Animal husbandry is an important aspect of agriculture, centered on caring, managing, and breeding domestic animals for human use. These animals can be considered as sources of food, clothes, and even labor. Centuries have passed, and animal husbandry has been an important part of human civilization for nutrition, providing jobs, and assisting in sustainable farming. Because the sector has continued to develop further, methods of raising livestock have become increasingly effective, thus improving in quality and quantity of animal products. The following are summarized points indicating the significance of animal husbandry:
| GS Paper | General Studies Paper III |
| Topics for UPSC Prelims | Dairy, Poultry, Fisheries, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, milk, Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), soil-less cultivation |
| Topics for UPSC Mains | Importance in rural economy, Role in sustainable agriculture, Challenges and government initiatives |
Animal husbandry or farming is the practice of breeding and managing domestic animals for human use. These animals provide products such as milk, meat, wool, and leather, which are crucial for daily life. The animal husbandry definition covers the systematic care of animals, including their health, reproduction, and overall management to ensure they meet human needs efficiently.
While there is no universally recognized father of animal husbandry, Robert Bakewell, an 18th-century British agriculturalist, is often credited with pioneering selective breeding techniques. His work in improving livestock quality through controlled breeding has had a lasting impact on modern animal farming practices.
There are several types of animal farming practices, each tailored to meet specific needs. These types vary based on the animals being raised and the products they provide:
Dairy farming focuses on raising cows, buffaloes, and other milk-producing animals. The milk from these animals is processed into a wide range of dairy products like butter, cheese, and yogurt, which are consumed worldwide.
Poultry farming involves raising birds like chickens, ducks, and turkeys for meat and egg production. It is a major source of protein, and animal farming in such form plays an major role in providing affordable and nutritious food.
Such type of animal farming involves raising animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats for meat, leather, and wool. Livestock farming is practiced globally, providing essential resources for both small-scale farmers and large industries.
Fish farming, or aquaculture, focuses on breeding fish in controlled environments to meet the growing global demand for seafood. Such form of farming helps to reduce overfishing in oceans and provides a sustainable source of fish for consumption.
Apiculture (beekeeping) and sericulture (silkworm farming) are specialized forms of animal agriculture. Beekeeping produces honey and other bee products, while silkworm farming is crucial for the production of silk, an important textile material.
There are many advantages of animal agriculture, ranging from economic benefits to environmental sustainability. Below are the primary advantages that make animal farming a vital part of agriculture:
Animal farming provides a steady source of income for farmers, especially in rural areas. Livestock products such as milk, meat, and eggs can be sold in local and international markets, offering financial security.
One of the major advantages of animal farming is its contribution to sustainable agriculture. By using animal waste as organic fertilizer, farmers can enhance soil health without relying on harmful chemicals. The practice supports long-term agricultural productivity.
Animal agriculture is critical for ensuring food security, especially in countries with large populations. The products from livestock—such as milk, meat, and eggs—provide essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, and vitamins.
The animal husbandry department in many countries offers job opportunities in breeding, veterinary services, feed production, and animal product processing. In rural areas, animal farming in India serves as a major source of employment, improving the livelihoods of millions of families.
Animal husbandry plays a role in preserving traditional animal breeds, especially in countries like India where indigenous breeds are part of the cultural heritage. Preserving genetic diversity is essential for long-term agricultural sustainability.
Industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing depend heavily on animal products. Wool, leather, and raw materials for medicines all come from the animal husbandry sector, which fuels various industries.
Animal farming in India is integral to rural life and provides essential income for millions of farmers. India has one of the world’s largest livestock populations, including cattle, buffaloes, goats, and chickens. Livestock farming in India supports not only rural households but also contributes significantly to the national economy.
The animal husbandry department plays a pivotal role in managing the health and productivity of animals across the country. They ensure that farmers receive training in modern practices and access to resources like vaccines and veterinary care. Additionally, the directorate of animal husbandry oversees programs that aim to improve the efficiency of farming operations, promoting sustainable practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.
The ministry of animal husbandry is responsible for creating policies that support livestock farming. Working in conjunction with the animal husbandry department, the ministry ensures that farmers have the necessary tools and resources to raise healthy, productive animals. The ministry’s policies focus on areas such as disease prevention, breeding improvements, and increasing livestock productivity. As a result, animal agriculture results have shown positive outcomes, including higher yields of milk, meat, and eggs, as well as healthier livestock populations.
The directorate of animal husbandry is a key institution that implements animal welfare and health programs. Its primary role is to oversee the research and development of new livestock farming techniques, provide training for farmers, and manage vaccination and disease control initiatives. Through its work, the directorate helps ensure that animal farming in India remains sustainable and beneficial for the country’s economy.
There are several prominent examples of animal farming globally. In the Netherlands, dairy farming is a major industry, known for its advanced technology and high milk production. Further in Australia, sheep farming produces some of the finest wool used in the global textile industry. In India, small-scale farmers raise goats, chickens, and cows, providing essential food products like milk, meat, and eggs for local consumption.
Animal husbandry is a vital part of agriculture, offering food, income, and resources to millions globally. In India, it plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods and food security. Supported by the ministry of animal husbandry and the directorate of animal husbandry, the sector continues to advance, improving farmers’ lives and ensuring animal welfare. Through dairy, poultry, and livestock farming, animal farming remains integral to sustainable farming worldwide.
| Animal Husbandry UPSC Notes |
| 1. Animal husbandry focuses on breeding and managing animals for food, income, and various products essential for daily life. 2. In India, animal agriculture is vital for rural communities, providing food security and supporting livelihoods across the country. 3. It includes practices such as dairy farming, poultry farming, livestock rearing, and specialized farming like apiculture and sericulture. 4. The ministry of animal husbandry ensures better breeding, disease prevention, and sustainable practices to enhance livestock productivity. 5. Animal farming contributes to industries such as textiles and pharmaceuticals through products like wool, leather, and raw materials. 6. It also plays a role in preserving traditional animal breeds, maintaining biodiversity, and offering employment in rural areas. |
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