Paper I — Q8
(a) Describe the methods of estimating inbreeding coefficient and breeding value of animals. (20 marks) (b) Suggest measures…
(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 प्रश्न 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)
Directive word: Describe
This question asks you to describe. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.
How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
The question demands descriptive treatment across three distinct domains: quantitative genetics (part a), disaster management (part b), and selection methodology (part c). Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20-mark weight, with 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure as: brief introduction noting the interconnectedness of genetic improvement, resilience planning, and selection tools; three clearly demarcated sections addressing each sub-part with appropriate depth; and a concluding synthesis on how these elements combine for sustainable livestock improvement in India.
Key points expected
- Part (a): Path coefficient method and tabular method for inbreeding coefficient (F); BLUP/Animal Model and sire model for breeding value estimation; mention of numerator relationship matrix (A) and its role
- Part (a): Contemporary comparison, progeny testing, and index selection as alternative breeding value estimation approaches; accuracy measures (reliability, repeatability)
- Part (b): Pre-disaster preparedness including strategic fodder reserves, silage banks, and portable milking equipment; breed-specific contingency plans for high-producing exotic/crossbred cattle
- Part (b): Supply chain resilience through milk chilling centres, alternate transport routes, and digital tracking (NDDB's e-Gopala/INAPH integration); post-disaster veterinary health camps and disease surveillance
- Part (c): Pedigree selection methodology including ancestor evaluation, individual performance of relatives, and heritability considerations; optimal for traits with high heritability and early expression
- Part (c): Advantages (early selection possible, no progeny delay, useful for sex-limited traits in males) and disadvantages (low accuracy, environmental confounding, pedigree errors, limited for low heritability traits)
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demand-directive understanding | 15% | 7.5 | Correctly interprets 'describe' for (a) and (c) requiring systematic exposition of methods/processes, while recognizing 'suggest' in (b) demands prescriptive, actionable recommendations; maintains appropriate tonal shift between analytical description and applied policy suggestions without conflating the two | Treats all sub-parts uniformly as description without adjusting for 'suggest' in (b); provides generic lists rather than methodical exposition or actionable measures | Misreads directives entirely—provides definitions when description is needed, or merely lists without elaboration; confuses 'suggest' with 'discuss' and offers theoretical analysis instead of practical measures |
| Content depth & accuracy | 25% | 12.5 | For (a): correctly formulates F = Σ(1/2)^(n+1) for path method and explains construction of A matrix for tabular method; distinguishes BLUP equations from simpler selection indices. For (b): specifies NDDB's Emergency Fodder Reserve, mobile veterinary units under NADCP, and cold chain protocols. For (c): accurately links pedigree selection efficacy to heritability thresholds (h² > 0.3) and generation intervals | Mentions inbreeding coefficient and breeding value without explaining estimation mechanics; gives generic disaster measures without institutional specifics; states pedigree selection advantages/disadvantages without genetic parameter linkages | Confuses inbreeding coefficient with inbreeding depression; conflates breeding value with phenotypic value; provides irrelevant disaster management (human health focus); describes mass selection instead of pedigree selection |
| Structure & flow | 20% | 10 | Clear tripartite structure with explicit sub-headings (a), (b), (c); within (a), separates inbreeding coefficient methods from breeding value methods; logical progression from genetic foundations (a) to applied resilience (b) to selection implementation (c); effective signposting between sections | Addresses all parts but with poor demarcation—runs (a) and (c) together as 'genetic topics'; bullet points without thematic grouping; no explicit transitions between the three distinct domains | Unstructured narrative jumping between topics; missing one sub-part entirely or addressing parts in wrong order; no paragraph breaks or headings making evaluation impossible |
| Examples / case-law / data | 20% | 10 | For (a): cites ICAR-NDRI/IVRI research on buffalo breeding value estimation; for (b): references Operation Flood infrastructure, 2018 Kerala floods milk supply response, or NDDB's Dairy Disaster Management Guidelines; for (c): illustrates with Gir or Sahiwal bull selection examples from AICRP on Cattle/NDDB progeny testing programmes | Generic references to 'Indian dairy sector' or 'crossbred cattle' without specific breed, programme, or institutional names; mentions NDDB/ICAR without linking to specific initiatives | No Indian examples; uses exclusively Western/European breeding programmes (Holstein USA, Red Dane Denmark); or fabricates non-existent schemes; examples contradict genetic principles stated |
| Conclusion & analytical edge | 20% | 10 | Synthesizes how accurate genetic estimation (a), disaster-resilient infrastructure (b), and appropriate selection tools (c) form integrated framework for climate-resilient dairy development; critically notes when pedigree selection remains relevant (conservation of indigenous breeds) versus when genomic selection supersedes it; connects to PM-KUSUM, National Livestock Mission, or National Dairy Plan-II goals | Summarizes three parts separately without integration; generic concluding statement on 'importance of animal breeding'; no critical evaluation of method limitations or future directions | No conclusion; ends abruptly with last sub-part; or provides entirely new content in conclusion not addressed in body; contradictory statements between body and conclusion |
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