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Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

UPSC Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science 2021 — Paper II

All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science 2021 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.

8Questions
400Total marks
2021Year
Paper IIPaper

Topics covered

Animal anatomy, diseases, public health, milk handling, meat processing (1)Ruminant anatomy, bone fractures, animal welfare (1)Disease control, ghee manufacture, food-borne disease epidemiology (1)Leather processing, poultry housing, mastitis in dairy cattle (1)Embryonic development, poultry nutrition, veterolegal science, dairy packaging, meat quality (1)Dairy plant sanitation, avian anatomy, international trade regulations (1)Toxicology, meat science, wool grading (1)Pharmacology, butter processing, egg microbiology (1)

A

Q1
50M 150w Compulsory discuss Animal anatomy, diseases, public health, milk handling, meat processing

Discuss the following in about 150 words each: (a) Histology of endocrine and exocrine pancreas (10 marks) (b) Monday morning sickness in equines and its management (10 marks) (c) Socio-economic impact of zoonotic diseases on public health (10 marks) (d) Collection and transportation of raw milk (10 marks) (e) Grading and fabrication of sheep carcass (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक की लगभग 150 शब्दों में विवेचना कीजिए : (a) एण्डोक्राइन एवं एक्सोक्राइन अग्नाशय का उत्तक-विज्ञान (10 अंक) (b) घोड़ों में मंडे मॉर्निंग सिकनेस तथा उसका प्रबंधन (10 अंक) (c) पशुजन्य रोगों का जन स्वास्थ्य पर सामाजिक-आर्थिक प्रभाव (10 अंक) (d) कच्चे दूध का संग्रहण एवं परिवहन (10 अंक) (e) भेड़ के शव की ग्रेडिंग एवं फेब्रिकेशन (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

The directive 'discuss' requires presenting key facts with analytical depth across all five sub-parts. Allocate approximately 30 words (20% time) per sub-part, maintaining strict parity since all carry equal 10 marks. Structure each 150-word response as: brief definition/introduction (25-30 words), core content with specific technical details (90-100 words), and concluding significance/implication (20-30 words). No overarching introduction or conclusion is needed for this multi-part format.

  • (a) Histology: Islets of Langerhans (alpha, beta, delta cells with hormones); exocrine acinar cells (zymogen granules, duct system); staining characteristics; functional correlation
  • (b) Monday morning sickness: Atypical myopathy etiology (hypoglycin A in sycamore seeds); clinical signs (stiffness, myoglobinuria, recumbency); immediate management (IV fluids, glucose, antioxidants); prevention (pasture management)
  • (c) Zoonotic socio-economic impact: Direct costs (treatment, lost wages); indirect costs (trade restrictions, culling); One Health framework; Indian burden (rabies, brucellosis, anthrax statistics)
  • (d) Milk collection/transport: Farm-level practices (udder preparation, first milk rejection); cold chain maintenance (4°C within 2 hours); bulk milk coolers; tanker standards (stainless steel, insulation, agitation)
  • (e) Sheep carcass: Grading parameters (conformation, fat cover, maturity); Indian standards vs. EUROP system; fabrication cuts (leg, loin, shoulder, breast); dressing percentage factors
Q2
50M enumerate Ruminant anatomy, bone fractures, animal welfare

(a) Enumerate the different compartments of ruminal stomach. Explain the topographic anatomy of rumen and reticulum in relation to causation of diaphragmatic hernia. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the classification, fixation techniques, complications and management of long bone fractures in animals. (20 marks) (c) Discuss the role of SPCA in animal welfare. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) जुगाली करने वाले जानवरों के पेट के विभिन्न भागों का निरूपण (इन्यूमेरेट) कीजिए। डायाफ्रामिक हर्निया के कारण के संबंध में रूमेन और रेटिकुलम की स्थलाकृतिक शरीर-रचना की व्याख्या कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) जानवरों में लंबी हड्डियों के फ्रैक्चर के वर्गीकरण, निर्धारण तकनीकों, जटिलताओं एवं प्रबंधन की चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक) (c) पशु कल्याण के लिए एस० पी० सी० ए० की भूमिका का वर्णन कीजिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

The directive 'enumerate' in part (a) demands systematic listing followed by explanatory elaboration, while 'discuss' in parts (b) and (c) requires comprehensive coverage with critical analysis. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks and dual demand of enumeration plus topographic explanation; 35% to part (b) covering classification, techniques, complications and management; and 25% to part (c) on SPCA's multifaceted welfare role. Structure with clear sub-headings for each part, ensuring anatomical precision in (a), clinical detail in (b), and policy-institutional analysis in (c).

  • Part (a): Enumeration of four ruminal stomach compartments (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum) with species-specific variations; topographic anatomy of rumen (left and right sacs, dorsal/ventral sacs, cranial/caudal blind sacs) and reticulum (cranial to 7th-8th rib, diaphragmatic and visceral surfaces); mechanistic explanation of diaphragmatic hernia causation via reticular wall weakness, increased intra-abdominal pressure, and anatomical proximity to diaphragm
  • Part (b): Classification of long bone fractures (complete/incomplete, simple/comminuted/greenstick, open/closed, transverse/oblique/spiral); fixation techniques including external coaptation (plaster cast, Thomas splint), internal fixation (intramedullary pinning, plating, interlocking nailing, cerclage wiring), and external skeletal fixation; complications (delayed union, non-union, malunion, osteomyelitis, implant failure, compartment syndrome); management protocols covering emergency care, surgical preparation, post-operative care, and rehabilitation in large vs. small animals
  • Part (c): SPCA's legislative mandate under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960; roles in cruelty investigation, prosecution, animal rescue and rehabilitation, shelter management, humane education, and advocacy for policy reforms; distinction between SPCA India (national body) and state/district SPCAs; limitations and challenges in enforcement
  • Integration: Cross-referencing between anatomical knowledge and clinical application (e.g., rumen anatomy relevance to rumenotomy, fracture biomechanics to fixation choice)
  • Comparative perspective: Species-specific considerations in fracture management (bovine vs. equine vs. canine) and welfare challenges across livestock, working animals, and companion animals in Indian context
Q3
50M discuss Disease control, ghee manufacture, food-borne disease epidemiology

(a) What are zero disease concept and herd immunity? Discuss in detail about chemoprophylaxis. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the various methods of Ghee manufacture along with their merits and demerits. Write down the FSSAI and Agmark standards of Ghee. (15 marks) (c) Discuss the epidemiological principles, methods of investigation and control of food-borne diseases. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) शून्य रोग अवधारणा (जीरो डिजीज कांसेप्ट) और हर्ड इम्युनिटी क्या हैं? रसायन-रोगनिरोध (कीमoprophylaxis) के बारे में विस्तार से चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) घी निर्माण की विभिन्न विधियों के साथ-साथ उनके गुण व दोषों की विवेचना कीजिए। घी के एफ० एस० एस० ए० आई० एवं एगमार्क मानकों के बारे में लिखिए। (15 अंक) (c) खाद्यजनित रोगों के महामारी-विज्ञान के सिद्धांतों, उनकी जाँच एवं नियंत्रण के तरीकों को विस्तारपूर्वक वर्णित कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

The directive 'discuss' requires a comprehensive, analytical treatment with balanced coverage across all three sub-parts. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief introduction highlighting interconnected themes (disease prevention, food safety, public health), followed by dedicated sections for each sub-part with clear sub-headings, and conclude with integrated insights on One Health approach linking animal disease control to food safety.

  • Part (a): Zero disease concept (eradication vs. elimination, regional examples like FMD-free zones), herd immunity threshold calculation (R0-based), and chemoprophylaxis details (antibiotics, antiparasitics, ionophores with specific examples like tetracycline for anaplasmosis, decoquinate for coccidiosis)
  • Part (a): Critical analysis of chemoprophylaxis limitations: antimicrobial resistance (AMR), withdrawal periods, residue concerns, and regulatory frameworks (Veterinary Council of India guidelines)
  • Part (b): Ghee manufacturing methods: desi/direct cream (khoa), creamery butter method, pre-stratification method, and continuous (centrifugal) process with technical merits/demerits for each
  • Part (b): FSSAI standards (FSS Regulation 2011: moisture max 0.3%, FFA max 0.4%, BR reading 40-43 at 40°C) and Agmark grades (Grade A vs. B with specific analytical constants)
  • Part (c): Epidemiological principles: web of causation, iceberg concept, dose-response relationships for food-borne pathogens; investigation methods: cohort, case-control, case-series studies with outbreak investigation steps
  • Part (c): Control strategies: HACCP implementation in dairy/meat processing, hazard analysis, critical control points, and specific Indian examples (Salmonella in poultry, Listeria in soft cheeses, Brucella in raw milk)
Q4
50M discuss Leather processing, poultry housing, mastitis in dairy cattle

(a) Discuss the various methods of preservation of hides and skin. Elaborate the different steps involved in conversion of hides and skin into leather. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the different housing systems for poultry and their merits and demerits. (10 marks) (c) Discuss in detail the etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis and control of mastitis in a high-yielding crossbred Jersey cow. (20 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) खाल एवं त्वचा के संरक्षण के विभिन्न तरीकों की चर्चा कीजिए। खाल एवं त्वचा को चमड़े में बदलने में शामिल विभिन्न चरणों का विस्तार से वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) कुक्कुट (पोल्ट्री) पालन के लिए विभिन्न आवास व्यवस्थाओं (प्रणालियों) का वर्णन कीजिए और उनके गुण व दोषों पर चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक) (c) अधिक उत्पादकता (दुध) वाली क्रॉसब्रीड जर्सी गायों में थनैला (मास्टाइटिस) की इटियोलॉजी, रोगजनन, लक्षण, निदान और नियंत्रण के बारे में विस्तार से चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

The directive 'discuss' requires comprehensive coverage with critical elaboration across all three parts. Allocate approximately 40% of word budget to part (a) given its 20 marks, 20% to part (b), and 40% to part (c). Structure as: brief introduction acknowledging the three distinct domains (leather technology, poultry management, dairy pathology); then systematic treatment of each sub-part with clear sub-headings; conclude with integrated insights on livestock-based value chains and One Health approach.

  • Part (a): Preservation methods of hides/skins (drying, salting, brining, chilling, chemical preservatives) and complete leather processing sequence (curing → soaking → liming → deliming → bating → pickling → tanning → neutralising → fatliquoring → finishing)
  • Part (a): Distinction between vegetable tanning (saddle leather) vs chrome tanning (soft leather) with Indian context (Kolhapuris, Kanpur leather industry)
  • Part (b): Housing systems comparison—deep litter, cage system, slatted/wire floor, free-range/organic; merits/demerits on bird welfare, biosecurity, egg quality, labour and capital intensity
  • Part (c): Etiology of mastitis (contagious: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae; environmental: E. coli, Streptococcus uberis, Klebsiella) with specific reference to crossbred Jersey susceptibility
  • Part (c): Complete clinical picture—subclinical (elevated SCC, reduced milk yield), clinical (watery milk, flakes, udder swelling), chronic (fibrosis); diagnostic tools (CMT, SCC, bacterial culture, PCR); five-point control plan (teat dipping, dry cow therapy, culling, milking machine maintenance, vaccination)
  • Part (c): Economic impact on Indian dairy sector and relevance to Operation Flood legacy and current NDDB programmes

B

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory discuss Embryonic development, poultry nutrition, veterolegal science, dairy packaging, meat quality

Discuss the following in about 150 words each: (a) Development of bone, fat and muscle tissues in mammalian embryo (10 marks) (b) Vitamin B complex deficiency in poultry (10 marks) (c) Determination of time of death (TOD) in animals in veterolegal cases (10 marks) (d) Packaging of milk and milk products (10 marks) (e) Eating quality of meat (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक की लगभग 150 शब्दों में विवेचना कीजिए : (a) स्तनधारी भ्रूण में अस्थि, वसा एवं मांसपेशियों के उतकों का विकास (10 अंक) (b) कुक्कुट (पोल्ट्री) में विटामिन बी० कॉम्प्लेक्स की कमी (10 अंक) (c) पशुचिकित्सा-कानूनी मामलों में पशुओं की मृत्यु के समय (टी० ओ० डी०) का निर्धारण (10 अंक) (d) दुध और दुध उत्पादों की पैकेजिंग (10 अंक) (e) मांस की खाने योग्य गुणवत्ता (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

The directive 'discuss' requires balanced coverage of all five sub-parts with explanatory depth. Allocate approximately 30 words (20% time) per sub-part, ensuring each receives equal treatment since marks are evenly distributed. Structure as five distinct mini-answers without an overarching introduction or conclusion; begin each sub-part with its letter label for clarity.

  • (a) Embryonic tissue development: mesodermal origin of all three tissues; myogenesis (myotome→myoblasts→myofibers), adipogenesis (lipoblasts→adipocytes), osteogenesis (osteoblasts→osteocytes); critical windows (primary vs secondary fiber formation)
  • (b) B-complex deficiency: thiamine (polyneuritis, star-gazing), riboflavin (curled toe paralysis), pantothenic acid (dermatitis), biotin (foot pad lesions), B12 (anemia); interdependence and synthetic vitamin supplementation in commercial rations
  • (c) TOD determination: post-mortem changes (algor mortis, rigor mortis, livor mortis); entomological evidence (succession of Diptera species); gastric emptying; ocular changes (vitreous potassium); PMI estimation formulae
  • (d) Dairy packaging: aseptic UHT packaging (Tetra Pak), HDPE bottles, pouch milk; modified atmosphere packaging for cheese; cold chain maintenance; FSSAI labeling requirements; shelf-life extension mechanisms
  • (e) Meat eating quality: tenderness (collagen solubility, sarcomere length), juiciness (water-holding capacity, intramuscular fat), flavor (volatile compounds from Maillard reaction, lipid oxidation); objective measures (Warner-Bratzler shear force) vs sensory panels
Q6
50M describe Dairy plant sanitation, avian anatomy, international trade regulations

(a) Describe in detail about the cleaning and sanitation of dairy plant for processing of clean and safe milk. (20 marks) (b) Describe the various modifications in musculo-skeletal system of fowl which help them in flight. (15 marks) (c) Discuss the role of OIE, WTO and sanitary and phytosanitary measures needed in improving the international trade in foods of animal origin. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) स्वच्छ और सुरक्षित दूध के प्रसंस्करण के लिए डेयरी संयंत्र की सफाई एवं स्वच्छता के बारे में विस्तारपूर्वक वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) मुर्गी के मांसपेशीय एवं कंकालीय प्रणाली में विभिन्न संशोधनों का वर्णन कीजिए, जो कि उन्हें उड़ान में मदद करते हैं। (15 अंक) (c) पशुओं द्वारा उत्पन्न खाद्य पदार्थों के अंतर्राष्ट्रीय व्यापार में सुधार के लिए आवश्यक ओ। आइ। ई।, डब्ल्यू। टी। ओ। तथा स्वच्छता एवं पादप-स्वच्छता (फाइटोसैनिटरी) उपायों की भूमिका पर चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

The primary directive is 'describe' for parts (a) and (b), while part (c) requires 'discuss'. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief composite introduction, then three distinct sections addressing each sub-part sequentially, followed by an integrated conclusion linking dairy safety, avian adaptation, and trade harmonization.

  • Part (a): CIP/SIP systems, detergent-sanitizer selection (acid/alkaline chlorinated), biofilm prevention, pasteurizer plate heat exchanger sanitation, and FSSAI/PMO standards compliance
  • Part (a): Critical control points in dairy plant sanitation including receiving area, storage tanks, filling machines, and environmental monitoring for psychrotrophs and thermodurics
  • Part (b): Pneumaticized skeleton (pneumatic bones, uncinate processes), keeled sternum with high surface area for flight muscle attachment, and fused skeletal elements (synsacrum, pygostyle)
  • Part (b): Muscle modifications including pectoralis major/minor ratio, absence of diaphragm with air sac system integration, and lightweight fast-twitch glycolytic fibers
  • Part (c): OIE's WOAH role in Terrestrial/Aquatic Animal Health Codes, WTO SPS Agreement Article 3-5 on harmonization and equivalence, and Codex Alimentarius standards for food safety
  • Part (c): India's SPS challenges including FMD-free zones, AI outbreaks and trade restrictions, and recent FSSAI-WTO notification alignment for buffalo meat and dairy exports
Q7
50M discuss Toxicology, meat science, wool grading

(a) Write about the risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms and management of organophosphorus poisoning in dairy animals. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the steps involved in conversion of muscle into meat and the factors affecting meat quality. (20 marks) (c) Discuss the various systems of wool grading. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) दूध उत्पादक पशुओं में ऑर्गेनोफॉस्फोरस विषाक्तता के जोखिम कारक, रोगजनन, नैदानिक लक्षण एवं प्रबंधन के बारे में लिखिए। (20 अंक) (b) मांसपेशियों को मांस में बदलने के लिए शामिल चरणों एवं मांस की गुणवत्ता को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों पर चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक) (c) उन ग्रेडिंग की विभिन्न प्रणालियों पर चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

The directive 'discuss' requires a comprehensive, analytical treatment of all three sub-parts with balanced depth. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) on organophosphorus poisoning (20 marks), 40% to part (b) on muscle-to-meat conversion (20 marks), and 20% to part (c) on wool grading systems (10 marks). Structure with brief introductions for each part, systematic coverage of all sub-components, and a concluding synthesis on quality assurance in animal products.

  • Part (a): Risk factors (pesticide misuse, contaminated feed/water, dermal exposure); pathogenesis (acetylcholinesterase inhibition, accumulation at synapses); clinical symptoms (SLUD signs, respiratory distress, CNS effects); management (atropine sulfate, 2-PAM, supportive care)
  • Part (a): Specific dairy cattle considerations: higher susceptibility due to metabolic status, milk withdrawal periods, economic impact on dairy operations
  • Part (b): Biochemical changes in conversion: rigor mortis (ATP depletion, actin-myosin complex), resolution/aging (proteolysis, pH decline), cold shortening prevention
  • Part (b): Factors affecting meat quality: ante-mortem (breed, nutrition, stress), peri-mortem (slaughter methods, stunning), post-mortem (chilling rate, aging, packaging); objective measures (pH, water holding capacity, shear force, colour)
  • Part (c): Objective grading systems: micron count (fineness), staple length, yield percentage; subjective systems: wool classing by visual appraisal; Indian context: IWTO standards, carpet vs apparel wool classification
  • Part (c): Comparison of systems: American (bloodline/quality number), British (Bradford count), Australian/New Zealand (objective measurement); merits and limitations of each
Q8
50M discuss Pharmacology, butter processing, egg microbiology

(a) Classify diuretics with examples on the basis of efficacy and also write down their mechanism of action. (20 marks) (b) Discuss in detail about the processing of butter along with flow diagram. Enumerate the defects encountered in stored butter. (20 marks) (c) Explain the antimicrobial components of shell eggs and discuss the different types of microbial spoilage of shell eggs. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) प्रभावोत्पादकता (एफिकेसी) के आधार पर मूत्रवर्धकों को उदाहरण सहित वर्गीकृत कीजिए तथा उनकी क्रियाविधि भी लिखिए। (20 अंक) (b) मक्खन के प्रसंस्करण के बारे में प्रवाह आरेख (फ्लो डायग्राम) के साथ विस्तार से चर्चा कीजिए। भंडारित मक्खन में आने वाली खराबियों के बारे में लिखिए। (20 अंक) (c) शेल अंडों के रोगाणुरोधी घटकों (कॉम्पोनेंट) की व्याख्या कीजिए एवं शेल अंडों की विभिन्न प्रकार की माइक्रोबियल खराबी (स्पॉइलेज) की चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

The question demands a comprehensive discussion across three distinct domains: pharmacology (diuretics), dairy technology (butter processing), and food microbiology (egg spoilage). Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks and technical depth, 35% to part (b) for the detailed process flow and defects, and 25% to part (c). Structure with clear sub-headings for each part, begin with brief introductions, use bullet points for classifications and mechanisms, include labeled diagrams for butter processing, and conclude with integrated insights on food safety and quality control across animal products.

  • Part (a): Classification of diuretics by efficacy (high-ceiling loop diuretics like furosemide, medium-ceiling thiazides like hydrochlorothiazide, low-ceiling potassium-sparing like spironolactone) with specific mechanism of action for each class (Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, Na-Cl cotransporter, aldosterone antagonism/ENaC blockade respectively)
  • Part (a): Clinical relevance and comparative pharmacokinetics of diuretic classes in veterinary species (cattle, dogs, horses)
  • Part (b): Complete butter processing flow: cream separation → neutralization (if needed) → pasteurization → aging/churning → washing → working/salting → packaging, with proper flow diagram
  • Part (b): Storage defects: surface discoloration (oxidative rancidity, microbial), texture defects (crumbly, greasy, leaky), flavor defects (fishy, tallowy, metallic) and their causative factors
  • Part (c): Antimicrobial components: cuticle, shell matrix proteins (ovocalyxin-36, lysozyme), shell mineral structure, albumen antimicrobial factors (lysozyme, ovotransferrin, avidin, ovomucoid)
  • Part (c): Microbial spoilage types: green rot (Pseudomonas), black rot (Proteus, Pseudomonas), colorless rot (Alcaligenes, Achromobacter), pink rot (Pseudomonas), and fungal spoilage (Penicillium, Alternaria)

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