Paper I — Q7
(a) Define the term 'total digestible nutrients' and describe the various factors which affect the total digestible nutrients…
(a) Define the term 'total digestible nutrients' and describe the various factors which affect the total digestible nutrients. (15 marks) (b) Enlist the various measures for evaluation of protein quality for monogastric animals and describe the biological value method. (20 marks) (c) Define balanced ration and describe the ideal characteristics of a balanced ration for breeding bulls. (15 marks)
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
(a) 'सकल पचनशील पोषक तत्वों' को परिभाषित कीजिए और सकल पचनशील पोषक तत्वों को प्रभावित करने वाले विभिन्न कारकों का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक) (b) एक-जठरीय पशुओं हेतु प्रोटीन की गुणवत्ता के मूल्यांकन के लिए विभिन्न विधियों की सूची बनाइए और जैविक मूल्य विधि का वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (c) संतुलित राशन को परिभाषित कीजिए और प्रजनन वाले सांडों के लिए संतुलित राशन की आदर्श विशेषताओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (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 directive 'describe' demands detailed, systematic exposition with clarity on processes and characteristics. Allocate approximately 30% time/words to part (a) on TDN, 40% to part (b) on protein quality being the highest-marked section, and 30% to part (c) on balanced ration for breeding bulls. Structure with clear sub-headings for each part, begin with definitions, proceed to elaboration of factors/methods/characteristics, and conclude with practical implications for livestock management in Indian conditions.
Key points expected
- Part (a): Precise definition of TDN as sum of digestible crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen-free extract and 2.25 times digestible ether extract; factors affecting TDN including feed composition, processing methods, animal species and physiological state
- Part (a): Explanation of digestibility coefficients and how they vary with fibre content, lignification, and anti-nutritional factors; mention of TDN limitations for high-producing animals
- Part (b): Comprehensive listing of protein quality measures including PER, NPR, NPU, BV, chemical score, PDCAAS, and DIAAS for monogastrics
- Part (b): Detailed biological value method description including nitrogen balance studies, formula (BV = retained N/absorbed N × 100), experimental procedure with rats/poultry, and distinction between true BV and apparent BV
- Part (c): Definition of balanced ration meeting all nutrient requirements for maintenance and production; specific characteristics for breeding bulls including energy density, protein quality, mineral balance (Ca:P), vitamin A and E adequacy
- Part (c): Breeding bull-specific requirements: libido maintenance, semen quality parameters, body condition score maintenance, and avoidance of excess body fat; mention of ICAR feeding standards
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demand-directive understanding | 18% | 9 | For (a), provides comprehensive definitional framework with mathematical basis; for (b), 'enlist' produces systematic categorization while 'describe' yields step-by-step methodological exposition; for (c), distinguishes between general balanced ration and breeding bull-specific modifications with clear directive alignment | Defines terms adequately but mixes up directives—lists instead of describing in (b), or gives generic ration characteristics without breeding bull specificity in (c) | Misinterprets directives—provides only definition without factors in (a), skips listing entirely in (b), or gives dairy cow ration instead of breeding bull ration in (c) |
| Content depth & accuracy | 22% | 11 | Accurate TDN calculation components with 2.25 multiplier explained; protein quality measures correctly ordered by sophistication; BV method includes nitrogen intake, fecal/urinary N, endogenous/ metabolic N corrections; breeding bull ration covers libido, semen quality, and ICAR standards precisely | Generally correct content but omits 2.25 factor explanation, confuses BV with NPU, or misses critical breeding bull nutrients like vitamin E for semen membrane integrity | Fundamental errors—TDN defined as total nutrients not digestible, BV calculated as retained/intake not retained/absorbed, or breeding bulls fed like fattening cattle |
| Structure & flow | 18% | 9 | Clear tripartite structure with visible demarcation; each part has internal logic—definition first, then systematic elaboration; smooth transitions between TDN factors, protein quality measures, and ration characteristics; effective use of tables for TDN composition or BV calculation steps | All three parts present but uneven development; some parts lack clear definition-first approach; transitions between factors or measures are abrupt | Disorganized amalgamation without part labels; no logical sequencing within sections; missing one or more sub-parts entirely |
| Examples / case-law / data | 22% | 11 | Cites TDN values for common Indian feeds (green fodder 55-65%, concentrates 70-80%); references BV of egg protein (100 reference) vs. wheat (50) vs. fish meal (75-80); mentions specific ICAR (2013) nutrient requirements for breeding bulls; includes Indian studies on bypass protein or semen quality improvement through nutrition | Generic feed examples without specific TDN percentages; mentions protein sources without BV values; references feeding standards without specificity to breeding bulls | No quantitative data or Indian context; entirely theoretical treatment without feed names, BV values, or standard references |
| Conclusion & analytical edge | 20% | 10 | Synthesizes limitations—TDN's energy overestimation for high-fibre diets, BV's practical constraints leading to modern DIAAS adoption, and integration of precision nutrition for breeding bull fertility; connects to Indian livestock productivity challenges and emerging feed evaluation systems | Brief summary restating main points without critical integration; mentions one limitation without exploring implications | No conclusion or abrupt ending; purely descriptive without any evaluative or forward-looking element |
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