Animal Housing and Farm Management
What this domain tests
Animal Housing and Farm Management tests site selection, floor space, ventilation, waste management and records. The exam expects a workable layout for a small dairy or poultry unit in Maharashtra's climate.
Core rules
- Orientation: long axis east–west to reduce direct sun; open sides for cross-ventilation; adequate roof overhang.
- Floor space (cattle): covered area 4 sq m/cow, loose housing 8–10 sq m/cow, calf 1.5–2 sq m; buffalo need about 10% more.
- Floor and drainage: concrete, non-slip, 1–2% slope to a urine channel; never allow standing water.
- Ventilation: ridge opening and side curtains; avoid ammonia build-up.
- Waste: dung pit or biogas; compost; do not dump into water bodies.
- Records: breeding, milk, feed, health and finance; ear tags and a herd register.
Worked example
Plan a loose shed for 20 crossbred cows. Covered area = 20 × 4 = 80 sq m; loose area = 20 × 9 = 180 sq m; total about 260 sq m. Add a calf pen (10 calves × 2 sq m = 20 sq m), feed store, milk room and a 3 m wide central passage. A site of 30 m × 20 m = 600 sq m fits the plan with room for a manure pit and future expansion.
Traps that cost marks
North–south orientation; insufficient floor space; slippery floors; blocked drains; no isolation pen; no records; building before checking water and electricity.