Here are all 124 Livestock Production and Management questions asked in UPSC Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 6 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.
4.1] Dairy farming systems
21 questions
Mention the salient features for socio-economic considerations in livestock farming. [2026/10m/150w/5c]
Write in detail about “Dairying under mixed farming”. What are its advantages over “Dairying under specialized farming” in the Indian context? [2025/20m/7a]
Describe the economic considerations in commercial dairy farming. [2023/10m/150w/5c]
Enlist the objectives and describe the components of National Programme for Dairy Development. [2023/15m/7b]
Describe about the various aspects of ‘Operation Flood Project’ intended for dairy development in India. [2022/10m/150w/5e]
Enlist different dairy development programmes of Govt. of India along with their objectives. [2021/10m/6d]
What is precision dairy farming? Discuss the role of artificial intelligence in livestock farming. [2021/15m/7b]
For a long time in India, mixed farming has been advocated more than the specialized farming. However, recent trends indicate that specialized farming is also gaining ground. What could be the reasons behind this changed mindset? [2016/15m/6a]
Dairy industries in advanced countries are more mechanised and systematic than in India. Explain with reasons and remedies. [2014/10m/5a]
In Indian rural conditions why dairying under mixed farming is economically more viable than dairying under specialised farming? Discuss. [2014/15m/8c]
What are the economic considerations in livestock farming in India? Discuss. [2013/10m/7a]
Enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of mixed farming. Discuss its suitability in cases of marginal farm holdings. [2012/15m/1c]
Enlist different farming systems that are adopted in livestock rearing. Explain the advantages and limitations in each farming system. Suggest a feasible farming system most suitable to Indian conditions. [2007/60m/7]
What do you understand by commercial dairy farming? How does dairy farming in India differ from the advanced countries? [2004/60m/8]
Compare dairying under mixed farming and specialized dairy farming primarily from the standpoint of economic returns to the owner. Which one of these is best suited to an average Indian farmer and why? Explain in detail. [2003/60m/6]
Mixed dairy farming vs. Specialised farming. [2001/20m/200w/5d]
‘Draft animals are redundant following mechanisation in agriculture.’ Give your comment with Justification. [2000/60m/3]
Discuss in brief the importance of livestock farming under Indian conditions. Compare the dairy farming as practiced in India with that in advanced countries. Show how would you make dairy farming a more profitable enterprise than it is at present. [2000/60m/4]
Economic dairy farming. [1999/20m/200w/5a]
Compare dairying under mixed farming and dairying under specialized farming. Which one of these is best suited to an average Indian farmer and why? [1997/30m/8a]
“With modern advances in dairying, the dairy cow is unequalled as an efficient producer of human food.” Comment upon the statement outlining, in some detail, the modern advances in dairying that have made the dairy farming a profitable venture rather than a subsistence one. Briefly discuss the role of personnel management in increasing dairy profits. [1995/60m/6]
4.2] Starting and organising a dairy farm
30 questions
Factors affecting production efficiency of dairy animals. [2026/10m/150w/5d]
Discuss the points to be considered during care and management of neonatal calf. [2024/10m/150w/5b]
Justify the statement that “Maintenance of sires in good condition is essentially required for the success of breeding programmes”. Discuss the important points for the management of breeding males in good condition. [2024/20m/6a]
Describe the significance and various methods for dehorning in calves. [2022/10m/150w/1d]
Describe the scientific management of a dairy cow after parturition in a dairy farm. [2022/15m/6b]
Discuss about the care and management of pregnant cows. [2021/10m/150w/5c]
Prepare a schedule of day-to-day operations to be carried out in an organized dairy farm. [2020/10m/150w/5b]
Describe various components of good dairy farming practices. [2020/15m/8b]
Why is a dairy plan required before starting a dairy enterprise? Explain various steps involved in planning. [2019/10m/1b]
Describe the managemental practices to be adopted during the transport of dairy cattle through rail and roads. [2018/10m/6b]
Discuss quarantine measures to be adopted for newly purchased animals. [2018/10m/7b]
Importance of colostrum feeding and management of new born calf. [2017/10m/150w/5c]
A farmer wants to start a dairy farm with 100 lactating crossbred cows. Suggest a plan with respect to capital, land, dairy equipments and feeding and breeding management practices. [2017/20m/7a]
The demand for milk and milk products is constantly increasing in India. What are the various constraints that discourage many entrepreneurs in venturing in this sector? [2016/10m/150w/5a]
Plan a dairy farm to produce approximately 500 kg milk per day year round. Indicate the feed and fodder requirements and the breeding programme to maintain the constancy of milk production. [2016/15m/6c]
Describe factors determining efficiency of traits of economic importance in dairy animals. [2013/10m/1d]
A farmer, who has sufficient agricultural land, wishes to establish a dairy farm with 10 cattle. Suggest how he should prepare the budget estimates for his dairy farm listing all items/parameters he must consider with justification. [2013/20m/8a]
Discuss scientific practices for management of young buffalo calves from birth to 3 months of age. [2013/10m/8c]
Write in brief factors determining the efficiency of dairy cows. [2011/10m/7c]
Principles of clean milk production. [2010/12m/150w/1f]
Describe the care and management of heifers on a dairy farm. [2010/20m/8a]
Enumerate the managemental practices for breeding bulls. [2010/20m/8c]
Discuss importance of shelter for buffaloes and cross-bred cows. Draw a layout plan of a shelter for ten lactating Jersey cows. [2009/60m/7]
Care of neonate. [2006/20m/200w/5a]
Discuss various factors which can improve efficiency of dairy animals at a commercial dairy farm having 200 adult Murrah buffaloes in semi-arid Indian climate. [2006/60m/8]
Management of newly born calf. [2005/20m/200w/5d]
Write about the care of cow before and after parturition. Also describe the care of the newly born calf. Is it practical to practice weaning in India? Write a note on methods of raising weaned calves. [2003/60m/7]
Scientific basis of the adage ‘Prevention is better than cure’ [2001/20m/200w/1c]
Discuss the capital, land, buildings, equipment and manpower required for starting a dairy farm with 100 adult cows. How will you ensure green fodder supply to the above farm throughout the year? [1997/60m/7]
Essential buildings to be erected (with their floor area) on a 100 dairy-cow unit. [1996/20m/200w/5a]
4.3] Dairy farm records, costs and management
17 questions
How do you estimate the cost of milk production in organised and unorganised dairy sector in India? [2026/15m/7a]
Explain the significance of record-keeping in livestock production. [2026/10m/7b]
Classify the investment, receipts and expenditure in a commercial dairy farm. [2025/20m/8a]
Define herd recording and explain the significance of herd recording for efficient dairy farm management. [2023/15m/8c]
Describe the procedure for calculating the economics of milk production in commercial dairy farm having five hundred (500) cross-bred cows. [2021/20m/7a]
Write in detail the procedure for calculating the economics of the milk production at a commercial dairy farm. [2020/15m/6a]
Explain how the following farm production records are standardized: (i) FCM (ii) Correction of age (iii) Lactation length (iv) Correction for frequency of milking. [2019/10m/5c]
What is herd recording? Explain the purpose and types of records to be maintained in an organized livestock farm. [2017/15m/8b]
Discuss milk pricing policy with respect to the producers. [2013/10m/2a]
Describe categories of livestock farm labour and discuss ways to improve their efficiency. [2013/10m/5d]
Livestock records and their importance. [2010/12m/150w/5b]
Importance of herd recording. [2004/20m/200w/5d]
Enumerate various types of essential records to be maintained by a commercial dairy farm and justify their maintenance in estimating and controlling the cost of milk production. [2002/60m/6]
What is herd recording? [1997/30m/8b]
“Consumer’s price of milk is related to cost of production of milk.” Comment upon the statement. Discuss the factors affecting cost of production of milk. Suggest measures to reduce the cost of milk production on an average sized cow farm. [1996/60m/6]
Milk pricing policy. [1995/20m/200w/5d]
“With modern advances in dairying, the dairy cow is unequalled as an efficient producer of human food.” Comment upon the statement outlining, in some detail, the modern advances in dairying that have made the dairy farming a profitable venture rather than a subsistence one. Briefly discuss the role of personnel management in increasing dairy profits. [1995/60m/6]
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10 questions
Suggest the strategies which should be implemented by the dairy farmers to ensure round the year supply of green fodder. [2024/15m/7a]
Mention the pattern of crop-rotation for supply of green fodder throughout the year. [2021/10m/150w/5a]
Plan for supply of green fodder throughout the year in an organized dairy farm. [2017/10m/150w/5d]
Why is green fodder considered as an essential constituent of ration for young and mature livestock? How will you ensure round the year supply of green fodder for dairy animals? [2016/10m/150w/5b]
Plan a dairy farm to produce approximately 500 kg milk per day year round. Indicate the feed and fodder requirements and the breeding programme to maintain the constancy of milk production. [2016/15m/6c]
Package of practices in supply of green fodder to dairy cattle round the year. [2007/20m/200w/5a]
What do you understand by balanced ration? How do we calculate nutrient requirements for a cow at three years of age, pregnant for six months and yielding 10 kg of milk with 4.0% fat? Suggest different types of green fodder crops to be grown in hot-humid climate of the country. [2005/60m/3]
Inadequate nutrition has been the single most important factor responsible for poor milk yield of dairy animals in India. What is the status of feed availability, in terms of quantity and quality, for dairy animals in India? Suggest measures to improve the same, keeping in view the economy and human demand factor. [1997/60m/2]
Discuss the capital, land, buildings, equipment and manpower required for starting a dairy farm with 100 adult cows. How will you ensure green fodder supply to the above farm throughout the year? [1997/60m/7]
Feeding Records. [1996/20m/200w/5b]
4.5] Commercial meat, egg and wool production
30 questions
Discuss the feeding and management of poultry for commercial egg production. [2026/10m/7c]
Management of rabbits as meat animals. [2025/10m/150w/5d]
Throw light on socio-economic concepts of chicken egg production in India. [2025/15m/7c]
Explain the importance of goat rearing in the upliftment of socio-economic status of farmers. [2023/10m/150w/1d]
Why is raising of lambs important? Explain good lamb-raising practices for profitable mutton production. [2019/15m/2a]
Explain the care and managemental practices to be taken up during pregnancy and farrowing in sow. What care needs to be taken to improve survival rate of piglets born? [2019/20m/3b]
Explain the feeding of adult rabbits. How is dietary fibre utilized in rabbits? [2019/15m/7b]
What are the modern management practices for enhancing productivity of pig? [2018/10m/7d]
What do you understand by good managemental practices? How will you develop a practical and economic rations for commercial broiler production?. [2017/15m/7c]
What different systems of brooding are being practised in poultry? How would you prepare a brooder house to receive chicks? [2015/20m/8a]
Explain the mode of feeding and management practices of young piglets particularly for piglet anaemia and piglet diarrhoea. [2014/20m/6b]
What is the status of meat production in India? What variables need to be considered while starting a commercial broiler farm and why? [2013/15m/4a]
What is the current status of egg production in India? What management practices are followed in raising a flock of layer birds from day old chicks? [2013/15m/6b]
You wish to set up a commercial poultry farm with the facility of a hatchery. How would you go about setting it? Discuss its critical components. [2012/24m/4b]
Discuss the modern manipulation techniques which can be used to improve the.
(i) Egg production in poultry [2012/8m/5b(i)]
(ii) Wool production in sheep [2012/8m/5b(ii)]
(iii) Meat production in pigs [2012/8m/5b(iii)]
“In poultry production, culling may sometimes be essential if the profits are to be optimized.” Explain the statement, illustrating your answer with the situations in which this needs to be practised. [2012/14m/8b]
Management of lactating does. [2009/20m/200w/1c]
What are the management approaches to check lamb/kid mortality? [2009/20m/3b]
Brooding and rearing of poultry layers. [2009/20m/200w/5b]
Sanitation and disinfection on pig farm. [2009/20m/200w/5c]
What is wool and how does it differ from hair? [2009/15m/8b]
Management of piglet upto weaning. [2000/20m/200w/1b]
Dipping of sheep. [2000/20m/200w/5a]
Backyard poultry. [2000/20m/200w/5b]
Modern trends in enhancing production of eggs and poultry meat. [1999/20m/200w/5b]
Describe the merits and demerits of Deep litter system and Battery system of housing poultry. Which system of poultry housing will you recommend to poultry farmers in India and why? [1999/60m/6]
Formulate a project for starting a broiler farm to produce 100 broilers per week. Discuss in detail about finance, land, building equipments, feeding schedule, selection of stock, marketing and uninterrupted chain of supply. [1998/60m/4]
Battery system of housing poultry. [1995/20m/200w/5b]
With reference of goat keeping: Write a detailed note on goat as producer of milk, meat and fibre. [1995/20m/7a]
With reference of goat keeping: Salient features of feeding and care of kids. [1995/20m/7b]
4.6] Feeding and management under natural calamities
16 questions
Discuss the feeding strategies for animals in drought situations. [2025/10m/150w/5c]
Enumerate different types of natural calamities which may be encountered by the livestock rearer. Draw strategies for feeding and management of livestock during natural calamities to minimize the production losses. [2024/20m/6c]
Suggest the feeding and management of animals under flood-affected conditions. [2023/15m/3c]
Explain the strategies adopted during disaster for livestock management. [2022/10m/150w/5c]
Suggest measures needed to ensure milk production and its supply chain during natural calamities. [2021/15m/8b]
Suggest the strategic measures for feeding management of livestock during natural calamities. [2020/15m/6b]
What are the common natural calamities encountered by animal owners in India? How will you manage to feed the animals during scarcity conditions? [2017/15m/7b]
What advanced preparations should be made to ensure milk production during natural disasters like drought and flood? [2016/10m/150w/5c]
What could be the delayed consequences of natural disasters? [2015/15m/6b]
When natural calamities strike, what strategy needs to be adopted for livestock management in the affected areas? What preventive measures could be taken to minimize losses from such calamities? [2013/15m/7b]
Management of livestock in drought conditions. [2007/20m/200w/5c]
Describe the management of livestock during flood and thereafter. [2002/60m/7]
Feeding and management of dairy animals under flood conditions. [1999/20m/200w/5c]
Management schedule of a farmer having two acres of land for sustenance through Animal Husbandry programme in drought prone area. [1998/20m/200w/1a]
Management of animals under draught conditions. [1996/20m/200w/1d]
Feeding animals under drought conditions. [1995/20m/200w/5c]
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Last updated: 31 October 2026