Animal Husbandry & Poultry For NABARD Grade A: Breeds & Physiology

NABARD Grade A • NABARD Grade B • IBPS AFO • FCI AGM

⚡ Quick Answer & AI Exam Snapshot (TL;DR)

Animal Husbandry, Dairy Science, and Poultry Farming is a guaranteed 3-to-5 question module in NABARD Grade A Prelims and Mains. India ranks #1 in the world in Total Milk Production (~239+ Million Tonnes, ~24% of global milk; per-capita availability ~471 g/day), #1 in Total Livestock & Cattle+Buffalo Population, and #2 in Egg Production. Mastering ICAR-NBAGR’s classification of Cattle Breeds (Milch: Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, Rathi; Draught: Hallikar, Amritmahal, Kangayam, Nagori; Dual-Purpose: Haryana, Ongole, Kankrej), Buffalo Breeds (Murrah, Bhadawari [13% fat], Jaffarabadi, Surti, Mehsana), Goat/Sheep/Poultry Breeds, Reproductive Physiology (Gestation & Estrous Cycle), and Housing Floor Space is essential.

1. Master Classification of Indigenous & Exotic Cattle and Buffalo Breeds (ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal)

Category	Major Breeds	Native Tract & Signature Identifying Exam Feature
1. Milch (Dairy) Breeds of Indigenous Cattle (Bos indicus)	1. Sahiwal (Lola / Montgomery) 2. Gir (Kathiawari) 3. Red Sindhi 4. Tharparkar (White Sindhi) 5. Rathi	• Sahiwal (Punjab/Pak): Highest & Sweetest milk producer among indigenous cattle (highest lactose ~5%; loose pendulum-like skin hence called ‘Lola’!). • Gir (Kathiawar, Gujarat): Half-moon curved horns, long pendulous curled leaf-like ears; longest lactation period (325 days). • Red Sindhi: Deep dark-red coat; used in Karan Swiss (Red Sindhi/Sahiwal × Brown Swiss). • Tharparkar (Thar Desert, Rajasthan): Disease-resistant, heat-tolerant; used in Karan Fries (Tharparkar × Holstein Friesian) at NDRI Karnal! • Rathi: “Kamdhenu of Rajasthan” (Bikaner/Ganganagar).
2. Dual-Purpose Cattle Breeds (Good Milk + Good Draught Bullocks)	1. Haryana 2. Kankrej 3. Ongole (Nellore) 4. Deoni, Mewati, Dangi	• Kankrej (Rann of Kutch, Gujarat): Heaviest Indian Cattle breed; famous for fast powerful ‘Sawai Chal’ (1¼ pace gait)! • Ongole (Andhra Pradesh): Pure white glossy coat; exported globally to form the American Brahman breed.
3. Draught (Work) Cattle Breeds (Famous for speed & ploughing; low milk)	1. Amritmahal & Hallikar 2. Kangayam 3. Khillari 4. Nagori & Malvi 5. Vechur / Punganur	• Amritmahal & Hallikar (Karnataka): Best draught breeds of South India. • Nagori (Nagaur, Rajasthan): Famous as the fastest trotting draught breed. • Vechur (Kerala): Smallest cattle breed in the world (Guinness record; ~87 cm height; high A2 beta-casein milk!).
4. Exotic Dairy Cattle Breeds (Bos taurus — Humpless)	1. Holstein Friesian (HF) 2. Jersey 3. Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Guernsey	• Holstein Friesian (Holland / Netherlands): Black & white patches; HIGHEST MILK YIELD in the world (6,000–8,000+ L/lactation), but lowest fat % (3.5%). • Jersey (Island of Jersey, UK): Smallest exotic dairy breed; dish-faced; HIGHEST FAT % among exotic cattle (5.1%–5.5%); best heat adaptability in India!
5. Riverine Buffalo Breeds (Bubalus bubalis — 2n = 50; Swamp = 48)	1. Murrah (“Black Gold”) 2. Bhadawari 3. Jaffarabadi (“Mini Elephant”) 4. Surti 5. Mehsana, Nili-Ravi, Toda, Banni	• Murrah (Rohtak/Hisar, Haryana): Jet black coat with tightly curled spiral horns; highest milk yielder among buffaloes (~2,000–2,500 L; 7% fat). • Bhadawari (Agra/Etawah, UP): Copper-coloured body with 2 white chevron lines on neck; HIGHEST FAT PERCENTAGE in the world (`12% to 14% Fat!`). • Jaffarabadi (Gir forest, Gujarat): Heaviest Indian Buffalo breed (‘Mini Elephant’); drooping horns. • Surti (Kaira/Anand, Gujarat): Sickle-shaped horns. • Mehsana (Gujarat): Cross of Murrah × Surti. • Nili-Ravi (Punjab): ‘Wall Eyes’ (white iris) and white markings on forehead/legs!

2. Goat, Sheep, Swine & Poultry Breeds + Reproductive Physiology Master Table

Species & Scientific Name	Champion Indian & Exotic Breeds (Tested in NABARD!)	Gestation Period (Days), Estrous Cycle & Meat/Parturition Terms
1. Cattle (Bos indicus, 2n=60)	Sahiwal, Gir, Tharparkar, Kankrej, HF, Jersey	Gestation: `280–283 Days` (9 Months + 9 Days) Estrous Cycle: 21 Days (Heat lasts 18 hrs; Ovulation 10–12 hrs after end of heat!). Parturition: Calving \| Meat: Beef / Veal (Calf).
2. Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis, 2n=50)	Murrah, Bhadawari, Jaffarabadi, Surti, Mehsana, Nili-Ravi	Gestation: `310 Days` (10 Months + 10 Days) Estrous Cycle: 21 Days (Exhibits ‘Silent Heat’ in summer). Parturition: Calving \| Meat: Cara-beef / Buffen!
3. Goat (Capra hircus, 2n=60) (“Poor Man’s Cow”)	• Jamunapari (Etawah, UP): Tallest, most majestic dual breed; Roman nose & long pendulous ears. • Beetal (Gurdaspur, Punjab): Like smaller Jamunapari; beard in males. • Barbari (Agra/Mathura, UP): ‘City Goat’ (best for stall-feeding in urban areas!); prolific twin/triplet bearer. • Black Bengal (West Bengal): World’s best meat & skin quality (Morocco leather); highest prolificacy (twins/triplets)! • Changthangi & Chegu (Ladakh/HP): Produce world-famous ‘Pashmina’ (Cashmere) undercoat! • Saanen (Switzerland): “Milk Queen of the Goat World”; Angora (Turkey — Goat, NOT Rabbit!): Produces lustrous ‘Mohair’ fibre!	Gestation: `148–150 Days` (~5 Months) Estrous Cycle: 18–21 Days. Parturition: Kidding \| Serving: Serving Meat: Chevon!
4. Sheep (Ovis aries, 2n=54)	• Chokla (“Merino of Rajasthan/India”): Finest carpet wool. • Nellore (AP): Tallest sheep breed of India (Mutton). • Mandya (Bannur — Karnataka): Best mutton quality. • Gaddi / Rampur Bushair / Bhakarwal: Himalayan wool breeds. • Merino (Spain): World’s finest apparel wool (Crossbreeds: Avivastra, Avikalin developed at CSWRI Avikanagar, Rajasthan!).	Gestation: `147–150 Days` (5 Months − 5 Days) Estrous Cycle: 16–17 Days. Parturition: Lambing \| Serving: Tupping! Meat: Mutton.
5. Pig / Swine (Sus domesticus, 2n=38)	Large White Yorkshire (most popular in India), Landrace, Middle White Yorkshire, Duroc, Hampshire; Indigenous: Ghungroo (WB), Niang Megha.	Gestation: `114 Days` (3 Months + 3 Weeks + 3 Days!) Parturition: Farrowing \| Serving: Coupling Meat: Pork (Cured/Salted: Bacon & Ham)!
6. Poultry (Chicken) (Gallus domesticus, 2n=78)	• White Leghorn (Mediterranean — Italy): #1 Egg Producer in the world (~280–320 white-shelled eggs/year)! • Cornish (English) & Plymouth Rock / New Hampshire (American): Best Broiler (Meat) breeds. • Rhode Island Red (RIR — American): Best Dual-Purpose (Egg + Meat, brown eggs). • Kadaknath (Jhabua, MP — GI Tag): Jet-black flesh/blood/bones rich in Melanin (high protein ~25%, low cholesterol!). • Aseel (AP): Famous for game/fighting & meat. • Vanaraja, Giriraja, Gramapriya, Cari Nirbheek: Backyard poultry breeds.	Incubation Period of Egg: • Chicken (Hen): `21 Days` • Duck & Turkey: `28 Days` • Quail (Bater): `17–18 Days` (Temperature in Incubator: 37.5°C / 99.5°F* and Relative Humidity: 60% during first 18 days [Setter], increased to 70%–75% in last 3 days [Hatcher]!).*

3. Dairy Science (Pasteurization, Milk Standards) & Major Livestock/Poultry Diseases

Milk Standards & Pasteurization Temperatures (FSSAI / NDRI):
- Colostrum (First 3–5 Days after Calving): Rich in Immunoglobulins (IgG / Antibodies) and Vitamin A; boils/coagulates on heating due to high globulin/albumin protein; fed to newborn calf at 1/10th (10%) of the calf’s body weight within 1–2 hours of birth!
- Pasteurization Methods (Destroys all pathogens including Coxiella burnetii & Mycobacterium tuberculosis; tested by Alkaline Phosphatase Test):
  1. LTLT (Low Temperature Long Time / Batch Holding): 63°C (145°F) for 30 Minutes.
  2. HTST (High Temperature Short Time — Commercial Standard): 72°C (161°F) for 15 Seconds (followed by rapid cooling to ≤4°C).
  3. UHT (Ultra-High Temperature — Tetra Pak): 135°C to 150°C for 1 to 4 Seconds (shelf-life 3–6 months without refrigeration).
- FSSAI Fat & SNF Standards: Toned Milk: 3.0% Fat & 8.5% SNF; Double Toned Milk: 1.5% Fat & 9.0% SNF; Standardized Milk: 4.5% Fat & 8.5% SNF; Full Cream Milk: 6.0% Fat & 9.0% SNF.
Viral, Bacterial, Protozoan & Metabolic Diseases of Livestock & Poultry:
- Viral Diseases (Cattle/Sheep/Goat): Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD — Aphthovirus, 7 serotypes O, A, C, Asia-1, SAT 1–3; covered under 100% Central NADCP alongside Brucellosis!), Rinderpest (Cattle Plague — Eradicated in India in 2006/2011), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD — Capripoxvirus), and PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants — ‘Goat Plague’, Morbillivirus).
- Bacterial Diseases (Cattle/Buffalo): Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS — Pasteurella multocida), Black Quarter (BQ — Clostridium chauvoei), Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis — ‘Splenic Fever’ / Woolsorter’s disease; post-mortem of Anthrax carcass is strictly prohibited!), Brucellosis (Brucella abortus — causes late-term abortion in 3rd trimester / ‘Contagious Abortion’), and Mastitis (inflammation of udder — detected by California Mastitis Test / Strip Cup Test).
- Metabolic Disorders: Milk Fever (Parturient Paresis) is caused by an acute deficiency of CALCIUM (Hypocalcaemia) right after calving (Notice: In Milk Fever, body temperature actually DROPS below normal [Hypothermia]!); Ketosis is caused by carbohydrate/glucose deficiency; Grass Tetany is caused by Magnesium (Mg) deficiency.
- Poultry Diseases: Ranikhet Disease (Newcastle Disease — Paramyxovirus; #1 killer of poultry; vaccinated with Lasota / F1 strain on Day 1–7 and R2B Mukteswar strain at 8 weeks), Marek’s Disease (Herpesvirus — vaccinated on Day 1 at hatchery), Gumboro Disease (Infectious Bursal Disease — Birnavirus), Fowl Pox, and Coccidiosis (Protozoan — Eimeria tenella, causes bloody droppings!).

🎯 High-Yield Exam One-Liners (Last-Minute Revision Box)

Sahiwal is the highest and sweetest milk-producing indigenous cattle breed of India; Holstein Friesian (HF) is the highest milk-producing exotic cattle breed in the world.
Vechur (native to Kottayam, Kerala) is the smallest cattle breed in the world; Kankrej is the heaviest Indian cattle breed and is famous for ‘Sawai Chal’.
Murrah (‘Black Gold’) has tightly curled spiral horns and is the highest milk-yielding buffalo breed; Bhadawari has a copper-coloured body and the HIGHEST fat content in milk (12% to 14%).
Surti buffalo has ‘Sickle-shaped’ horns; Mehsana buffalo is developed from a cross between Murrah and Surti; Jaffarabadi is the heaviest Indian buffalo breed.
Barbari goat is called the ‘City Goat’ (ideal for stall-feeding); Black Bengal goat is famous for the world’s best meat (Chevon) and Morocco leather skin.
Pashmina (Cashmere) is obtained from Changthangi and Chegu goats (Ladakh/HP), whereas ‘Mohair’ is obtained from the ANGORA GOAT (and ‘Angora Wool’ is obtained from the Angora Rabbit!).
Chokla is called the ‘Merino of Rajasthan/India’ for its fine carpet wool; Nellore is the tallest sheep breed of India.
Gestation Periods: Cow = 280–283 days; Buffalo = 310 days; Goat & Sheep = 148–150 days; Sow (Pig) = 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days); Camel = 390–400 days.
Meat names: Buffalo = Cara-beef (Buffen); Goat = Chevon; Sheep = Mutton; Pig = Pork (Cured: Bacon/Ham); Deer = Venison; Calf = Veal.
Act of Parturition: Cattle/Buffalo = Calving; Sheep = Lambing; Goat = Kidding; Pig = Farrowing; Horse = Foaling.
Act of Mating (Serving): Sheep = Tupping; Cattle/Buffalo/Goat = Serving; Pig = Coupling.
Incubation Period of Eggs: Chicken (Hen) = 21 Days; Duck and Turkey = 28 Days; Quail = 17–18 Days; Ostrich = 42 Days.
White Leghorn (Mediterranean class) is the world’s #1 layer breed for white-shelled egg production; Kadaknath (GI tag from Jhabua, MP) has black meat due to Melanin pigment.
In HTST Pasteurization, milk is heated to 72°C (161°F) for 15 seconds and rapidly cooled to 4°C; efficiency of pasteurization is verified by the ‘Alkaline Phosphatase Test’.
White colour of cow’s milk is due to ‘Casein’ protein, whereas yellow colour of cow’s milk is due to ‘Beta-Carotene’!
Milk is naturally deficient in ‘Iron (Fe)’ and ‘Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)’.
Milk Fever (Parturient Paresis) in high-yielding dairy cows after calving is a metabolic disorder caused by ‘Calcium (Ca) deficiency’ (Hypocalcaemia), characterized by sub-normal body temperature!
Ranikhet Disease in poultry is also known as ‘Newcastle Disease’ (caused by a Paramyxovirus); Coccidiosis in poultry is caused by the protozoan ‘Eimeria tenella’.

📝 UPSC & Regulatory Level Practice MCQs (With Detailed Solutions)

Q1. Which indigenous Indian Buffalo breed, native to the Agra and Etawah ravines of Uttar Pradesh and Chambal region, is characterized by a copper-coloured coat and produces milk with the HIGHEST butterfat percentage in the world (ranging from 12% to 14%)?

A. Murrah
B. Jaffarabadi
C. Bhadawari
D. Surti

Correct Answer: (C) — Bhadawari buffalo has a copper-coloured body with two white lines (‘Chevron’ markings) on the lower neck and holds the world record for the highest milk fat percentage (averaging 8% to 13%–14%), whereas Murrah has the highest milk volume yield.

Q2. Match the Livestock Species in List-I with their average Gestation Periods and Parturition Terms in List-II:
List-I: (a) Buffalo, (b) Cow (Cattle), (c) Goat, (d) Sow (Pig)
List-II: (1) 114 Days — Farrowing, (2) 310 Days — Calving, (3) 280–283 Days — Calving, (4) 148–150 Days — Kidding

A. a-2, b-3, c-4, d-1
B. a-3, b-2, c-4, d-1
C. a-2, b-3, c-1, d-4
D. a-4, b-3, c-2, d-1

Correct Answer: (A) — Buffalo gestation is ~310 days (10 months + 10 days, Calving) (2); Cow is ~280–283 days (9 months + 9 days, Calving) (3); Goat is ~148–150 days (Kidding; Sheep is Lambing) (4); and Pig (Sow) is ~114 days (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days — Farrowing) (1).

Q3. In high-yielding dairy cows shortly after calving, the acute metabolic disorder known as ‘Milk Fever’ (Parturient Paresis) is caused by a sudden drop in blood levels of which mineral, and how does it affect the animal’s body temperature?

A. Iron deficiency; causes high fever of 106°F
B. Calcium (Ca) deficiency (Hypocalcaemia); causes SUB-NORMAL body temperature (Hypothermia) and paralysis of hind legs
C. Phosphorus deficiency; causes bloody urine
D. Magnesium deficiency; causes Grass Tetany

Correct Answer: (B) — Despite its name, ‘Milk Fever’ does NOT cause a fever! It is an acute Calcium deficiency (Hypocalcaemia) triggered by massive calcium drain into colostrum at calving, resulting in muscle weakness, sternal recumbency with neck kinked in an S-curve, and a drop in body temperature below normal.

Q4. Which world-famous lustrous textile fibre is obtained from the ‘Angora Goat’ (native to Ankara, Turkey), and how is it distinguished from ‘Pashmina’?

A. Angora Goat produces Pashmina; Changthangi Goat produces Mohair
B. Angora Goat produces ‘Mohair’, whereas ‘Pashmina’ (Cashmere) is produced by India’s Changthangi and Chegu goats of Ladakh/Himachal Pradesh
C. Angora Goat produces Merino wool
D. Both produce Silk fibroin

Correct Answer: (B) — The Angora Goat produces ‘Mohair’ fibre, whereas Pashmina (fine Cashmere undercoat) is produced by the Changthangi (Ladakh) and Chegu (HP) goat breeds. (Note: ‘Angora Wool’ comes from the Angora Rabbit).

Q5. In commercial Dairy Processing, what are the standard temperature and time parameters for ‘HTST’ (High Temperature Short Time) Pasteurization, and which chemical enzyme test is used to verify that milk has been properly pasteurized?

A. 63°C for 30 minutes; Cob-on-Boiling (COB) Test
B. 72°C (161°F) for 15 seconds; Alkaline Phosphatase Test
C. 100°C for 10 minutes; Gerber Fat Test
D. 140°C for 2 seconds; Hansa Test

Correct Answer: (B) — HTST Pasteurization heats milk to 72°C (161°F) for 15 seconds (whereas 63°C for 30 minutes is LTLT). Because the natural milk enzyme Alkaline Phosphatase has a thermal destruction point slightly higher than the most heat-resistant pathogen (Coxiella burnetii / M. tuberculosis), a negative Alkaline Phosphatase Test confirms complete pasteurization! (Hansa Test detects adulteration of cow milk with buffalo milk; Gerber Test measures milk fat %).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Exam FAQs)

Q: What is the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)?

Launched in September 2019 as a 100% Centrally Funded scheme (₹13,343 Crore outlay, now subsumed under Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme), NADCP aims to control and eradicate two devastating livestock diseases across India through 100% vaccination of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and pigs: (1) Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and (2) Brucellosis (vaccination of 4–8 month female calves).

Q: How much floor space is required per bird for Broilers vs Layers in the Deep Litter System of poultry housing?

In the Deep Litter System of poultry management, a Broiler (meat bird) requires 1.0 square foot per bird, whereas an adult Layer (egg-laying hen) requires 1.8 to 2.0 square feet per bird.

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