region Correct answer.

Explanation

Wattles are small, pendulous, fleshy appendages hanging under the throat or neck of some goats, and their presence or absence is noted in breed description. They are harmless and not connected with the horns or ears. Recording such features helps in individual identification.

Question 30External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

Which buffalo breed is known as a heavy draught breed with a massive body and long flat horns, found in the Punjab-Haryana region?

  1. Jaffarabadi
  2. Surti
  3. Nili-Ravi Correct answer.
  4. Mehsana

Explanation

Nili-Ravi buffaloes are large, black animals with white markings on the face and legs and long flat horns, and they are used for both milk and heavy work. Surti and Mehsana are medium-sized dairy breeds of Gujarat. Jaffarabadi is a heavy Gujarat breed with drooping horns and a prominent forehead.

Question 31External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

Which method is most appropriate for permanent identification of a large herd of cattle on a farm?

  1. Recording the length of the tail
  2. Ear tagging with a unique number Correct answer.
  3. Observing the colour pattern of the coat
  4. Calling each animal by a chosen name

Explanation

Ear tags carrying a unique number give permanent, individual identification that can be read quickly and linked to farm records. Names are hard to manage in large herds, and coat colour and tail length are not unique to an animal. Reliable identification underpins breeding, treatment and milk records.

Question 32External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

In the standard description of a dairy cow's body, the 'barrel' refers to which region?

  1. The area between the udder and the navel
  2. The region between the shoulders and the hips, housing the digestive organs Correct answer.
  3. The upper part of the neck behind the poll
  4. The lower part of the leg above the hoof

Explanation

The barrel is the trunk of the body between the fore and hind quarters, and its depth and width indicate the capacity of the digestive system. A deep, well-sprung barrel is a desirable dairy conformation trait. The other regions named belong to the limbs, the ventral abdomen or the neck.

Question 33External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

Which statement best explains why breed identification is important in a dairy farm's breeding programme?

  1. Breed determines the market price of the farm's land
  2. Breed decides the legal ownership of the animals
  3. Breed indicates production potential and helps in choosing suitable crossbreeding plans Correct answer.
  4. Breed fixes the vaccination schedule for the herd

Explanation

Knowing the breed tells the farmer about expected milk yield, adaptation and maturity, which guides selection and crossbreeding decisions. Breed does not affect land value, ownership or the vaccination schedule. This is why external breed characters are taught alongside production traits.

Question 34External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

The breed Hallikar is characterised by which horn type?

  1. Loose scur-like growths that never attach to the skull
  2. Completely absent horns in both sexes
  3. Long horns emerging close together and curving backward Correct answer.
  4. Short, tightly curled horns close to the head

Explanation

Hallikar cattle of Karnataka are draught animals with long horns that arise close together at the top of the head and curve gracefully backwards. This horn pattern is a recognised field mark of the breed. Tightly curled horns or complete absence of horns belong to other breeds.

Question 35External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

Which of the following correctly describes the typical coat colour of the Tharparkar cattle breed?

  1. Brown with black spots
  2. White to light grey with darker points Correct answer.
  3. Jet black with white face markings
  4. Deep red with a white belt

Explanation

Tharparkar cattle of the arid north-west are white to light grey, often darkening on the neck, hump and hind quarters. They are a dual-purpose breed with good milk yield under dry conditions. Jet black, red with a white belt and spotted coats belong to other species or breeds.

Question 36External Anatomy, Breeds and Identification of Farm Animals

A poultry breeder notes that a chick shows 'wing sexing' differences soon after hatching. This method depends on which feature?

  1. The length of the primary and covert wing feathers Correct answer.
  2. The colour of the down on the back
  3. The shape of the comb at one day old
  4. The number of scales on the shank

Explanation

Wing sexing in chicks uses the difference in length between the primary and covert feathers of the wing, which is genetically determined in certain crosses. Fast-feathering female chicks typically show longer primaries than coverts. Shank scales, comb shape and down colour are not used for this method.

Question 37Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

In livestock feeding, which of the following is classified as a concentrate feed rather than a roughage?

  1. Maize grain Correct answer.
  2. Berseem hay
  3. Maize stover
  4. Sugarcane bagasse

Explanation

Concentrates are feeds low in crude fibre (below about 18 per cent) and high in digestible nutrients, and cereal grains such as maize belong to this group. Roughages like stover, hay and bagasse carry high fibre and lower energy density. Maize grain is therefore the only concentrate among the four.

Question 38Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

A concentrate mixture for a crossbred dairy cow is being balanced. Which ingredient is included mainly as a protein supplement?

  1. Rice bran
  2. Groundnut cake Correct answer.
  3. Broken rice
  4. Tapioca chips

Explanation

Oil cakes such as groundnut cake contain roughly 40 to 45 per cent crude protein and are the standard protein supplements in dairy rations. Rice bran, broken rice and tapioca chips are energy-rich by-products with low protein. Groundnut cake is therefore the protein source in the mixture.

Question 39Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

Which mineral element is most commonly deficient in the roughage-based rations of grazing cattle in Maharashtra and is routinely supplied through a mineral mixture?

  1. Sulphur
  2. Cobalt
  3. Phosphorus Correct answer.
  4. Chlorine

Explanation

Crop residues and mature grasses are typically low in phosphorus while calcium is relatively better supplied, so phosphorus is the mineral most often limiting in such rations. Mineral mixtures sold for cattle are formulated with a wide calcium to phosphorus ratio to correct this. Sulphur, chlorine and cobalt are required in much smaller amounts and are rarely the primary limiting element.

Question 40Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

Silage making depends mainly on which fermentation to preserve the forage?

  1. Butyric acid fermentation
  2. Ammonia fermentation
  3. Lactic acid fermentation Correct answer.
  4. Alcoholic fermentation

Explanation

Good silage is preserved by rapid lactic acid fermentation, which lowers pH to about 4 and suppresses spoilage organisms. Butyric fermentation indicates poor quality and causes losses. Alcoholic and ammoniacal fermentations are undesirable in well-made silage.

Question 41Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

The term 'total digestible nutrients' (TDN) of a feed is best described as:

  1. The sum of digestible crude protein, digestible fibre, digestible nitrogen-free extract and digestible ether extract multiplied by 2.25 Correct answer.
  2. The ash content remaining after complete combustion of the feed sample
  3. The total crude protein content of the feed on a dry matter basis
  4. The weight of feed refused by the animal in a digestion trial

Explanation

TDN expresses the energy value of a feed by summing its digestible carbohydrate and protein fractions, with digestible ether extract multiplied by 2.25 because fat yields more energy. It is a single figure summarising digestible nutrients rather than a protein or ash measure. Refusals are accounted for separately when computing intake.

Question 42Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

In a proximate analysis of a feed sample, the nitrogen-free extract fraction is calculated by difference. Which fraction is obtained by subtracting all others from 100?

  1. Crude fibre
  2. Crude protein
  3. Nitrogen-free extract Correct answer.
  4. Ether extract

Explanation

Nitrogen-free extract comprises readily digestible carbohydrates and is not measured directly; it is obtained by subtracting moisture, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and ash from 100. Crude fibre, crude protein and ether extract are each determined analytically. Hence NFE is the fraction computed by difference.

Question 43Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

Which fodder crop is a legume commonly grown in Maharashtra as a green fodder and is also valued for improving soil nitrogen?

  1. Berseem Correct answer.
  2. Jowar
  3. Napier grass
  4. Maize

Explanation

Berseem is a leguminous fodder whose root nodules host nitrogen-fixing bacteria, so it enriches the soil as well as supplying protein-rich green fodder. Maize, jowar and Napier grass are cereals or grasses that do not fix nitrogen. Berseem is therefore the legume among the choices.

Question 44Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

A dairy farmer wants to increase the energy density of the ration for a high-yielding cow without increasing the fibre level. Which change is most appropriate?

  1. Increase the proportion of cereal grain in the concentrate mixture Correct answer.
  2. Add more mineral mixture to the concentrate
  3. Increase the proportion of wheat straw in the ration
  4. Replace concentrate with more green fodder alone

Explanation

Cereal grains are high in starch and low in fibre, so raising their share in the concentrate lifts energy density without adding bulk fibre. Wheat straw and extra green fodder add fibre and dilute energy. Mineral mixture supplies no energy at all.

Question 45Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

A urea-molasses-mineral block is offered to cattle fed on a straw-based diet. What is the main nutritional purpose of the urea in the block?

  1. To act as a preservative by lowering rumen pH
  2. To supply preformed essential amino acids directly to the small intestine
  3. To increase the calcium content of the ration
  4. To supply non-protein nitrogen for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen Correct answer.

Explanation

Rumen microbes can use non-protein nitrogen such as urea to build microbial protein, which the animal later digests. Urea therefore substitutes partly for protein supplements in straw-based rations. It does not supply preformed amino acids, calcium, or any preservative effect.

Question 46Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

A growing calf is fed a ration that is adequate in energy but low in crude protein. Which consequence is most likely?

  1. Improved feed conversion efficiency
  2. Excessive deposition of body fat
  3. Increased milk fat percentage in later lactation
  4. Reduced growth rate and poor muscle development Correct answer.

Explanation

Protein supplies amino acids for tissue growth, so a protein-deficient ration restricts muscle development and daily gain even when energy is adequate. Energy surplus without protein tends to promote fat deposition rather than lean growth. Milk fat and feed conversion are not improved by protein deficiency.

Question 47Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

Which feeding practice best reduces the risk of ruminal acidosis when a high-grain concentrate is introduced to a dairy cow?

  1. Offer the concentrate immediately after a long fasting period
  2. Replace all roughage with the concentrate at once
  3. Feed the entire day's concentrate in a single meal
  4. Introduce the concentrate gradually over one to two weeks Correct answer.

Explanation

A gradual increase allows rumen microbes to adapt to starch and prevents a sudden drop in rumen pH that causes acidosis. Feeding large single meals, feeding after fasting, or removing roughage entirely all promote acid accumulation. Gradual adaptation is therefore the recommended practice.

Question 48Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

In a digestion trial, a cow consumes 10 kg of dry matter and excretes 4 kg of dry matter in faeces. What is the dry matter digestibility coefficient?

  1. 0.70
  2. 0.40
  3. 0.60 Correct answer.
  4. 0.25

Explanation

Digestibility coefficient equals intake minus faecal output, divided by intake. Here (10 - 4) divided by 10 gives 0.60, or 60 per cent. The other values arise from dividing faecal output by intake or from arithmetic slips.

Question 49Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

Which method of fodder conservation generally preserves the feed with the least loss of carotene when done correctly?

  1. Storing green fodder in open heaps
  2. Prolonged sun drying on the ground
  3. Hay making with rapid drying in shade Correct answer.
  4. Ensiling without wilting

Explanation

Carotene is destroyed by prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat, so rapid drying with shade conservation retains more of it. Slow sun drying and open storage cause heavy losses, and unwilted silage also suffers carotene destruction during fermentation. Rapid shaded hay making is therefore the best of these options.

Question 50Feeding of Livestock: Feeds, Fodder and Nutrient Requirements

A buffalo is fed a ration containing 2.5 kg of concentrate mixture with 20 per cent crude protein. How much crude protein does the concentrate supply?

  1. 200 g
  2. 500 g Correct answer.
  3. 125 g
  4. 250 g

Explanation

Crude protein supplied equals quantity fed multiplied by the percentage, that is 2.5 kg times 0.20, which gives 0.5 kg or 500 g. The other figures result from misplacing the decimal or halving the quantity.