UPSC Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science 2021 — Paper I
All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science 2021 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
50M150wCompulsorydescribeAnimal physiology and nutrition
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Write composition of egg yolk citrate dilutor and method of its preparation. (10 marks)
(b) Explain the process of erythropoiesis in animals. (10 marks)
(c) Discuss the mechanism of animal adoption to extreme climatic conditions. (10 marks)
(d) Describe the partitioning of food energy in animal body. (10 marks)
(e) Give a brief account of feeding of calves from birth to three months of age. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) अंडे की जर्दी साइट्रेट तनुकारक का संगठन एवं बनाने की विधि के बारे में लिखिये । (10 अंक)
(b) पशुओं में लाल रक्त कोशिकाओं के बनने की प्रक्रिया की व्याख्या कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(c) अतिविषम जलवायु परिस्थितियों में पशुओं के अनुकूलन की प्रक्रिया का वर्णन कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(d) पशुओं के शरीर में खाद्य ऊर्जा के विभाजन का वर्णन कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(e) बछड़ों के जन्म से लेकर तीन माह की आयु तक आहार प्रबंधन के बारे में संक्षिप्त जानकारी दीजिये । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper 1. (a) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (e) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close Full marks: Precise terminology, complete mechanisms, specific examples, and clear structure.
Composition: 2.9% sodium citrate dihydrate buffer and 20% egg yolk
(a) Write about the feeding of swine for lean meat production and its importance in human health. (10+5 marks)
(b) Discuss about the mechanism of blood coagulation in pigs. (10 marks)
(c) What are natural antioxidants? Describe the role of antioxidants in animal body. (5+10 marks)
(d) Give a diagrammatic representation of male reproductive organs of bovine. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) शूकरों से कम वसायुक्त मांस उत्पादन हेतु उनकी आहार व्यवस्था एवं मानव स्वास्थ्य में इसके महत्व के बारे में लिखिये । (10+5 अंक)
(b) शूकरों में रक्त जमावट की प्रक्रिया की विवेचना कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(c) प्राकृतिक आक्सीकरणरोधी (एन्टी आक्सीडेंट) क्या होते हैं ? पशुओं के शरीर में इन आक्सीकरणरोधी तत्वों की भूमिका का वर्णन कीजिये । (5+10 अंक)
(d) गोवंशीय पशुओं के नर जनन अंगों का आरेखीय निरूपण कीजिये । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: null. (a(i)) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (a(ii)) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c(i)) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (c(ii)) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (d) map: locate accurately > label > one line on why it matters Full marks: Accurate species-specific terminology, detailed physiological mechanisms, and clear, labelled diagrams.
50MdescribeReproductive disorders, poultry physiology, protein nutrition
(a) Describe causes of different types of anoestrus in dairy cows and suggest their remedial measures. (15 marks)
(b) Describe the mechanism of respiration in poultry. (10 marks)
(c) How to calculate the protein requirement of growing calves? Discuss. (15 marks)
(d) Describe the importance of calorie : protein ratio in poultry. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) दुधारु गायों में विभिन्न प्रकार की मदहीनता के कारणों का वर्णन कीजिए एवं उनके उपचार के उपायों को सुझाइये । (15 अंक)
(b) कुक्कुट (पक्षियों) में श्वसन क्रियाविधि की व्याख्या कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(c) बढ़ते बछड़ों में प्रोटीन की आवश्यकता की गणना किस प्रकार की जाती है उसकी विवेचना कीजिये । (15 अंक)
(d) पक्षियों में ऊर्जा : प्रोटीन अनुपात के महत्व का वर्णन कीजिये । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Define > Physiology or aetiology > Signs > Diagnosis and management. (a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) calculate: given > formula > substitution > result with units > interpretation | (d) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Accurate, specific, and well-structured answers with all 'must' and 'credit' points.
Distinguish true anoestrus from subestrus (silent heat) and postpartum anoestrus
Identify causes: nutritional, metabolic, or reproductive
(a) Differentiate between the following:
(i) Endocrine and Exocrine glands. (4 marks)
(ii) Phytobiotics and Xenobiotics. (4 marks)
(iii) Heart sound and heart beat. (4 marks)
(iv) Normal and abnormal constituents of urine. (4 marks)
(v) Pre-natal and post-natal growth. (4 marks)
(b) Describe in detail about preparation of silage along with its advantages and disadvantages. (15 marks)
(c) Define essential, critical and limiting amino acids. Enlist the factors affecting amino acids requirement in poultry. (5+10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) निम्नलिखित के बीच विभेदन कीजिये :
(i) अन्तःस्रावी एवं बाह्यस्रावी ग्रन्थियाँ । (4 अंक)
(ii) पादपजीवी एवं जीनोबायोटिक्स । (4 अंक)
(iii) हृदयध्वनि एवं हृदय धड़कन । (4 अंक)
(iv) मूत्र के सामान्य व असामान्य घटक । (4 अंक)
(v) प्रसवपूर्व व प्रसवोत्तर विकास । (4 अंक)
(b) साइलेज बनाने की विधि को उसके फायदे और नुकसान सहित विस्तार से वर्णन कीजिये । (15 अंक)
(c) अनिवार्य, क्रांतिक (महत्वपूर्ण) एवं सीमित अमीनो अम्ल को परिभाषित कीजिये । पक्षियों में अमीनो अम्ल की आवश्यकता को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों को सूचीबद्ध कीजिये । (5+10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a(i)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (a(ii)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (a(iii)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (a(iv)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (a(v)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example Full marks: Precise definitions, clear differentiation, and comprehensive process description with specific examples.
Endocrine: ductless, secretes into blood
Exocrine: ducted, secretes to surface
Examples: Pituitary vs Salivary/Sweat
Hormonal vs enzymatic function
Phytobiotics: natural plant metabolites
Xenobiotics: foreign/synthetic substances
Examples: Saponins vs Pesticides
Function: gut-health feed additive vs toxic load needing detoxification
Heart sound: acoustic (S1, S2)
Heart beat: the contraction-relaxation cycle, counted as a rate
Sound caused by valve closure
Beat is felt by palpation or pulse; sound is heard by auscultation
Normal: Urea, creatinine, electrolytes
Abnormal: Glucose (glucosuria)
Abnormal: Protein (proteinuria)
Abnormal: Blood (hematuria)
Pre-natal: Fetal development in uterus
Post-natal: Growth after birth
Pre-natal: Organogenesis and cell division
Post-natal: Muscle/fat deposition
Process: Chopping, packing, sealing (anaerobic)
Fermentation: Lactic acid bacteria role
Advantages: Nutrient retention, year-round feed
Disadvantages: Spoilage risk, labor intensive
Essential: Cannot be synthesized (e.g., Lysine)
Limiting: First to run out in diet
Critical: essential amino acids most likely to be deficient in practical diets
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Mention the pattern of crop-rotation for supply of green fodder throughout the year. (10 marks)
(b) Constraints encountered during transfer of technology to rural women. (10 marks)
(c) Discuss about the care and management of pregnant cows. (10 marks)
(d) Differentiate general combining ability with specific combining ability. (10 marks)
(e) Explain the law of independent assortment with suitable example. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिये :
(a) वर्ष भर हरे चारे की आपूर्ति के लिये फसल चक्र के स्वरूप प्रतिरूप का उल्लेख कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(b) ग्रामीण महिलाओं को प्रौद्योगिकी हस्तांतरण के दौरान आने वाली बाधाओं का वर्णन कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(c) गर्भवती गायों की देखभाल एवं प्रबन्धन के बारे में चर्चा कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(d) सामान्य संयोजन क्षमता एवं विशिष्ट संयोजन क्षमता के मध्य अंतर बताइये । (10 अंक)
(e) स्वतंत्र अपव्यूहन (वर्गीकरण) के नियम की उपयुक्त उदाहरण के साथ व्याख्या कीजिये । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Define > Physiology or aetiology > Signs > Diagnosis and management. (a) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close | (b) challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, and well-structured answers with specific examples and clear explanations.
Identify specific fodder crops (e.g., Maize, Sorghum, Berseem)
Map crops to specific seasons (Kharif, Rabi, Zaid)
Explain the rotation sequence for continuous supply
Cover lean periods (Nov-Dec, May-June) with perennial or multi-cut fodder
Identify at least 3 distinct constraints (e.g., literacy, mobility)
Explain how each constraint hinders technology transfer
Suggest specific solutions for the identified constraints
Link constraints to the rural context
Describe nutritional requirements for pregnant cows
Explain the importance of regular veterinary check-ups
Detail the management of the calving period
Mention the need for a clean and comfortable environment
Define General Combining Ability (GCA)
Define Specific Combining Ability (SCA)
Highlight at least 3 key differences between GCA and SCA
Explain the significance of each in breeding programs
50MdescribeMolecular markers, poultry nutrition, indigenous breeds, dairy development
(a) Describe molecular marker. Write in detail about different types of DNA markers alongwith their advantages and disadvantages. (5+15 marks)
(b) Formulate an economic and balanced ration for laying hens using commonly available feed ingredients. (10 marks)
(c) Describe the characteristics and production potential of indigenous cattle breeds. (10 marks)
(d) Enlist different dairy development programmes of Govt. of India along with their objectives. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) आणविक चिह्नक की व्याख्या कीजिये । विभिन्न प्रकार के डी.एन.ए. चिह्नकों के बारे में उनके लाभ व हानि सहित विस्तार पूर्वक वर्णन कीजिये । (5+15 अंक)
(b) अंडे देने वाली मुर्गियों के लिये साधारणतया उपलब्ध खाद्य पदार्थों से सस्ता एवं संतुलित आहार तैयार कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(c) देशी गाय (मवेशियों) की नस्लों की विशेषताओं एवं उत्पादन क्षमता का वर्णन कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(d) भारत सरकार द्वारा डेयरी विकास के लिये चलाये जा रहे विभिन्न कार्यक्रमों को उनके उद्देश्यों के साथ सूचीबद्ध कीजिये । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a(i)) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (a(ii)) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) calculate: given > formula > substitution > result with units > interpretation | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (d) enumerate: list the items in order > one line each > no commentary Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, and well-structured answers with specific examples and calculations.
Definition of molecular marker
Distinguishing feature (genetic variation)
One example of a marker
Types: RFLP, RAPD, AFLP, SSR, SNP
Advantages of each type
Disadvantages of each type
Comparison of resolution/cost
List of ingredients (e.g., maize, soybean)
Percentage composition of ration
Nutrient levels (CP, Energy)
Economic justification (cost-effective)
Characteristics (e.g., hump, heat tolerance)
Production potential (milk, meat)
Adaptability to local conditions
Disease resistance
List of programmes (e.g., Operation Flood, National Dairy Plan, Rashtriya Gokul Mission)
(a) Describe the procedure for calculating the economics of milk production in commercial dairy farm having five hundred (500) cross-bred cows. (20 marks)
(b) What is precision dairy farming? Discuss the role of artificial intelligence in livestock farming. (5+10 marks)
(c) What are sex linked genes? How their mode of inheritance differ from the autosomes? (5+10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) पांच सौ संकर गायों वाले व्यावसायिक डेयरी प्रक्षेत्र में दुग्ध उत्पादन की अर्थशास्त्रीय गणना करने की विधि का वर्णन कीजिये । (20 अंक)
(b) यथार्थ (सटीक) डेयरी फार्मिंग क्या है ? पशुधन उत्पादन में कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता की भूमिका को व्याख्या कीजिये । (5+10 अंक)
(c) लिंग सहलग्नी संबद्ध जीन्स क्या होते हैं ? इनकी वंशागति की विधि अलिंगसूत्र (ऑटोसोम्स) से किस प्रकार भिन्न है ? (5+10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b(i)) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (b(ii)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c(i)) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (c(ii)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, and well-structured answers with specific examples and calculations.
(a) Describe the methods of estimating inbreeding coefficient and breeding value of animals. (20 marks)
(b) Suggest measures needed to ensure milk production and its supply chain during natural calamities. (15 marks)
(c) Describe pedigree selection along with its advantages and disadvantages. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) पशुओं के अंतःप्रजनन गुणांक एवं प्रजनन मूल्य के आकलन की विधियों का वर्णन कीजिये । (20 अंक)
(b) प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के दौरान दुग्ध उत्पादन एवं उसकी आपूर्ति श्रृंखला को सुनिश्चित करने के लिये आवश्यक उपायों को सुझाइये । (15 अंक)
(c) वंशावली चयन का उसके लाभ व हानि सहित वर्णन कीजिये । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: null. (a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, and well-structured answers with specific examples and clear distinctions between methods.
Define inbreeding coefficient (F) and its significance
Explain path coefficient method for F estimation
Explain the tabular (numerator relationship matrix) method for F estimation
Describe BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) for breeding value