Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

UPSC Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science 2025 — Paper II

All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science 2025 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.

8Questions
400Total marks
2025Year
Paper IIPaper

Topics covered

Basic tissues, lymph nodes, drugs, pollution, rabies diagnosis (1)Foetal membranes, antimicrobial agents, housing requirements (1)Esophagitis, iodine supplementation, femur fracture, non-union, poultry anatomy (1)Avian influenza, acetonaemia, stay apparatus, neurological diseases (1)OIE standards, cream neutralization, fermented milk, meat preservation, wool grading (1)Zoonotic diseases, disease transmission, milk defects, ante-mortem inspection (1)Food borne diseases, vetero-legal aspects, starter cultures, FSSAI egg standards (1)Meat processing, packaging, abattoir effluent, condemned carcasses, casein manufacture (1)

A

Q1
50M 150w Compulsory discuss Basic tissues, lymph nodes, drugs, pollution, rabies diagnosis

Discuss the following in about 150 words each: (a) Write salient Histological Features of Basic tissues of the Body. (10 marks) (b) Location of superficial lymph nodes of ox. (10 marks) (c) Drugs acting on Fluid Balance. (10 marks) (d) Write about the types of pollution. Also write about sources and signs of water pollution. How to measure the water Quality? (10 marks) (e) Write about the collection, methods of preservation and dispatch of samples from the carcass of suspected rabid dog for laboratory diagnosis. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में चर्चा कीजिए : (a) शरीर के मूल उतकों की प्रमुख उतक वैज्ञानिक विशेषताएं बताइये । (10 अंक) (b) बैल की सतही लसीका ग्रंथियों की अवस्थिति । (10 अंक) (c) द्रव संतुलन पर कार्य करने वाली औषधियां । (10 अंक) (d) प्रदूषण के प्रकार के बारे में लिखिए । जल प्रदूषण के स्रोत और लक्षण के बारे में भी लिखिए । पानी की गुणवत्ता की जांच कैसे करें ? (10 अंक) (e) प्रयोगशाला निदान के लिए संदिग्ध पागल कुत्ते के शव से नमूनों का संग्रह, संरक्षण और प्रेषण के तरीकों के बारे में लिखिये । (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Veterinary Science Paper 2. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) map: locate accurately > label > one line on why it matters | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise anatomical/histological terms, correct protocols, and specific examples.

  • Epithelial tissue (packed cells on basement membrane; simple/stratified; squamous/cuboidal/columnar)
  • Connective tissue (abundant matrix; collagen/elastic/reticular fibres; fibroblasts, macrophages, adipocytes)
  • Muscular tissue (skeletal and cardiac striated with sarcomeres; smooth non-striated spindle cells)
  • Nervous tissue (neurons with Nissl bodies/dendrites; neuroglia support)
  • Parotid node (ventral to temporomandibular joint, caudal masseter border)
  • Mandibular node (intermandibular space)
  • Prescapular node (cranial shoulder) and prefemoral/subiliac node (flank fold above stifle)
  • Popliteal node (popliteal fossa) and supramammary nodes (dorsal to udder base)
Q2
50M explain Foetal membranes, antimicrobial agents, housing requirements

(a) Explain the formation of Foetal membranes in mammals with the help of suitable diagrams. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the properties of an ideal antimicrobial agent. Write about the classification of antimicrobial agents. (20 marks) (c) Discuss in brief the housing requirements for pregnant cows and milking cows. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) स्तनधारियों में भ्रूण झिल्लियों के निर्माण को उपयुक्त चित्रों की सहायता से समझाइये । (20 अंक) (b) एक आदर्श रोगाणुरोधी प्रतिनिधि (एजेंट) के गुणों की चर्चा कीजिए । रोगाणुरोधी प्रतिनिधियों (एजेंटों) के वर्गीकरण के बारे में लिखिये । (20 अंक) (c) गर्भवती गायों और दूध देने वाली गायों के लिए आवास आवश्यकताओं पर संक्षेप में चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper 2. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive diagrams, precise terminology, and clear classification.

  • Chorion (trophoblast + somatic mesoderm; placental exchange; cotyledonary/diffuse/zonary variants)
  • Amnion (somatopleure; amniotic fluid cushioning; fluid from amnion then foetal urine)
  • Allantois (splanchnopleure; chorioallantois; respiratory/excretory organ storing foetal urine)
  • Yolk sac (hypoblast + splanchnic mesoderm; early haematopoiesis/nutrition); labelled diagram showing amnion, chorioallantois, allantoic cavity, yolk sac, foetus and umbilical cord
  • Ideal properties: selective toxicity, stability
  • Classification: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral
  • Mechanism of action for each class
  • Examples of specific antimicrobial agents
Q3
50M elucidate Esophagitis, iodine supplementation, femur fracture, non-union, poultry anatomy

(a)(i) Elucidate the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical findings and line of treatment of esophagitis in cow. (10 marks) (a)(ii) Explain why dietary supplementation of Iodine is essential for Livestock. (10 marks) (b)(i) Discuss in detail the procedure to repair femur fracture in an adult Murrah Buffalo. (8 marks) (b)(ii) Discuss the various factors that lead to non-union of broken bones. (7 marks) (c) Explain gross anatomical features of ovary and oviduct of Fowl with the help of diagrams. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a)(i) गाय में ग्रासनलीशोथ के कारण (एटियोलाजी), रोगजनन नैदानिक निष्कर्ष और उपचार की रूपरेखा को स्पष्ट कीजिए । (10 अंक) (a)(ii) पशुओं के लिए आयोडीन का आहार अनुपूरण क्यों आवश्यक है, समझाइये । (10 अंक) (b)(i) वयस्क मुर्रा भैंस में फीमर फ्रैक्चर की मरम्मत की प्रक्रिया पर विस्तार से चर्चा कीजिए । (8 अंक) (b)(ii) टूटी हुई हड्डियों के न जुड़ने के विभिन्न कारकों पर चर्चा कीजिए । (7 अंक) (c) चित्रों की सहायता से मुर्गी के अंडाशय और अंडवाहिनी (डिंबवाहिनी) की स्थूल शारीरिक विशेषताओं की व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Define > Physiology or aetiology > Signs > Diagnosis and management. (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(i)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b(ii)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, and well-structured answers with all required details and diagrams.

  • Etiology: traumatic (sharp objects, probang/balling gun), chemical (caustic agents) and infectious/parasitic (erosive viruses such as BVD–mucosal disease, IBR, MCF, bluetongue; Hypoderma larvae)
  • Pathogenesis: mucosal injury → inflammation/oedema → ulceration/necrosis; secondary bacterial infection, perforation with cervical cellulitis, stricture
  • Clinical findings: dysphagia, regurgitation, ptyalism, painful cervical palpation, palpable swelling
  • Treatment: foreign-body removal; withhold oral feed with parenteral fluids; antibiotics; NSAIDs; soft diet; monitor complications
  • Role of iodine in thyroid hormone synthesis
  • Consequences of deficiency (e.g., goiter, reproductive failure)
  • Impact on livestock production and health
  • Importance of supplementation in iodine-deficient regions and with goitrogenic feeds
Q4
50M explain Avian influenza, acetonaemia, stay apparatus, neurological diseases

(a)(i) Describe the effect of Avian Influenza Virus on Poultry industry and suggest the control measures to be adopted for effective control of Avian Influenza. Mention the WHO's guidelines for addressing the pandemic situation. (10 marks) (a)(ii) Discuss about the factors attributable to acetonaemia in buffalo alongwith its clinical findings, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and line of treatment. (10 marks) (b) Explain stay apparatus and Bow and String mechanism in Horse. (15 marks) (c) Explain clinical manifestation of diseases of the nervous system in domestic animals and enlist the methods of Neurological Examination. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a)(i) पोल्ट्री उद्योग पर एवियन इन्फ्लुएंजा विषाणु के प्रभाव का वर्णन कीजिए और एवियन इन्फ्लुएंजा के प्रभावी नियंत्रण के लिए अपनाए जाने वाले नियंत्रण उपायों का सुझाव दीजिए । महामारी की स्थिति से निपटने के लिए विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन के दिशानिर्देशों का उल्लेख कीजिए । (10 अंक) (a)(ii) भैंस में एसिटोनरक्तता (एसिटोनिमिया) के लिए जिम्मेदार कारकों के साथ-साथ इसके नैदानिक निष्कर्षों, निदान, विभेदक निदान और उपचार की रूपरेखा पर चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक) (b) घोड़े में स्थिरीकरण उपकरण और धनुष तथा डोरी तंत्र की व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) पालतू पशुओं में तंत्रिका तंत्र के रोगों की नैदानिक अभिव्यक्ति की व्याख्या कीजिए तथा तंत्रिका विज्ञान संबंधी परीक्षण की विधियों को सूचीबद्ध कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a(i)) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (a(ii)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, and well-structured answers with specific examples and details.

  • HPAI (H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b) vs LPAI (H9N2) and economic impact (mortality, culling, trade bans, price crash, smallholder losses)
  • Control: surveillance and confirmation (ICAR-NIHSAD), stamping out within 1 km, 10 km surveillance zone, disposal, compensation
  • Biosecurity and no HPAI vaccination policy in India; PPE/oseltamivir for culling teams (One Health)
  • WHO: IHR (2005) notification, GISRS, PIP Framework, pandemic risk-management planning, WHO Pandemic Agreement (2025)
  • Factors: negative energy balance in early lactation, high yield, over-conditioning, poor/butyric silage, concurrent periparturient disease, cobalt deficiency
  • Clinical findings: wasting form (inappetence, fall in yield, weight loss) and nervous form (licking, head pressing, circling, aggression); acetone odour
  • Diagnosis: Rothera/nitroprusside test, blood BHB thresholds, hypoglycaemia; differentials (TRP, indigestion, milk fever, hypomagnesaemia, rabies, lead poisoning, listeriosis)
  • Treatment: IV dextrose, oral propylene glycol, glucocorticoid, vitamin B12/cobalt and niacin; prevention by body-condition and feeding management

B

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory discuss OIE standards, cream neutralization, fermented milk, meat preservation, wool grading

Discuss the following in about 150 words each: (a) OIE standard setting procedure for animal disease control. (10 marks) (b) Neutralization of cream. (10 marks) (c) How is the processing of Acidophilus milk and Bulgarian butter milk done? (10 marks) (d) Principles and methods of low temperature preservation of meat. (10 marks) (e) Quality control and grading of carpet wool. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में चर्चा कीजिए : (a) पशु रोग नियंत्रण के लिए OIE मानक निर्धारण प्रक्रिया । (10 अंक) (b) मलाई (क्रीम) का उदासीनकरण । (10 अंक) (c) एसिडोफिलस दूध और बुल्गारियन छाछ का प्रसंस्करण कैसे किया जाता है ? (10 अंक) (d) मांस के कम तापक्रम पर संरक्षण के सिद्धांत और विधियां । (10 अंक) (e) कालीन ऊन का गुणवत्ता नियंत्रण और क्रमनिर्धारण (ग्रेडिंग) । (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science (Paper 2). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise technical terminology, correct species/pathogen names, and clear logical flow.

  • Identify OIE (WOAH) as the governing body
  • Mention the role of the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS)
  • Reference the Terrestrial Animal Health Code
  • Explain the process of standard adoption and revision
  • Define neutralization as reducing excessive cream acidity
  • Identify alkalis (sodium bicarbonate/carbonate; lime: Ca(OH)₂/MgO)
  • State the target churn acidity (0.10–0.12% lactic acid)
  • Purpose: fat recovery, churning ease, keeping quality; over-neutralization causes saponification/soapy flavour
Q6
50M discuss Zoonotic diseases, disease transmission, milk defects, ante-mortem inspection

(a)(i) Discuss about emerging zoonotic diseases, their prevalence and effects on animal and human population. (10 marks) (a)(ii) Discuss the methods of disease transmission and disease control measures. (10 marks) (b) List out different defects encountered in condensed and evaporated milk, their causes and preventive measures. (15 marks) (c) What are the purpose and procedure of ante-mortem inspection of animals? Write about categorization of animals based on ante-mortem inspection. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a)(i) उभरते जूनोटिक रोगों, उनकी व्यापकता और पशु तथा मानव जनसंख्या पर पड़ने वाले प्रभाव के विषय में चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक) (a)(ii) रोग संचरण के तरीकों और रोग नियंत्रण उपायों पर चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक) (b) संचनित और वाष्पित दुध में पाए जाने वाले विभिन्न दोषों, उनके कारणों और निवारक उपायों को सूचीबद्ध कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) पशुओं के मृत्युपूर्व निरीक्षण के उद्देश्य और प्रक्रिया क्या है ? मृत्युपूर्व निरीक्षण के आधार पर पशुओं के वर्गीकरण के बारे में लिखिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a(i)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (a(ii)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) enumerate: list the items in order > one line each > no commentary | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured answers with precise terminology and examples.

  • Define emerging zoonotic diseases
  • List 3-4 specific examples (e.g., Nipah, Avian Influenza)
  • Discuss prevalence in animal and human populations
  • Explain effects on animal and human health
  • Describe direct transmission methods
  • Describe indirect transmission methods (vectors, fomites)
  • List specific control measures for each method
  • Explain disease control strategies (vaccination, quarantine)
Q7
50M describe Food borne diseases, vetero-legal aspects, starter cultures, FSSAI egg standards

(a)(i) Write in detail about milk and meat borne diseases and their control. (10 marks) (a)(ii) Discuss in detail the vetero legal aspects of sudden death of a cow. (10 marks) (b) Describe the process of manufacture of 'mother starter' and 'bulk starter' cultures. What are the defects encountered in 'starter' and what measures are to be taken to avoid these defects. (15 marks) (c) Describe FSSAI standards pertaining to fresh chicken egg, frozen egg products and whole egg powder. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a)(i) दुध और मांस जनित रोगों तथा उनके नियंत्रण के विषय में विस्तार से वर्णन कीजिए । (10 अंक) (a)(ii) गाय की अचानक मृत्यु के पशु-चिकित्सा कानूनी पहलुओं पर विस्तार से चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक) (b) 'मदर स्टार्टर' और 'बल्क स्टार्टर' कल्चर के निर्माण की प्रक्रिया का वर्णन कीजिए । 'स्टार्टर' में क्या-क्या दोष आते हैं और इन दोषों से बचने के लिए क्या उपाय किए जाने चाहिए ? (15 अंक) (c) ताजे चिकन अंडे, जमे हुए (फ्रोजन) अंडे के उत्पादों और पूरे अंडे के पाउडर से संबंधित एफ एस एस ए आई मानकों का वर्णन कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science (Paper 2). (a(i)) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (a(ii)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and legally/technically accurate.

  • Name specific pathogens (e.g., Mycobacterium bovis, Salmonella)
  • Describe clinical signs in animals and humans
  • Detail control measures (pasteurization, slaughter hygiene)
  • Link control to public health safety
  • Legal framework: BNS 2023 Section 325 (mischief by killing/poisoning an animal; formerly IPC 428–429) and PCA Act 1960 Section 11; investigation under BNSS 2023
  • BSA 2023 Section 39: veterinarian's opinion admissible as expert evidence, weighed by the court
  • Post-mortem on requisition to establish cause of death (natural disease vs lightning vs poisoning); anthrax suspect carcass not opened
  • Viscera in saturated salt solution (not formalin), sealed with chain of custody to the Forensic Science Laboratory; report and court appearance
Q8
50M discuss Meat processing, packaging, abattoir effluent, condemned carcasses, casein manufacture

(a)(i) Discuss the modern processing technologies to improve quality of meat and meat products. (10 marks) (a)(ii) Packaging is a very important tool for successful marketing of meat and meat products — discuss the topic in light of traditional and modern packaging techniques. (10 marks) (b)(i) Write a note on abattoir effluent treatment. (7 marks) (b)(ii) Discuss the methods of processing of condemned carcasses for production of meat-cum-bone meal. (8 marks) (c) Classify industrial casein derived from skim milk. Describe the method of manufacture of acid casein. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a)(i) मांस और मांस उत्पादों की गुणवत्ता में सुधार के लिए आधुनिक प्रसंस्करण प्रौद्योगिकियों पर चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक) (a)(ii) मांस और मांस उत्पादों के सफल विपणन के लिए पैकेजिंग एक बहुत ही महत्वपूर्ण उपकरण है — पारंपरिक और आधुनिक पैकेजिंग तकनीकों के प्रकाश में इस विषय पर चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक) (b)(i) बूचड़खाने के अपशिष्ट उपचार पर एक टिप्पणी (नोट) लिखिए । (7 अंक) (b)(ii) मांस और अस्थि चूर्ण के उत्पादन के लिए निष्प्रयोज्य शवों के प्रसंस्करण की विधियों पर चर्चा कीजिए । (8 अंक) (c) मलाई रहित (स्किम) दुध से प्राप्त औद्योगिक कैसीन को वर्गीकृत कीजिए । अम्लीय कैसीन के निर्माण की विधि का वर्णन कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a(i)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (a(ii)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b(i)) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (b(ii)) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise technical terminology, clear distinction between methods, and specific examples.

  • Tenderness technologies (electrical stimulation, ageing, mechanical tenderisation, injection/tumbling, enzymes)
  • High pressure processing (HPP) mechanism and use for RTE products
  • Irradiation for microbial and parasite control
  • PEF, cold plasma, sous-vide, restructuring and hurdle technology
  • Traditional methods (leaf, paper, cloth, earthen or metal containers) and their limitations
  • Modern methods (overwrap trays, vacuum, MAP with high-O₂ for red meat, active and intelligent packaging, retort pouches)
  • Role in marketing (branding, shelf-life, convenience, wider distribution, premium price)
  • Labelling under FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020 and consumer safety

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