Animal husbandry Programs for Rural Development

The term “Animal production” refers to the raising of livestock for the production of animal products such as eggs, meat and dairy products for agricultural or commercial purposes. It is usually done in a place that has enough natural vegetation for feed produce and grazing. Confined animal feeding processes are only allowed in industrial zones with a proper permit.

The explicit growth and betterment of animal production provides a substantial amount of prospects in agricultural development, the welfare of human nutrition and gain in food security reserves. The major types of animal production are Dairy products, Poultry products, Fish products and Bee products.

Growth and Animal Production

Traditionally livestock raising was the main source of income of farmers and was also helpful in providing day-to-day products such as eggs, milk, wool and fertilizers. But as the civilisations progressed and population increased there arose a widespread need for animal products leading to the agricultural revolution and development of various infrastructure and machinery related to it.

This sector is also popular for providing multiple job opportunities as it is heavily labouring dependent for its functioning because it involves daily care of animals, disease prevention and proper sanitation. This sector also supports domestic and international importing and exporting which is compulsory to fulfil the needs of people around the globe.

Types of Animal Production

• Dairy Production:

It has been a pivotal point of agriculture since time immemorial. Although all mammals produce milk for their young ones, majorly cows and buffaloes are used to obtain milk and milk products such as cheese and curd. Other animals which are also used for purposes are goats,sheeps, camels and donkeys. These animals are bred under favourable climatic conditions to enhance the sustainability and quality of the products. The management is also responsible for providing feed, vaccines and milking the animals.

• Poultry Production

It refers to the raising of domesticable birds like chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese. Chickens that are raised for meat are called broiler chickens and those which are raised for eggs are called layers. Poultry production requires regular waste management. availability of cheap feed especially soybean and corn. Birds are mostly housed in barns or cages and are killed at under seven weeks.

Poultry rearing is criticized by various organizations citing grounds of animal welfare because the animals are not able to exhibit their original behaviour because of the condition under which they are kept.

• Fish Production

It is defined as the raising of fishes under controlled or semi-natural conditions in tanks, ponds or ocean enclosures. There has been a rapid increase in the demand for fish protein and products. The most important species in fish rearing are salmon, tilapia and catfish. The fishes are regularly fed and protected from predators. Water quality and Temperature also play an important role in increasing production.

• Bee Production

It means the maintenance of bee colonies and hives by humans to obtain honey and other bee products such as beeswax, propolis and flower pollen for commercial or personal purposes. The most commonly used bees are honey in the genus Apis. The site where bees are kept is called an Apiary and should be ideally located near ponds and springs.

As technology has advanced, beekeeping has become more accessible and is a growing trend among the urban population. Some regard that those city bees are healthier than rural bees because of the lower amount of pesticides and greater biodiversity. The most common types of agents which affect bees are parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Their predators include animals such as skunks, bears and some birds.

Advantages of Growth and Animal Production in Human Welfare

• Meat Production

The meat of domestic animals such as cows,sheeps and goats is a major source of protein which averages about 8 percent of man’s energy intake. 

• Clothing Industry

The global textile and apparel industry uses millions of animals for fashion. Their skin and pelts are used for the production of fur, leather and wool. Accessories made from animal products and by-products are very popular around the globe.

• Employment

Being a profitable business it provides jobs to large numbers of farmers and labourers due to which their household income and living standards have been improved. It also requires logistics, storage units and processing plants in large Agri companies so they have good hiring rates.

Environmental Impact

The growth of animals for industrial production has a major impact on the world environment. Animal agriculture is a major factor that is responsible for climate change, ocean acidification and loss of biodiversity. In addition to killing billions of animals annually.

It requires the use of nearly 30 percent of the earth’s freshwater reserve and about one-third of ice-free land is occupied by these industries. It is also a contributing factor in animal extinction, habitual destruction and desertification.

Currently, many kinds of research and studies are being conducted to relax the adverse effects of animal production industries on the environment. The modern techniques involve making biogas from manure, genetic selection and the removal of methanotrophs.

Conclusion

Growth and Animal Production is one of the most popular industries ranging in various kinds of climatic and regional conditions. It provides livelihood to a large number of people and helps to mitigate poverty and malnutrition. It helps to produce high yield breeds by cross-breeding which promotes the timely achievement of production requirements.