Here are all 141 Animal Physiology questions asked in UPSC Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 11 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
2.1] Blood
16 questions
Discuss the role of blood in regulating body temperature of animals. [2026/10m/150w/1c]
Explain the three major stages of blood coagulation including the role of platelets and fibrinogen. [2026/15m/3b]
Name the different constituents of blood and write about their functions. [2025/10m/2c]
Describe the various blood biochemical tests and discuss their importance in health status of animals. [2024/20m/4a]
Discuss the physiological functions of plasma proteins in animals. [2023/15m/3b]
Enlist hemorrhagic disorders in animals and describe congenital thrombocytopenia in dogs. [2023/15m/4b]
Describe the various factors which affect hematopoiesis in animals. [2022/10m/150w/1b]
Explain the process of erythropoisis in animals. [2021/10m/150w/1b]
Discuss about the mechanism of blood coagulation in pigs. [2021/10m/2b]
Mention different haematobiochemical tests in relation to disease diagnosis in animals. [2018/20m/3b]
Write the general functions of blood in animal body. [2017/10m/150w/1d]
Describe the mechanism of regulation of blood clotting and fibrinolysis by vascular endothelium. [2017/15m/4b]
Enlist different blood-proteins and describe their functions in brief. What organs of the body play a crucial role in blood-protein biosynthesis? [2016/10m/150w/1b]
Write the general functions of blood in animal body. [2015/10m/150w/1d]
Describe the process of blood circulation. What are the various factors that influence coagulation process in animal system? [2014/15m/2c]
Define anticoagulants and describe their mode of action and practical applications. [2013/15m/3c]
2.2] Circulation
18 questions
Explain why animals with high metabolic rate require more complex excretory and circulatory system. [2026/20m/3a]
What is the role of chemoreceptors in regulating heartbeat and cardiac output during hypoxia? [2026/15m/3c]
Write in detail about the components of circulatory system in animals. [2024/15m/3b]
Describe the different methods for study of heart sounds in animals. [2023/10m/150w/5b]
Describe the different events of cardiac cycle in animals. [2022/15m/3b]
Describe the physiological role of various blood vessels of animals. [2022/10m/150w/5b]
Differentiate between the following: (i) Endocrine and Exocrine glands. (ii) Phytobiotics and Xenobiotics. (iii) Heart sound and heart beat. (iv) Normal and abnormal constituents of urine. (v) Pre-natal and post-natal growth. [2021/20m/4a]
A radiolabelled substance was injected in vein of right forelimb of a cow and later it was detected in the artery of left forelimb. Illustrate its pathway through line diagram only. [2019/10m/1e]
Give a diagrammatic representation of heart in relation to cardiac cycle. [2017/10m/150w/1b]
What role is played by pulmonary circulation in the body? How are oxygen and carbon dioxide gases exchanged in this process? [2016/10m/150w/1d]
Why is maintenance of blood pressure vital? What are the various factors that influence blood pressure? Explain. [2016/15m/3a]
What do you mean by electrocardiogram? Discuss in brief about cardiac cycle and heartbeat. [2015/15m/2c]
A radiolabelled non-toxic particle was injected I/V into right foreleg of an adult dog. After a while, it was detected in the left foreleg. Indicate how the particle reached to the left foreleg. Support your answer with arrow diagram. [2015/15m/3b]
Describe the process of blood circulation. What are the various factors that influence coagulation process in animal system? [2014/15m/2c]
Discuss the part played by neuro-humoral regulation in the maintenance of cardiac function in cows. [2012/18m/2a]
Write in brief about cardiac cycle. [2011/10m/2a]
Discuss in brief the nervous and chemical regulation of heart. [2011/15m/2b]
Discuss effect of temperature and stress on heart and blood pressure. [2011/15m/2c]
2.3] Respiration
8 questions
Nervous control of respiration in animals. [2025/10m/150w/1a]
Describe the different types of hypoxia in animals. [2023/15m/6b]
Describe the role of chemoreceptors in regulation of respiration in avians. [2022/15m/3a]
Describe the mechanism of respiration in poultry. [2021/10m/3b]
What role is played by pulmonary circulation in the body? How are oxygen and carbon dioxide gases exchanged in this process? [2016/10m/150w/1d]
How do cows exchange gases and acquire energy? [2014/10m/3c]
What is “chloride shift”? Define its role in carbon dioxide transport in mammalian animals. [2012/18m/2c]
Describe the metabolic alkalosis in cow. Also discuss the process of diffusion for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveolus and pulmonary capillary blood. [2010/30m/3a]
2.4] Excretion
15 questions
Explain why animals with high metabolic rate require more complex excretory and circulatory system. [2026/20m/3a]
Explain why chickens excrete nitrogenous waste primarily as uric acid rather than urea. [2026/10m/4d]
Write short notes on the following: (i) Effect of amino acid imbalance in swine ration. (ii) Circulation and functions of cerebrospinal fluid. (iii) Reno-renal reflex and how it controls renal functions. (iv) General functions of minerals in animals. [2025/20m/4d]
Give the diagrammatic representation of kidney. [2024/15m/4c]
Describe the factors regulating glomerular filtration rate in animals. [2023/15m/7a]
Describe the interrelationship of renal acidosis and secondary hyperparathyroidism in dogs suffering from chronic nephritis. [2022/15m/8a]
What do you mean by acid-base balance? Explain how it is regulated by kidney. [2019/15m/2b]
Give diagrammatic representation of kidney and narrate its functions. [2018/10m/150w/1c]
How is urine formed? Discuss the role of aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in this process. [2016/20m/3b]
What is third messenger concept? Why and how is uric acid formed in birds? [2015/10m/150w/1c]
Describe biochemical tests for urinary dysfunction. [2013/10m/5a]
Discuss the regulation of blood pH during the resting phase and working phase in draught animals. [2012/15m/1b]
Role of kidney in acid-base balance in body. [2011/12m/150w/1d]
Biochemical tests for urinary dysfunctions. [2011/12m/150w/5d]
Describe the metabolic alkalosis in cow. Also discuss the process of diffusion for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveolus and pulmonary capillary blood. [2010/30m/3a]
2.5] Endocrine glands
13 questions
Discuss the role of hormones secreted by adrenal gland with special reference to the survival of animals. [2025/10m/2d]
Explain in detail about the classification of hormonal receptors and their functions. [2025/10m/4a]
Write about how secretion of hormones from anterior pituitary gland is regulated in animals? [2024/10m/150w/1a]
Enlist the hormones secreted from anterior pituitary gland and describe the physiological role of these hormones. [2023/15m/2b]
Describe the pathways for regulation of hormone secretion from adenohypophysis of animals. [2022/15m/8b]
Differentiate between the following: (i) Endocrine and Exocrine glands. (ii) Phytobiotics and Xenobiotics. (iii) Heart sound and heart beat. (iv) Normal and abnormal constituents of urine. (v) Pre-natal and post-natal growth. [2021/20m/4a]
Discuss the control of aldosterone secretion by renin-angiotensin mechanism. [2020/10m/3b]
How is hormone secretion regulated in animals? Explain. [2020/10m/3d]
Discuss the role of endocrine glands along with their secretory hormones for cell growth. [2017/15m/3a]
Briefly discuss different types of hormone receptors and their role in signal transduction. [2016/15m/3c]
What is third messenger concept? Why and how is uric acid formed in birds? [2015/10m/150w/1c]
Name the hormones secreted from pituitary gland. Discuss the role of pituitary gland in regulation of oestrous cycle in bovine. [2015/20m/4c]
Describe different hormones of adrenal cortex and their physiological functions. [2013/15m/2c]
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12 questions
How do maternal nutrition and uterine environment in animals influence the prenatal development of fetus compared to postnatal growth? Explain. [2026/10m/150w/1d]
Factors affecting pre- and post-natal growth in animals. [2025/10m/150w/1c]
What is “growth curve”? Describe the different stages of growth curve in animals. [2024/20m/2b]
Describe the various methods for assessment of postnatal growth in animals. [2023/20m/6c]
Describe the various factors which affect the growth of animals. [2022/20m/8c]
Discuss the role of specific tissue growth factors in animals. [2020/10m/150w/1d]
Discuss the role of endocrine glands along with their secretory hormones for cell growth. [2017/15m/3a]
What is ‘pre-natal and post-natal growth’? Discuss the various factors influencing the post-natal growth in animals. [2017/10m/3d]
Factors affecting growth in buffaloes. [2005/20m/200w/1c]
Nutrients in meat. [2004/20m/200w/1d]
In relation to swine raising: Management practices to be adopted to prevent PSE conditions of meat. [1996/20m/7b]
What is the nature of growth? How growth is measured? Describe the hormones involved in growth. Discuss in brief the conditions causing retarded growth and accelerated growth in a farm animal of your choice. [1995/60m/4]
2.7] Physiology of milk production
20 questions
Differentiate between milk secretion and milk ejection. Explain the milk ejection mechanism in a cow. [2020/15m/3c]
Describe the reflex stimulation of letdown of milk in dairy animals along with diagram. [2019/10m/3c]
Discuss the process of udder development during first parturition to second parturition in buffaloes. [2017/15m/3b]
Explain mammary involution. What changes are highlighted during this process? [2013/10m/1b]
Discuss artificial induction of lactation in dairy animals and its impact on their health. [2012/12m/5c]
Discuss the physiology of milk formation and milk let-down in dairy animals. Does the diet of the animal affect the quality and composition of milk? Explain. [2012/14m/8c]
Neurohormonal theory of milk ejection in bovines. [2011/12m/150w/1e]
Discuss Endocrine control of initiation of lactation in farm animals. [2011/20m/2d]
Milk synthesis and ejection. [2007/20m/200w/1c]
Milk ejection. [2006/20m/200w/1c]
Maintenance of Lactation in cows. [2005/20m/200w/1a]
Discuss hormonal control of mammary gland development in heifer with suitable sketch/diagram. Describe the importance of early growth rate on mammary gland development. What are the factors responsible for milk ejection in cows? [2005/60m/2]
Induction of lactation in cows. [2004/20m/200w/1b]
Holding-up and let down of milk. [2003/20m/200w/5a]
What are hormones? Discuss the role of hormones in conversion of blood precursors into milk constituents in alveolar cells. Clarify whether milk is secreted during milking or in the interval of milkings. [2001/60m/7]
Current status of hormonal control of mammary development, milk secretion and milk ejection. [1999/20m/200w/1c]
Discuss in brief development of mammary glands and physiology of lactation in cow. Do you advocate three times milking daily in a dairy farm? Justify your statement. [1998/60m/8]
Holding up of milk. [1997/20m/200w/1d]
Yoghurt. [1995/20m/200w/5a]
Define homogenization of milk and state how homogenization is accomplished. How does homogenization differ from standardization? Discuss the merits and demerits of marketing standardized and homogenized milk under Indian conditions. [1995/60m/8]
2.8] Physiology of reproduction
12 questions
Give a diagrammatic representation of male reproductive organs of bovine. [2021/10m/2d]
Enlist various hormones secreted by different reproductive organs (male and female). Write their nature, source and main functions. [2019/10m/5b]
Explain the formation and structure of various components of chicken egg. List out various abnormalities in egg formation. [2019/15m/6a]
Enlist various accessary sex glands of bull and describe the contribution of seminal vesicle to semen. [2019/15m/7a]
Give the diagrammatic representation of reproductive system of a bull. [2017/10m/3c]
Name the hormones secreted from pituitary gland. Discuss the role of pituitary gland in regulation of oestrous cycle in bovine. [2015/20m/4c]
Describe the estrus behaviour, fertilization and early embryonic development in lactating buffalo during summer months. [2014/10m/1a]
Using current research findings, discuss in detail the endocrine regulation of oestrus cycle. How can this knowledge be used to improve livestock productivity? [2006/60m/2]
Describe the male reproductive system giving names and functions of different organs. What is Cryptorchidism? Draw and label the diagram of reproductive organs of a bull. [2004/60m/3]
Describe the female reproductive system giving names and functions of different organs. Draw a labelled diagram of the reproductive system of she-buffalo. [2002/60m/3]
Male & female reproductive systems of cattle with neat diagrams. [2001/20m/200w/5a]
Oestrous cycle and its role in economic dairying. [2000/20m/200w/1a]
2.9] Physiology of digestion
9 questions
Describe the physiological functions of various digestive organs of sheep. [2022/20m/3c]
What are gastrointestinal hormonal substances? Write their action and stimulus for release. [2020/10m/4c]
Mention digestive organs and their role in food digestion in monogastric animals. [2018/10m/150w/1e]
Explain how carbohydrates and proteins are digested in ruminant and non-ruminant animals. [2016/20m/4a]
How do cows exchange gases and acquire energy? [2014/10m/3c]
Discuss the process of digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids in monogastric and polygastric animals. [2012/24m/4a]
Write the site of microbial fermentation in pig, ruminants, castrated buffalo and adult hen. [2009/8m/2b]
Enlist the proteolytic enzymes of gastro-intestinal tract of monogastrics (swine). Write the substrate and product formed and the optimum pH required for activity. [2007/60m/4]
How do we estimate nutrient requirement for meat and egg production in ‘chicken’? What is the difference between digestion of nutrients in chicken and pigs? [2005/60m/4]
2.10] Environmental physiology
15 questions
Discuss in brief about the physiological adjustment of camel in hot desert. [2024/10m/150w/1b]
Describe the physiological adjustments of goats during hot weather. [2023/10m/150w/1b]
Describe the behavioural adjustments of animals during hot weather. [2022/20m/4a]
Discuss the mechanism of animal adoptation to extreme climatic conditions. [2021/10m/150w/1c]
Illustrate diagrammatically the interactions between physical environment and animal productivity. [2020/15m/3a]
Discuss various managemental practices to be adopted to ameliorate heat stress during summer for dairy cattle. [2018/15m/8b]
Explain how high ambient temperature affects the productivity of animals. [2015/10m/3c]
Describe expected impacts, adaptation and mitigation strategies in livestock to global warming. [2014/15m/2a]
Discuss adaptive responses of acclimated cattle to high ambient temperature and relative humidity, emphasizing its effects on metabolism, acid-base homeostasis and hormonal balance of the body. [2014/25m/4a]
Describe mechanism by which animals adapt to cold stress. [2013/10m/1a]
Discuss the thermoregulatory mechanisms which help preserve the body temperature of bovine animals under diverse climatic conditions. [2012/20m/3c]
Mechanism of body defence against extreme cold and heat in cross-bred cows. [2010/12m/150w/1c]
Methods to control heat stress in buffaloes. [2004/20m/200w/1a]
Discuss the mechanisms of adaptation and regulatory mechanisms involved in animal behaviour under environmental stress factors. Describe the various methods for controlling the climatic stress conditions in farm animals. [1999/60m/2]
Briefly discuss the physical and physiological mechanism of adaptation of sheep to hot-arid environment. Suggest suitable management practices to overcome the heat stress in sheep. [1996/60m/4]
2.11] Animal behaviour and ecology
3 questions
Define ethology. Describe in detail about the various types of behaviours in animals. [2025/20m/3b]
Explain the statement, “the reproductive behaviour is controlled by central nervous system in animals”. [2020/10m/150w/1b]
Elaborate the role of nervous system in co-ordinating an animal’s response to environment. [2014/10m/1b]
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Last updated: 31 October 2026