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Introduction Colostrum feeding • Colostrum is rich source of gamma globulins (antibodies), vitamins and minerals • Colostrum Temp.: 99ºF-102ºF • Colostrum feeding: first 3-5 days. • Whole milk: after 5 days • Feed the total amount of milk at 3 or 4 equal intervals up to the age of 7 days and then twice daily • Quantity of colostrum: 10 % of body weight. • Overfeeding: calf scour/diarrhea. • Around 0.5% of a cow’s yearly milk production is made up of colostrum. • After birth, the amount of immunoglobulins that can be absorbed from colostrum drops by 1/3 as soon as 6 hours, by 2/3 after 12 hours, and an intestinal barrier forms after 24 hours. • Colostrum must be given in sufficient amounts to the newborn calf because during the first 24 hours after parturition, the permeability of the stomach and the concentration of immunoglobulins drop sharply. • Cow colostrum must meet minimum requirements for both immunological and bacteriological characteristics:

Raising healthy and productive animals is a cornerstone of successful livestock farming. Whether the goal is milk production, meat, draught power or breeding, the foundation of a thriving animal enterprise lies in appropriate general management and feeding practices that consider the animal’s stage of growth, reproductive status and work requirements. Each class of animal—calves, heifers, pregnant and lactating females, dry animals, bulls and working animals—has unique physiological needs that must be addressed through specialized care and nutrition. Modern animal husbandry aims not just at higher productivity but also at ensuring animal welfare, sustainability and profitability. Scientific and stage-specific practices improve the animals' lifetime performance and reduce mortality, disease incidence and reproductive failure. In this context, proper rearing practices are not merely a routine, but a strategic necessity. The calf represents the future of the herd. Ensuring its survival, growth and development is crucial for long-term productivity

Introduction Care and management of calf • Begins before its birth. • Good dairy herds are raised rather than purchased. • Dam should be dried 6-8 weeks before expected calving and should be fed well. • Underfed dam will give weak and small calves. Steps of calf management 1.  Removal of mucous • Immediately after birth:  removal of mucous or phlegm from nostril, mouth, eyes & ears for normal breathing. • Rub and dry the calf with a dry cloth or gunny bag • If cow not licking: sprinkle a little common salt on calf’s body. • If calf does not start breathing: Provide artificial respiration by: • Compressing and relaxing the chest with hands • Swinging • Inserting twig in nostril 2.  Ligation of naval cord • Cutting of naval cord: ligate-2.5cm & cutting-1cm below.

The Convention on Biotechnology has defined biotechnology as “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or process for specific use”. The global food requirement is increasing with growing population, so the productivity gap could be filled by improving genetic health. Animal breeding focuses on genetic improvement through biotechnological and genomic approaches. Genetic progress is influenced by the type of biotechnology such as selection accuracy, genetic interval, intensity of selection, genetic variance. It helps to improve animal production, treatment of genetic disorders, production of transgenic animals resistant to diseases, vaccine production and also to maintain genetic diversity for endangered species. Genomic selection is a type of marker assisted selection. It improves the genetic gain by decreasing genetic interval and improving reliability. These novel approaches have high potential in animal breeding, if executed judiciously may provide practical benefits to mankind. The magnitude of genetic improvement of livestock species

The study of general reproduction and reproductive performance in animals is a vast and intricate field that spans across various species, habitats, and biological systems. Reproduction is a fundamental biological process that ensures the continuity of life across generations. It involves a series of complex physiological and behavioural events, from mating and fertilization to gestation and birth. The general reproduction and reproductive performance in domesticated animals is a fascinating and complex field that has significant implications for various aspects of human society, including agriculture, pet ownership, and conservation efforts. Domesticated animals encompass a wide range of species, from farm animals such as cows and chickens to pets like dogs and cats, and even animals kept for conservation or recreational purposes, such as horses and certain bird species. Each of these species has unique reproductive systems and cycles, and understanding these is crucial for effective management and care. For instance, the gestation period for dogs is typically around two months, while for horses, it’s closer to a year. Similarly, some birds, like parrots, may lay eggs only once or twice a year

Current status of feed and fodder availability in India Globally India ranks 1st in terms of total livestock (535.78 million) and buffalo population in the world (109.85 million), 2nd in cattle (192.49 million), goat (148.88 million) and 3rd in sheep population. So, the availability of adequate quantity and quality feed and fodder resources for livestock is essential for improving livestock productivity. Grazing lands and fodder cultivation areas are gradually dwindling either due to degradation or restriction for livestock grazing. Total area under fodder cultivation is around 8.4 mha (5.23%) which is almost static for the past two decades. Even though feed and fodder availability has improved in the last decade still gap exists with demand and availability of fodder during lean periods and abnormal weather conditions like droughts/floods. At present, India faces a net deficit of 35.6% green fodder (GF), 10.95% dry crop residues and 44% concentrate feeds. In India, open forest cover is around 29 million hectares (mha), which can be further utilized for growing fodder trees without affecting standing trees, mostly as an under- storey on the partially shaded ground Area under fodder production Sorghum (2.6 M ha) and Egyptian clover (1.9 M ha) account for roughly 54% of the total cultivated fodder area in the kharif and

Selection is a phenomenon of giving preference to certain individuals in a population to reproduce over other individuals that are deprived of the opportunity to reproduce. In common parlance, it is the process to choose individuals from the herd that are going to produce the next generation and influence the performance of the herd. Performance of a herd is guided by the genes of the parents. In a herd, males give rise to more off springs and hence selection of males is an opportunity to boost cattle husbandry. The contribution of males to the inheritance of polygenic traits is equal with that of females. Hence, it is central to pay equal emphasis while selecting males and females. Selection of sire is more important than dam selection due to numerous reasons. The first reason is that a sire produces more numbers of progenies compared to one dam. Since a sire is called “half the herd”, it determines the performance of the herd. Modern initiatives like artificial insemination and frozen semen technology has further extended the use of sire and highlights the importance of sire selection. Artificial insemination has allowed the superior traits to reach different corners of the globe and this has benefitted the present generation at large. Frozen semen technology together with artificial insemination is milestone to the field of genetics and breeding. It is now possible to

Animal flesh when consumed as food is known as meat. Meat was introduced into man’s diet early on during Stone Age when they were hunter and gatherer. Humans seem evolved to a meat diet based on the structure of teeth and the unsophisticated nature of our digestive system. Presently man used many varieties of animals’ species for producing meat however domesticated cattle, goat, sheep, buffalo, pig and poultry continue to be major contributor of meat to the ever increasing human population. Meat is one of the best and major sources of protein for human, meat protein content all the essential amino acid in required quantity and is easily assimilated by human guts. Fat is essential for development of flavor; at least the bare minimum is desire. Besides this it also has all the other crucial nutrients in smaller amount.  The essential elements of good quality meat are firm texture, moderate fat content, tender, good flavour, juiciness and normal meat odor, and to produce such meat it require proper care and management of meat animal. Hence, right and efficient management is to be given to the animals for producing better meat quality. Management broadly includes selection of genetically superior animals,

Genetic characterization using DNA markers is a cutting edge technology that makes it possible to study animal variability at basic level. A genetic marker can be any stable and inherited variation which is measurable or detectable by a suitable method and can be used subsequently to detect the presence of a specific genotype or phenotype other than itself, which otherwise is non-measurable of very difficult to detect. Such variations exist at morphology, chromosome, biochemistry or DNA levels that can serve as genetic markers. Molecular markers are the markers that reveal variations at the DNA sequence level. The polymorphisms observed at the DNA sequence has many applications which include percentage determination, genetic distance estimation and evolution, determination of individual identity, identification of disease carrier (heterozygous) animals, determination of twin zygosity and freemartinism, gene mapping, marker assisted selection (MAS), sex determination, DNA fingerprinting and transgenic breeding. Gene mapping is a tool to identify the genes responsible for specific traits.  The genetic map is constructed from linkage relationship based on the frequency of meiotic exchange (amount of recombination) among linked traits. Genetic map helps

Livestock sector is an important subsector of the agriculture of Indian economy. It forms an important livelihood activity for most of the farmers, supporting agriculture in the form of critical inputs, contributing to the household, supplementing incomes, offering employment opportunities, and finally it acts as a supplementary and complementary enterprise. Livestock plays a vital role in the economic development of the country. Livestock Sector has continuously been growing and contributed 4.90% (at constant prices) of total GVA (Gross Value Added) in 2020-21 (Annual Report, 2021-2022). India ranks first among the world’s milk producing nations, achieving an annual production of 230.58 million tonnes of milk and with per capita availability of 459 gms/day during the year 2022-23 (Annual Report, 2022-2023). In India, livestock population includes cattle (193.46 million), buffalo (109.85 million), sheep (74.26 million) and goat (148.88 million) (20 th Livestock Census, 2019). The rapidly expanding demand for livestock products offers an opportunity as well as a challenge to livestock production. The livestock sector is moving towards specialization with the increasing involvement

The agro-food & slaughter house animal by-product industry generates large amounts of waste that contribute to environmental contamination and leads to pollution. Animal byproduct production, as part of the meat and poultry processing chain, is huge. Animal fat waste constitutes some of the most relevant waste and the treatment of such waste is quite costly because environmental regulations are quite strict. Fossil fuels remain the main source of primary energy accounting for over 80 % of worldwide energy consumption. The continuous consumption of non-renewable resources is leading to their fast depletion while causing the accumulation of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. Also, energy demands are expected to rise by over 25 % by 2040, which claims for a shift toward the use of renewable and carbon-neutral fuels to ensure environmental and economic sustainability. About millions animals (cattle, sheep, pigs and goats) and poultry (mainly chickens and turkeys) were slaughtered various parts of countries. Such a high number of slaughtered animals produces enormous amounts of waste animal residue including fats that need to be treated to reduce pollution or recycled to

Animals worldwide provide meat, milk, eggs, draft power, skins, transportation, and a variety of other useful items. India has a vast livestock population with a diverse spectrum of species. Animal husbandry plays an important role in the life of rural farmers. Animal breeding is an area of science concerned with sound animal husbandry methods. Animal breeding is the use of genetics and reproductive physiology to improve the genetic makeup of animals. The goal of animal breeding is to improve not only individual animals, but the entire animal population. The breeder has two basic tools namely selection and breeding for genetic improvement of livestock. The kinds of selection are natural and artificial selection. In artificial selection, breeder has choice to choose superior animals over the average of population for desired traits and allow them to produce offspring for future generation. Animals are selected using four criteria (basis): individual selection, pedigree selection, family selection, and progeny testing selection. Individual selection selects animals based on their own performances.  Individuals are chosen through pedigree selection using ancestral records. In Family selection,

Animal and poultry feed and fodder production management is a vital aspect of the agricultural industry, playing a pivotal role in sustaining livestock health and productivity. This intricate domain encompasses a myriad of practices, technologies, and strategies aimed at producing high-quality feed and fodder to meet the nutritional needs of various animal species, ensuring their optimal growth, development, and overall well-being. Feed and fodder production management involves the cultivation, processing, and formulation of feed ingredients tailored to the specific dietary requirements of different animals. From traditional practices to modern, technology-driven methodologies, this field has evolved significantly to address the growing demands of an expanding livestock industry. The cornerstone of effective feed and fodder management

A system of housing is more are less synonymous to the system of management of livestock. Housing is essential to protect the animals from adverse climatic condition (rains, hot and chilly winds). Housing also help to maintain normal health of animals by proper feeding watering and reducing environmental stresses.  Housing allows the animals for proper rest, moderate exercise, suitable micro-environment and proper ventilation which are essential for comfort of the animals. While selecting the site a site for establishment of a dairy farm some points should be considered regarding topography, soil, nearby market, availability of labour, electricity, water etc. The housing system can be divided in to two type viz. conventional housing and loose housing system. The conventional housing system may be single row or double row depending upon the number of animals. The dairy farm consists of various building for different classes of livestock like calf shed/ lamb/kid/piglet pens, milking barn, maternity pen, cow shed, heifer shed, shearing room, slaughter house of pig etc. The ancillary structure of  a farm  are stores for keeping feed materials, equipment, milk house, silo, generator room, pump houses, AI centers, workers retiring room, office etc. The floor should be impervious and non-slippery. The floor should have a gradient toward the drain of 1 in 40 in covered area and 1in 60 in the open area for easy drainage of urine and washing of animals. The roof should be light, strong

Livestock plays a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihood of millions of people worldwide, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities. Beyond providing food products such as milk, meat and eggs, livestock also contribute to income generation, draught power, manure for agriculture and socio-cultural functions in many regions. The health and productive performance of livestock animals are central to achieving the economic, nutritional and ecological goals of animal husbandry. Any compromise in animal health or productivity directly impacts farmers’ income, food security, and national agricultural output. Animal health is the foundation of productive and sustainable livestock farming. Good health ensures animals can grow, reproduce and perform at their genetic potential. Conversely, disease, poor nutrition and environmental stress can severely reduce productivity and increase mortality. Common health challenges in livestock include infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, and parasitic), metabolic disorders and management- related stress conditions. Moreover, zoonotic diseases—those transmissible to humans— are of growing concern in the context of public health and food

Animals are exhibited in various ways and events like in fairs, judging shows, in circuses, in zoos and as performing animals. Some famous animal fairs in northern part of the country are Sonepur cattle fair of Bihar. It is the largest cattle fair of Asia, held on the confluence of holy river Ganges and Gandak annually on KartikPoornima in the month of November for the trade of animals such as Cattle, horses,goats,donkeys,camels,birds and elephants. Haathi Bazaar is the major attraction of SonepurMela. Nagaur cattle fair held during the months of January and February. It is the second biggest cattle fair in India. Pushkar Cattle Fair,popularly known as camel fair held for five-days between the months of October and November. Cattle shows are organized time to time where animals are judged for their different characteristics, selecting for their best type, possessing true breed characteristics, dairy conformation, good temperament, proper growth and development according to its age, with optimum condition of fleshing and free from defects. To take part in such shows animals are transported to different places. So, apart from knowledge of restraining methods, concept related to ageing, animal handling (flight zone, point of balance) animal behavioural consideration and welfare indicators are of much importance for transporting and presenting animals in any show. Some of

Introduction Livestock is a global resource with significant benefits to society in the form of food, income, nutrients, employment, insurance, traction, clothing and others. Livestock sector of India holds among one of the largest globally. Around 20.5 million people depend on it on livestock for their livelihood. Livestock farming contributed 16% of small farm income households compared to an average of 14% for all rural households. provides livestock Livelihood for two thirds of the rural population. Furthermore, it provides employment to around 8.8% of the workforce population in India. India has huge livestock populations. The livestock sector contributes 4.11% GDP and 25.6% of total agricultural GDP. Livestock count Livestock farming plays an important role in the farmers’ economy. The farmers in India Maintaining a mixed farming system, i.e

Poultry manure provides an ideal habitat for fly breeding due to high manure moisture leading to increased fly populationand fly menace in poultry farm. The moisture, temperature and humid condition play important role in fly breeding. The flies on poultry farms are unacceptable as they act as a reservoir of many diseases and spread diseases to birds and human beings. In addition to spread of diseases, fly are nuisance to birds as they distract the birds as well as poultry farm employees, nearby farms and residence (Berry, 2003). High fly population contribute tapeworm infestation in flock and disseminate bacterial (like salmonella, fowl cholera, etc.) and viral diseases (Bird flu, New Castle disease, etc. in flocks. Fly population also causes public health issue leading to pressure on poultry farmers to control fly population on poultry farms to acceptable level. The flies on poultry farm includes House fly (Muscadomestica), little house fly (Fanniacanicularis), Black Garbage fly (Hydrotaeaaenescens), Dump flies (H? aenescens, H? ignava, H? capensis), Drosophila flies (Drosophila repleta), Soldier fly (Hermetiaillucens), Stable flies (Stomoxyscalcitrans), Drosophila flies (Drosophila repleta) and Blow flies (Lucilia, Phormia, and Calliphora) and black flies. The Lucilia species include L? cuprina and L? sericata(Axtell, 1999). Among these, the most common

The body condition scoring (BCS) is a subjective estimate of the energy reserves in adipose tissues of an animal. It is an acceptive, non-invasive, quick and inexpensive method to estimate degree of fatness. It is a means of accurately determining body condition of dairy cows, independent of body weight and frame size. It is evinced that the profile of lactating cows in milch barn is different e.g. some may be in early lactation and the others may either be in mid or late lactation. The observations on body condition status of animal will help the manager to adopt corrective management measures, thus enabling to improve the production profile of an animal. Hence, body condition scoring may be used as an efficient tool in this regard. Although many may consider this as a nutritional management practice, but changing BCS have implications on milk yield, health, reproduction, longevity and overall profitability of an animal. Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is a system used to evaluate the overall health and nutritional status of animals by 

Livestock production plays a critical role in global food security and economic sustainability. However, various stressors can significantly impact the well-being and productivity of livestock animals. Stress in livestock can arise from various sources such as environmental conditions, management practices, transportation, social interactions, and disease. Understanding the impact of stress on livestock production is essential for ensuring animal welfare and optimizing productivity. Although many factors can be involved, climatic factors are among the first and crucial limiting factors of the development of animal production in warm regions. In addition, global warming will further accentuate heat stress related problems in livestock. The first and foremost stress the livestock are exposed as a result of climate change is the heat stress. Among the environmental variables affecting animals, heat stress seems to be one of the intriguing factors making animal production challenging in many geographical locations in the world. Although animals can adapt to the hot climate, nevertheless the response mechanisms that ensures survival are also detrimental to performance. The vulnerability