Animal Husbandry &Veterinary Science

Importance of animal and veterinary science

Animal husbandry is one of the most important and basic occupations for farmers all across India. Livestock, meat, eggs, milk, hides etc are the major products for the farmers. Farms, farm animals, and farmers makeup a fine farming eco-system in India

India is the fastest growing country and more than 50 percent peoples of India are earning from agricultural and animal husbandry. The contribution of agriculture and animal husbandry in national GDP is equal. Also, India world's largest producer of milk (112.5 million tonnes of milk produced in 2009-2010). India is also the third largest egg-producer in the world, at over 180 million eggs being produced every day or 65.7 billion eggs for the year 2011-12, and the world’s sixth largest producer of poultry meat. While the majority of India’s animal products are consumed domestically, exports are growing. India is the top global exporter of buffalo meat, and is also the fourth largest exporter of soybean meal, an important ingredient in commercial feed for farmed animals. 

Veterinary Science is the science of diagnosing, treating and curing the diverse types of diseases in birds and animals. A veterinarian's primary responsibility is to look after the health and welfare of the animals. Besides giving treatment, Vets perform surgery prevent spreading of diseases in animals by administering timely vaccination and medicines and give advice on care of pets and farm animals.

Career in Animal husbandry and Veterinary Science

• Several career options are open to graduates in animal husbandry & veterinary science. With the tremendous developments in sciences and technology, more and more avenues are opening up at a rapid pace like never before. Dairy research institutes, large-scale dairy, piggery and poultry farms require the services of not one but several veterinarians.

• Due to commercialization of veterinary industry and liberalization of policies more and more international industries dealing in food manufacturing, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and vaccine production etc have opened the doors for veterinarian.
• The government also employs veterinarians as public health professionals whose services are utilized in zoos, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The Defence Services use horses, dogs, camels, etc.
• Scope for entrepreneurship development in diversified areas is increasing. Canine and feline keeping in cosmopolitan cities, establishment of dairy and poultry industries, meat and milk processing ventures, establishment of livestock business and marketing etc are gaining momentum.
• Opportunities for higher education in foreign countries and demand for qualified professionals in developed countries is attracting Indian veterinarians.
• Motivation of diversification from agriculture, pro – livestock policies, liberalization of loans through agencies / banks for establishing the dairy, poultry, piggery and initiation of animal insurance scheme have been attracting the farmers to take to this sector.
• Employment Areas
• Animal Resource Development Centers
• Biological Products and Vaccine Product plants
• Breeding Farms / Hatchery
• Clinical, Diagnostic & Investigation Centers
• Consultancy Firms
• Corporate Bodies like National Dairy Development Board, Milk Board and Milk Unions
• Dairy Farms
• Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
• Diagnostic Laboratories - Pathology, Biochemistry, Microbiology
• Disease Investigation Centers
• Drug Research Institutions
• Experimental & Germ Free Animal Facilities attached to Veterinary & Medical Institutions
• Insurance Companies

• Meat / Milk Processing Plants
• Ministry of Agriculture
• National Parks
• Para Veterinary Staff Training Schools
• Poultry Farms
• Polyclinics
• Public Health Laboratories
• Slaughter Houses/ Cattle Pounds /Public Health Laboratories
• Stud Farms
• Teaching / Research / Extension in Veterinary College / Institutes / Universities
• Veterinary Centers
• Veterinary Corps in Military and Paramilitary Forces
• Veterinary Hospitals
• Veterinary Instruments / Equipment  Industry
• X-Ray and Ultra-Sound Facility Centers
• Zoos and Wildlife Centers

Various Branches in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science

• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
• Dairy Farming
• Aqua Culture
• Fisheries
• Poultry Farming

Animal scientists conduct research designed to improve the production and processing of meats, fish and dairy products. They use biotechnology to study the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domesticated farm animals. Some animal scientists inspect and grade livestock food products, purchase livestock, or work in technical sales or marketing. As extension agents or consultants, animal scientists advise agricultural producers on how to upgrade animal housing facilities properly, lower mortality rates among their animals, handle waste matter properly, or increase the production of animal products, such as milk or eggs.