📋 Animal Husbandry Terminology & Practices
Learn animal husbandry terminology — weaning, docking, castration for CUET Agriculture. Livestock selection methods and judging criteria.
Animal Husbandry Terminology (Shabdavali)
Understanding key terminology is essential for mastering animal husbandry concepts in competitive exams. Each term below represents a specific management practice that is applied at a particular age or stage of the animal's life. Memorizing the term along with its timing and purpose is critical for scoring in CUET.
Important Terms
| # | Term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Selection (Chayan) | Choosing animals from a group based on best/desired traits — the foundation of all livestock improvement programs |
| 2 | Culling | Removing sick, unhealthy, or unproductive animals from the herd — this improves the overall genetic quality and reduces disease spread |
| 3 | Docking | Cutting the tail in 1-2 week old sheep (practiced in Ditelinga and other breeds) — done to prevent fecal soiling and fly strike |
| 4 | Flushing | Giving extra feed 3-4 weeks before planned mating/breeding season — this nutritional boost increases ovulation rate and improves conception |
| 5 | Debeaking | Cutting the beak of poultry at 1 month age — upper beak 1/4th, lower beak 1/8th. This prevents cannibalism and feather pecking. |
| 6 | Deworming | Removing intestinal parasites. First dose at 4.5 months, second at 6 months |
| 7 | Caponization | Castrating male birds for fattening. Done at 10 months age. Uses Diethyl Stilbestrol Vestrol Hormone |
| 8 | Disbudding/Dehorning | Removing horn buds at 7-15 days age (1-2 weeks) — prevents horn growth permanently |
| 9 | Down Cover | Care provided 15 days before calving — includes moving the animal to a clean, quiet area |
| 10 | Steaming Up | Feeding extra ration 6 weeks before expected calving date — prepares the body for the energy demands of milk production |
| 11 | Casting | Restraining animals using ropes, injections, cutting, or shaving for treatment purposes |
| 12 | Broiler | Meat-type birds raised up to 8 weeks of age |
| 13 | Teaser | A vasectomized male animal used to detect heat/estrus in females — retains libido but cannot fertilize |
| 14 | Dead Peel | A small mouth piece used for milking difficult cows |
| 15 | Grooming | Cleaning skin and body with a brush to promote better blood circulation |
| 16 | Grit | Small stones or pebbles given to poultry to aid digestion — since birds have no teeth, grit in the gizzard grinds food mechanically |
| 17 | Catheter | A tube used for draining urine from animals |
| 18 | Mixed Agriculture | Combined practice of farming and animal husbandry |
| 19 | Karha | Plough and land preparation tool |
| 20 | Pata | Tool used for leveling land after ploughing |
| 21 | Napla | Seed planting tool |
| 22 | Rijamekar | Sheep fencing/pen tool |
| 23 | Kalpa | Removing bark from trees |
| 24 | Bulak | Castrated male animal used for agricultural purposes |
IMPORTANT
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Animal Husbandry Terminology (Shabdavali)
Understanding key terminology is essential for mastering animal husbandry concepts in competitive exams. Each term below represents a specific management practice that is applied at a particular age or stage of the animal's life. Memorizing the term along with its timing and purpose is critical for scoring in CUET.
Important Terms
| # | Term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Selection (Chayan) | Choosing animals from a group based on best/desired traits — the foundation of all livestock improvement programs |
| 2 | Culling | Removing sick, unhealthy, or unproductive animals from the herd — this improves the overall genetic quality and reduces disease spread |
| 3 | Docking | Cutting the tail in 1-2 week old sheep (practiced in Ditelinga and other breeds) — done to prevent fecal soiling and fly strike |
| 4 | Flushing | Giving extra feed 3-4 weeks before planned mating/breeding season — this nutritional boost increases ovulation rate and improves conception |
| 5 | Debeaking | Cutting the beak of poultry at 1 month age — upper beak 1/4th, lower beak 1/8th. This prevents cannibalism and feather pecking. |
| 6 | Deworming | Removing intestinal parasites. First dose at 4.5 months, second at 6 months |
| 7 | Caponization | Castrating male birds for fattening. Done at 10 months age. Uses Diethyl Stilbestrol Vestrol Hormone |
| 8 | Disbudding/Dehorning | Removing horn buds at 7-15 days age (1-2 weeks) — prevents horn growth permanently |
| 9 | Down Cover | Care provided 15 days before calving — includes moving the animal to a clean, quiet area |
| 10 | Steaming Up | Feeding extra ration 6 weeks before expected calving date — prepares the body for the energy demands of milk production |
| 11 | Casting | Restraining animals using ropes, injections, cutting, or shaving for treatment purposes |
| 12 | Broiler | Meat-type birds raised up to 8 weeks of age |
| 13 | Teaser | A vasectomized male animal used to detect heat/estrus in females — retains libido but cannot fertilize |
| 14 | Dead Peel | A small mouth piece used for milking difficult cows |
| 15 | Grooming | Cleaning skin and body with a brush to promote better blood circulation |
| 16 | Grit | Small stones or pebbles given to poultry to aid digestion — since birds have no teeth, grit in the gizzard grinds food mechanically |
| 17 | Catheter | A tube used for draining urine from animals |
| 18 | Mixed Agriculture | Combined practice of farming and animal husbandry |
| 19 | Karha | Plough and land preparation tool |
| 20 | Pata | Tool used for leveling land after ploughing |
| 21 | Napla | Seed planting tool |
| 22 | Rijamekar | Sheep fencing/pen tool |
| 23 | Kalpa | Removing bark from trees |
| 24 | Bulak | Castrated male animal used for agricultural purposes |
IMPORTANT
The most frequently tested terms are: Flushing (extra feed before mating), Steaming Up (extra feed before calving), Teaser (vasectomized male), Debeaking (upper 1/4, lower 1/8), and Docking (sheep tail cutting at 1-2 weeks).
Animal Selection Methods
There are 5 main methods of selecting animals. These range from simple visual assessment to complex multi-generational evaluation:
1. Individual / Phenotypic Selection
- Selection based on the animal's own physical appearance and observable traits
- Simple and commonly used method — a farmer visually evaluates body build, udder size, coat quality, etc.
- Limitation: does not account for genetic potential hidden behind dominant traits
2. Pedigree Selection
- Selection based on the performance records of ancestors
- Requires detailed record-keeping of parents and grandparents
- Useful when the animal itself has not yet produced (e.g., selecting young males for breeding based on their mother's milk yield)
3. Show Card Method
- Selection based on performance at exhibitions and animal shows
- Animals are judged against breed standards
- Limited because show performance doesn't always correlate with actual farm productivity
4. Score Card Method
- Animals are evaluated using a numerical scoring system
- This is a standardized, objective method that reduces personal bias
Score Card Categories:
| Category | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|
| General Appearance | 30 |
| Dairy Group | 20 |
| Udder Quality | 30 |
| Body Capacity | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
Grading System:
| Score Range | Grade |
|---|---|
| 0-50 | Ordinary |
| 50-75 | Superior |
| 75-100 | Excellent |
NOTE
A minimum of 75 marks is required for selection. Notice that Udder Quality and General Appearance carry the highest weightage (30 marks each), reflecting their importance in dairy animal selection.
5. Progeny / Genetic Selection
- Selection based on the performance of offspring
- Most expensive method and requires the most time
- Considered the most reliable for genetic improvement — because it directly measures what the parent's genes actually produce in the next generation
Which selection method is best?
**Progeny testing** is the gold standard because it directly evaluates the **genetic merit** of the parent by measuring offspring performance. However, it takes years (you must wait for offspring to mature and produce). For quick decisions, **Score Card Method** provides the most objective on-the-spot assessment. In practice, modern dairy farms use a **combination** of all five methods.Animal Identification Methods
Proper identification is crucial for record-keeping, disease tracking, and breeding management. Each method has specific applications for different species:
1. Tattooing (Godna)
- Most useful and permanent method of identification
- Permanent ink marks are made inside the ear
- Primarily used for cattle
2. Branding (Dagana)
- Two types:
- Cold Branding — uses extreme cold
- Hot Branding — applied on the back of the animal
- Brandolax material is used for branding
- Used for cow and buffalo
3. Ear Notching
- Used primarily for pigs
- V-shaped or square-shaped cuts are made on the ear edges
- Each notch position represents a specific number — this creates a numbering system where the animal's ID can be "read" from its ear
4. Painting (Rang Lagana)
- Used for sheep and goat
- Paint applied on the back
- Disadvantage: Can damage wool quality — this is why it's only a temporary method
5. Tagging / Ringing
- Used for poultry — plastic or aluminum tags placed on neck, wings, or feet
- Ear tagging is also used for cattle identification
TIP
Memory trick for identification methods by animal: Tattoo = Cattle (permanent, inside ear), Notch = Pig (V-cuts on ear), Paint = Sheep/Goat (on back), Tag = Poultry (wing/leg bands).
Age Determination Methods
There are 4 methods to determine the age of an animal:
1. Physical Condition
- Examination of skin texture, horn condition, eye clarity, body capacity, and back straightness
- Younger animals have smoother skin and clearer eyes
- This is the least precise method but gives a quick rough estimate
2. Hoof Examination
- Shape and smoothness of hooves indicate age
- Younger animals have smoother, more regular hooves
3. By Horns (Ring Method)
- One ring appears per 3 years initially, then annually
- Buffalo horns show rings most clearly
- Age Formula: Age = 2 + Number of Rings — the "+2" accounts for the first two years before rings start appearing
4. By Teeth (Most Accurate & Scientific Method)
This is the most reliable method for age determination. Veterinarians primarily use teeth examination because teeth erupt and are replaced on a predictable schedule.
Types of Teeth
| Tooth Type | Symbol | Location | Pairs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incisor | I | Lower jaw only | 4 pairs | 8 |
| Canine | C | Not in ruminants; present in pig, dog, cat | 2 pairs | 4 |
| Pre-Molar | PM | Both jaws | 6 pairs | 12 |
| Molar | M | Both jaws (permanent only) | 6 pairs | 12 |
NOTE
Ruminants (cow, buffalo, sheep, goat) have no upper incisors — instead, they have a hard dental pad against which the lower incisors press to tear grass. They also have no canine teeth. This is a key anatomical distinction from non-ruminants.
Dental Formula
Formula format: I/i + C/c + PM/pm + M/m (upper/lower jaw)
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Temporary (Milk) Teeth | 20 |
| Permanent Teeth | 32 |
Cow & Buffalo Teeth Eruption Schedule
| Teeth | Temporary (Eruption) | Permanent (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st pair Incisors | At birth or within 1 week | 1.5-2 years |
| 2nd pair Incisors | 1 week-1 month | 2-2.5 years |
| 3rd pair Incisors | 1-2 months | 3 years |
| 4th pair Incisors | 2-3 months | 3.5-4 years |
| 1st Pre-molar | — | 2-2.5 years |
| 2nd Pre-molar | — | 1.5-2 years |
| 3rd Pre-molar | — | 2.5-3 years |
| 1st Molar | — | 5-6 months |
| 2nd Molar | — | 1-1.5 years |
| 3rd Molar | — | 2-2.5 years |
After 5 years, teeth begin to show wear. By 8-9 years, the teeth surface becomes smooth (leveled). This is called "smooth mouth" and indicates an old animal past its productive prime.
Teeth Count in Different Animals
| Animal | Total Permanent Teeth | Dental Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Horse | 40-42 | — |
| Dog | 42 | — |
| Cat | 30 | — |
| Pig | 44 | 3143/3143 |
| Rabbit | 28 | — |
Why does the pig have the most teeth (44)?
The **pig** has 44 permanent teeth — the highest among domesticated animals. This is because pigs are **omnivores** with a complete set of all tooth types: incisors (for nipping), canines (for tearing), premolars (for shearing), and molars (for grinding). In contrast, ruminants (cow, buffalo) have only 32 teeth because they lack upper incisors and canines.Body Weight Measurement Methods
1. By Weighing Scale (Machine)
- Animal must fast for 24 hours before weighing
- Stop water 8 hours before measurement
- Most accurate method — the fasting ensures gut fill doesn't distort the reading
2. By Formula — Shaefer's Formula
Weight (lbs) = Length (inches) x Heart Girth (inches)² / 300
This formula allows weight estimation using just a measuring tape — no expensive scale needed. Heart girth is measured just behind the front legs around the body.
Example Calculation:
- Length = 50 inches, Heart Girth = 70 inches
- Weight = 50 x 70 x 70 / 300 = 816.66 lbs
- Converting: 816.66 x 0.454 = 370.3 kg
Conversion Factors:
- 1 lb = 0.454 kg
- 1 kg = 2.205 lbs
Other Weight Estimation Formulas
| Formula Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Agracal | Measures in ser units |
| Malik | Used specifically for gas/buffalo |
| Haryana Krishi Vishwavidyalaya | Regional formula |
| Shaefer | Most scientific and widely used |
TIP
Shaefer's Formula is the most exam-relevant formula. Remember the structure: Length x Girth² / 300 gives weight in pounds. Always divide by 300 (not 200 or 400 — this is a common trick question).
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Concept / Topic | Key Details / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Selection (Chayan) | Choosing animals based on best/desired traits |
| Culling | Removing sick, unhealthy, or unproductive animals from herd |
| Docking | Cutting tail in 1–2 week old sheep |
| Flushing | Extra feed 3–4 weeks before mating/breeding season |
| Debeaking | Cutting poultry beak at 1 month; upper beak 1/4th, lower beak 1/8th |
| Deworming | First dose: 4.5 months; second: 6 months |
| Caponization | Castrating male birds at 10 months; uses Diethyl Stilbestrol |
| Disbudding/Dehorning | Removing horn buds at 7–15 days (1–2 weeks) |
| Down Cover | Care provided 15 days before calving |
| Steaming Up | Extra ration 6 weeks before expected calving |
| Teaser | Vasectomized male used for heat/estrus detection |
| Grit | Small stones for poultry digestion (grinds food in gizzard) |
| Broiler | Meat-type birds raised to 8 weeks |
| 5 selection methods | Individual/Phenotypic, Pedigree, Show Card, Score Card, Progeny/Genetic |
| Score Card — max marks | General Appearance: 30; Dairy Group: 20; Udder Quality: 30; Body Capacity: 20 (Total: 100) |
| Score Card grading | 0–50 = Ordinary; 50–75 = Superior; 75–100 = Excellent (min 75 for selection) |
| Progeny selection | Most expensive but most reliable method |
| Tattooing (Godna) | Most useful and permanent ID method; inside ear; used for cattle |
| Branding (Dagana) | Hot/Cold; on back; uses Brandolax; for cow and buffalo |
| Ear Notching | Used for pigs; V-shaped or square cuts |
| Painting | Used for sheep and goat; can damage wool |
| Tagging / Ringing | Used for poultry (wing/leg bands) |
| Age by horns formula | Age = 2 + Number of Rings |
| Most accurate age method | By teeth (most reliable and scientific) |
| Temporary teeth | 20; Permanent teeth: 32 |
| Ruminants — no upper incisors | Have a hard dental pad instead; also no canine teeth |
| Pig teeth count | 44 (highest among domesticated animals) |
| Teeth wear (smooth mouth) | After 5 years wear begins; by 8–9 years surface smooth |
| Shaefer's Formula | Weight (lbs) = Length × Girth² / 300 |
| Fasting before weighing | 24 hours fasting; stop water 8 hours before |
| Conversion | 1 lb = 0.454 kg; 1 kg = 2.205 lbs |
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