Animal Husbandry, Poultry and Dairy Science
Animal husbandry, poultry, and dairy science deal with livestock production, health, and milk handling. The exam tests breeds, reproduction, feeding, and poultry rearing.
Livestock and reproduction
Tamil Nadu cattle breeds include Kangayam, Umblachery, Pulikulam, and Alambadi; Murrah is a buffalo breed. Sheep and goat breeds include Ramnad White, Kilakarsal, Kanni, and Tellicherry. Cattle estrus cycle is about 21 days; gestation is about 280 days in cattle, 310 days in buffalo, 150 days in goats, and 148 days in sheep. Colostrum is the first milk and supplies antibodies.
Poultry and dairy
Chicken incubation is 21 days. Layers are kept for egg production; broilers for meat. Indigenous breeds include Aseel and Kadaknath; Vanaraja is an improved dual-purpose bird. Brooding provides heat to chicks. Clean milk production requires clean udder, clean utensils, rapid cooling, and hygiene. Milk is about 87% water, 4% fat, and 8.5% solids-not-fat, varying with species and stage of lactation.
Worked example
Pearson square: mix feeds with 20% and 40% protein to make 30% protein. Difference between 20 and 30 = 10; between 30 and 40 = 10. Parts are 10:10, i.e., equal parts. For 100 kg feed, use 50 kg of each.
Traps that cost marks
Do not confuse breed with species. Colostrum is not ordinary milk. Gestation lengths differ by species. Milk fat is not the same as SNF. Incubation period is not 28 days for chicken.