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Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

UPSC Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science 2024 — Paper II

All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science 2024 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.

8Questions
400Total marks
2024Year
Paper IIPaper

Topics covered

Embryonic development, antimicrobial agents, brooder house, vitamin E deficiency, impaction (1)Hemorrhagic septicemia, histological staining, atropine pharmacology (1)Abomasal displacement, hypomagnesemic tetany, indigenous livestock breeds (1)Laboratory samples and tests, conventional vaccines, pelvic cavity anatomy (1)Zoonoses classification, epidemiological studies, milk pasteurization, rigor mortis, poultry handling (1)Blood stain examination, reconstituted and recombined milk, stunning techniques (1)Convenience meat products, cream production and defects, wool processing (1)Slaughter-house byproducts, infectious outbreak control, milk flavour defects (1)

A

Q1
50M 150w Compulsory discuss Embryonic development, antimicrobial agents, brooder house, vitamin E deficiency, impaction

Discuss the following in about 150 words each: (a) Twinning during embryonic development in animals (10 marks) (b) Classification of antimicrobial agents based on the mechanism of action with examples (10 marks) (c) Specific requirements for brooder house of chicken (10 marks) (d) Important clinical signs exhibited by poultry due to deficiency of vitamin E (10 marks) (e) Clinical symptoms and treatment of impaction in bovines (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में चर्चा कीजिए : (a) पशुओं में भ्रूणीय विकास के दौरान जुड़वां बनना (10 अंक) (b) क्रियाविधि पर आधारित रोगाणुरोधी कर्मकों का वर्गीकरण, उदाहरण सहित (10 अंक) (c) कुकुट के ब्रूडर घर के लिए विशिष्ट आवश्यकताएँ (10 अंक) (d) विटामिन E की कमी के कारण मुर्गियों (पोल्ट्री) द्वारा प्रदर्शित मुख्य रोग लक्षण (10 अंक) (e) गोजातीय पशुओं में अंतर्डूडन (इम्पैक्शन) के रोग लक्षण एवं उपचार (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science (Paper 2). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, with specific examples and clinical relevance.

  • Define monozygotic (identical) twinning mechanism
  • Define dizygotic (fraternal) twinning mechanism
  • Mention timing of zygote splitting (blastocyst stage)
  • Note species variation (e.g., polyovulation in cattle)
  • Cell wall synthesis inhibitors (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins)
  • Protein synthesis inhibitors, 30S and 50S (e.g., tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, macrolides)
  • Nucleic acid and folate synthesis inhibitors (e.g., fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides-trimethoprim)
  • Cell membrane disruptors (e.g., polymyxins)
  • Temperature control (heat source, thermostat)
  • Ventilation and air quality management
  • Lighting requirements (intensity, duration)
  • Space allowance and stocking density
  • Encephalomalacia (crazy chick disease) signs
  • Exudative diathesis (subcutaneous oedema; with selenium deficiency)
  • Nutritional muscular dystrophy
  • Reproductive signs (poor hatchability, infertility in cocks)
  • Clinical signs: anorexia, bloat, colic, dehydration
  • Diagnosis: rectal palpation, auscultation
  • Treatment: fluid therapy, laxatives, prokinetics
  • Surgical intervention if conservative treatment fails
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Q2
50M describe Hemorrhagic septicemia, histological staining, atropine pharmacology

(a) Describe the etiology, clinical signs, postmortem lesions and control of hemorrhagic septicemia in buffaloes. (20 marks) (b) Describe various methods and procedures for in vitro staining with reference to histological examination. (15 marks) (c) Explain the pharmacology and clinical use of atropine in animals. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) भैंसों में रक्तस्रावी पूतिजीववृत्ता के रोग कारण, नैदानिक लक्षण, मरणोत्तर घावों तथा नियंत्रण का वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) उतकीय (हिस्टोलॉजिकल) परीक्षण के संदर्भ में अंतः पात्र रंजन (रंगाई) की विभिन्न विधियों तथा प्रक्रियाओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) पशुओं में एट्रोपिन के भेषजगुण-विज्ञान तथा चिकित्सीय उपयोग की व्याख्या कीजिए। (15 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) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, and specific with correct terminology and detailed procedures.

  • Name pathogen Pasteurella multocida serotype B
  • Detail clinical signs: high fever, edema, dyspnea
  • List postmortem lesions: serosanguinous effusion, lymphadenitis
  • Outline control: vaccination, antibiotic therapy, quarantine
  • List standard stains: H&E, Gram, Ziehl-Neelsen
  • Detail procedure: Fixation, Dehydration, Embedding, Sectioning
  • Explain staining steps: Primary stain, Differentiation, Counterstain
  • Mention mounting and clearing agents
  • Define mechanism: Antagonist at muscarinic receptors
  • List clinical uses: Antidote for organophosphorus poisoning
  • Mention use as pre-anesthetic sedative
  • Detail effects: Tachycardia, dry mouth, mydriasis
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Q3
50M discuss Abomasal displacement, hypomagnesemic tetany, indigenous livestock breeds

(a) Discuss the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of abomasal displacement in cows. (20 marks) (b) Describe the causes, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of hypomagnesemic tetany. (15 marks) (c) Justify the enhanced acceptability of indigenous livestock breeds in changing climate scenario. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) गायों में चतुर्थ आमाशयी विस्थापन के रोग कारण, नैदानिक लक्षण, रोग निदान तथा उपचार पर चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) हाइपोमैग्नेसेमिक टेटनी के कारणों, रोग लक्षणों, निदान, रोकथाम तथा उपचार का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) बदलते जलवायु परिदृश्य में स्वदेशी पशुधन नस्लों की बढ़ती हुई स्वीकार्यता को सिद्ध कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Veterinary Science Standard. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precise clinical details, specific treatments, and strong justification with breed examples.

  • Etiology: early-lactation cows; hypocalcaemia, ketosis, metritis; high-concentrate, low-fibre diet causing abomasal atony and gas
  • Clinical signs: inappetence, fall in milk yield, ketosis, left (or right) 'ping'; severe signs in right torsion
  • Diagnosis: simultaneous auscultation-percussion, succussion, ultrasonography, abomasocentesis, hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis
  • Treatment: rolling or toggle for LDA; surgery (omentopexy/abomasopexy); urgent surgery for RDA/volvulus; supportive fluids and calcium
  • Causes: low dietary Mg; high K and N in lush pasture or fertilised fodder; low Na; cold, wet weather and stress
  • Clinical symptoms: hyperexcitability, muscle tremors, convulsions, recumbency with paddling
  • Diagnosis: serum or CSF Mg (vitreous humour after death) and clinical signs
  • Treatment: slow IV calcium-magnesium borogluconate plus subcutaneous magnesium sulphate
  • Heat tolerance and disease resistance
  • Efficient feed conversion on low-quality forage
  • Genetic diversity and local adaptation
  • Sustainability and low-input production
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Q4
50M explain Laboratory samples and tests, conventional vaccines, pelvic cavity anatomy

(a) Explain various biological samples to be collected for laboratory investigation in bovines along with the tests which can be applied on these samples. (20 marks) (b) Discuss different types of conventional vaccines and name the animal diseases against which the vaccines are available in India. (15 marks) (c) Describe the boundaries and contents of pelvic cavity in male and female bovines. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) गोजातीय पशुओं में प्रयोगशाला जाँच के लिए एकत्रित किए जाने वाले विभिन्न जैविक नमूनों के साथ-साथ उन परीक्षणों की व्याख्या कीजिए, जिन्हें इन नमूनों पर लागू किया जा सकता है। (20 अंक) (b) विभिन्न प्रकार के पारंपरिक टीकों पर चर्चा कीजिए तथा उन पशुरोगों के नाम बताइए जिनके विरुद्ध ये टीके भारत में उपलब्ध हैं। (15 अंक) (c) नर और मादा गोजातीय पशुओं में पेल्विक गुहा की सीमाओं और अंतर्वस्तुओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Define > Physiology or aetiology > Signs > Diagnosis and management. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, and well-structured answers with specific examples and correct terminology.

  • Blood samples (serum/plasma/whole blood) for haematology and serology (ELISA, RBPT/CFT, PCR)
  • Milk samples for mastitis (CMT, SCC) and Brucella (milk ring test/RBPT)
  • Nasal/ocular swabs or tissues for viral/bacterial detection (FMD, IBR, BVDV)
  • Faecal samples for parasitology (coprology) and viral shedding; urine and skin scrapings where indicated
  • Live attenuated vaccines (e.g., Brucella S19/RB51, Anthrax Sterne, PPR, Theileria annulata)
  • Killed/inactivated vaccines (e.g., FMD bivalent/trivalent, HS alum/oil-adjuvant, Black Quarter, Enterotoxaemia)
  • Toxoid vaccines (e.g., Tetanus)
  • Note that subunit/recombinant vaccines are non-conventional and distinct
  • Boundaries: sacrum, coccygeal vertebrae, ilium, ischium, pubis (pelvic floor), sacrotuberous ligaments
  • Cranial inlet and caudal outlet definitions; obturator foramina are openings, not contents
  • Male contents: rectum, bladder, pelvic urethra, ampullae, vesicular glands, prostate, bulbourethral glands
  • Female contents: rectum, bladder, pelvic urethra, vagina, cervix, uterus; OVARIES ARE ABDOMINAL, not pelvic contents
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B

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory discuss Zoonoses classification, epidemiological studies, milk pasteurization, rigor mortis, poultry handling

Discuss the following in about 150 words each: (a) Classification of zoonoses based on etiological agents (10 marks) (b) Significance of the cohort, case-control and cross-sectional epidemiological studies in animals (10 marks) (c) Various procedures for the pasteurization of market milk (10 marks) (d) Mechanism of rigor mortis in the goat carcass (10 marks) (e) Preslaughter handling and transportation of poultry (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में चर्चा कीजिए : (a) रोगकारक कर्मकों के आधार पर पशुजन्य रोगों का वर्गीकरण (10 अंक) (b) पशुओं में समूह, केस नियंत्रण तथा क्रॉस-सेक्शनल जानपदिक रोगविज्ञान अध्ययन का महत्व (10 अंक) (c) बाजार के दूध के पाश्चुरीकरण की विभिन्न प्रक्रियाएँ (10 अंक) (d) बकरी के शव में मृत्युज काठिन्य की क्रियाविधि (10 अंक) (e) मुर्गियों (पोल्ट्री) का वधपूर्व रख-रखाव तथा परिवहन (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Veterinary Science Standard. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise terminology, correct parameters, and clear logical flow.

  • Bacterial zoonoses (e.g., Brucellosis, Anthrax)
  • Viral zoonoses (e.g., Rabies, Avian Influenza)
  • Fungal zoonoses (e.g., Ringworm)
  • Parasitic zoonoses (e.g., Echinococcosis)
  • Cohort study: Prospective, calculates relative risk
  • Case-control: Retrospective, calculates odds ratio
  • Cross-sectional: Prevalence at a specific point in time
  • Application to herd or flock health management
  • Low-Temperature Long-Time (LTLT) method (63°C for 30 min)
  • High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) method (72°C for 15 sec) with plate heat exchanger sections
  • UHT (135–150°C for a few seconds) noted as sterilization rather than pasteurization
  • Tests of adequacy and post-pasteurization contamination (phosphatase, coliforms)
  • ATP depletion in muscle cells
  • Formation of actomyosin complex (rigor)
  • Role of calcium ions in contraction
  • Factors affecting onset (temperature, stress)
  • Pre-slaughter feed withdrawal 8-12 h (prevents carcass contamination; >14 h causes shrink and watery meat); water only 1-2 h before slaughter
  • Catching, crating and density (gentle handling, ~20-25 kg live weight per crate, ventilation)
  • Transport in cool hours; lairage rest 1-2 h with fans/misting; stress reduction
  • Welfare compliance (PCA Act 1960, PCA Transport Rules); DOA and PSE minimisation
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Q6
50M describe Blood stain examination, reconstituted and recombined milk, stunning techniques

(a) Describe the physical, chemical and microbiological examination of blood stains required for veterolegal purposes. (20 marks) (b) Explain the manufacturing processes of reconstituted and recombined milks, and compare their attributes. (15 marks) (c) Describe various stunning techniques employed for humane slaughter of animals. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) पशु-कानूनी उद्देश्यों हेतु रक्त के धब्बों के भौतिक, रासायनिक तथा सूक्ष्मजीवविज्ञानी परीक्षण का वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) पुनर्गठित और पुनःसंयोजित दूध की निर्माण-प्रक्रियाओं की व्याख्या कीजिए तथा उनकी विशेषताओं की तुलना कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) पशुओं के मानवीय वध हेतु अपनायी जाने वाली विभिन्न मूर्छितकरण (स्टनिंग) प्रविधियों (तकनीकों) का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, and well-structured answers with specific examples and references.

  • Physical: appearance, colour change with age, pattern, and microscopic RBC morphology (nucleated vs non-nucleated, shape)
  • Chemical: presumptive tests (benzidine/TMB, Kastle-Meyer, leucomalachite green, luminol) and confirmatory tests (Teichmann haemin, Takayama haemochromogen, spectroscopy)
  • Species identification (precipitin, gel diffusion, ELISA, PCR) and microbiological tests (culture, Ascoli test for anthrax)
  • Veterolegal context: collection, preservation, chain of custody and interpretation
  • Reconstituted milk: dissolving whole or skim milk powder in water
  • Recombined milk: blending skim milk powder, milk fat (butter oil/AMF) and water, then homogenising
  • Process steps: water temperature, hydration, fat addition, homogenisation, pasteurisation
  • Comparison of attributes: composition, flavour, stability, cost and uses
  • Mechanical stunning: penetrating and non-penetrating captive bolt (pneumatic or cartridge), correct position
  • Electrical stunning: head-only (reversible) and head-to-body (cardiac arrest); currents by species; poultry water-bath
  • Gas stunning: CO2 for pigs and poultry, inert gases; low atmospheric pressure stunning
  • Assessment of effective stunning and welfare implications (stun-to-stick interval)
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Q7
50M explain Convenience meat products, cream production and defects, wool processing

(a) Explain the basic processing procedures for the preparation of convenience meat products. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the production and physico-chemical properties of cream. Enumerate the common defects encountered during its manufacture and storage. (20 marks) (c) Write down various steps in the processing of wool for woollen apparels. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) सुविधाजनक मांस उत्पादों को तैयार करने के लिए बुनियादी प्रसंस्करण प्रक्रियाओं की व्याख्या कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) क्रीम के उत्पादन एवं भौतिक-रासायनिक गुणों की चर्चा कीजिए। इसके निर्माण तथा भंडारण की अवधि में उत्पन्न होने वाले सामान्य दोषों की गणना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (c) ऊनी परिधानों के लिए ऊन के प्रसंस्करण के विभिन्न चरणों को लिखिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, sequential, and technically accurate with specific terminology.

  • Raw material selection, inspection and chilling
  • Size reduction (mincing) and chopping into meat batter/emulsion
  • Mixing with salt, phosphates, binders, extenders and seasonings
  • Forming, cooking to safe core temperature, cooling and packaging
  • Production by centrifugal separation (Stokes' law factors, separation temperature) and standardisation
  • Heat treatment of cream (higher than milk) and cooling
  • Physico-chemical properties (fat %, specific gravity, acidity, viscosity, emulsion nature)
  • Defects: flavour (sour, rancid, oxidised, bitter) and physical (feathering, cream plug/oiling-off, poor whipping)
  • Scouring (cleaning) and degreasing
  • Carding and combing
  • Spinning into yarn
  • Weaving or knitting into fabric
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Q8
50M describe Slaughter-house byproducts, infectious outbreak control, milk flavour defects

(a) Describe the social and economic implications of proper utilization of slaughter-house byproducts. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the preliminary steps required at the field level for controlling an infectious outbreak in animals. (15 marks) (c) Enlist various flavour defects in the market milk, their causes and preventions. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) वधशाला के उपोत्पादों के उचित उपयोग के सामाजिक तथा आर्थिक प्रभावों (निहितार्थों) का वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) पशुओं के संक्रामक प्रकोप को नियंत्रित करने के लिए क्षेत्र स्तर पर आवश्यक प्रारंभिक कदमों पर चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) बाजार के दूध में विभिन्न स्वाद-संबंधी दोषों, उनके कारणों तथा निवारणों को सूचीबद्ध कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close Full marks: Comprehensive coverage of all parts with specific examples and correct terminology.

  • Define slaughter-house byproducts (offal, blood, bones, hides)
  • Economic: Revenue generation from waste (meat meal, gelatin)
  • Economic: Cost reduction in feed and fertilizer sectors
  • Social: Employment generation and public health safety
  • Immediate reporting on suspicion under the PCICDA Act 2009
  • Isolation of sick animals, quarantine and movement standstill
  • Sample collection, disinfection and safe carcass disposal
  • Ring vaccination of susceptible stock and surveillance of contacts
  • Identify specific defects (e.g., rancid, feed, metallic)
  • Link each defect to a specific cause (e.g., lipase, diet)
  • Provide a specific prevention for each cause
  • Cover at least 3-4 distinct types of defects
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