Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Syllabus for UPSC 2025: Detailed Guide for Paper-I & Paper-II

The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is designed to assess a candidate's understanding of animal health, management, genetics, nutrition, diseases, and veterinary public health. The syllabus for this subject is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics in two papers—Paper-I and Paper-II. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both papers to guide your preparation effectively.

Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper-I

1. Animal Nutrition:

Energy Partitioning & Calorimetry: Learn about the partitioning of food energy in animals, using direct and indirect calorimetry methods. Understand the systems used to express energy values in ruminants, pigs, and poultry.
Protein Nutrition: Explore the latest advances in protein nutrition, including energy-protein inter-relationships and the use of Non-Protein Nitrogen (NPN) compounds in ruminant diets.
Minerals and Vitamins: Study the major and trace minerals, their physiological functions, deficiency symptoms, and toxicity. Understand the role of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins in the body.
Feed Additives: Examine the use of feed additives like methane inhibitors, probiotics, antibiotics, enzymes, and hormones. Study the role of growth promoters and their impact.
Fodder Conservation & Feed Technology: Learn about the conservation of fodders, storage methods, feed analysis, and quality control. Explore advances in feed processing, digestibility trials, and predicting feed intake in grazing animals.
Ruminant and Swine Nutrition: Understand the nutrient requirements for different stages of growth, lactation, and meat production in ruminants, pigs, goats, and sheep.
Poultry Nutrition: Learn about the special features of poultry nutrition, nutrient requirements, and formulation of rations for broilers and layers.

2. Animal Physiology:

Blood and Circulation: Study the physiology of blood, circulation, and heart function. Understand concepts like the cardiac cycle, blood pressure regulation, and the effect of ions and temperature on heart function.
Respiration: Learn about the mechanism of respiration, gas exchange, and the role of chemo-receptors in regulating breathing.
Excretion: Examine the structure and function of kidneys, urine formation, and the physiological role of sweat glands in excretion.
Endocrine Glands: Understand the functioning of various endocrine glands, hormonal synthesis, and disorders.
Growth and Animal Production: Study prenatal and postnatal growth, factors affecting growth, and the physiological aspects of milk production, reproduction, and digestion.
Environmental Physiology: Learn how animals adapt to environmental changes, including the physiological responses to stress, temperature, and habitat.

3. Animal Reproduction:

Semen Quality and Artificial Insemination: Understand semen composition, factors affecting semen quality, preservation techniques, and artificial insemination in cattle, goats, and poultry.
Reproductive Disorders: Learn about conditions like anoestrus and repeat breeding and the best practices for managing reproduction in livestock.

4. Livestock Production and Management:

Dairy Farming: Explore commercial dairy farming, including starting and managing a dairy farm, feeding strategies for dairy cattle, and the latest trends in milk production.
Meat, Egg, and Wool Production: Study commercial production of meat, eggs, and wool, focusing on feeding regimes, land requirements, and socio-economic factors.
Management under Natural Calamities: Learn about strategies for feeding and managing animals during droughts, floods, and other natural disasters.

5. Genetics and Animal Breeding:

Genetics and Inheritance: Study Mendelian genetics, chromosome aberrations, mutations, and recombinant DNA technology.
Population Genetics: Learn about gene frequency, inbreeding, and selection techniques used in animal breeding.
Breeding Systems: Understand various breeding methods like inbreeding, outbreeding, crossbreeding, and upgrading for genetic improvement in livestock.

6. Extension:

Extension Methods: Explore the basic principles of agricultural extension, including technology generation, transfer, and feedback. Learn about animal husbandry programs aimed at rural development.

Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper-II

1. Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Hygiene:

Histology and Embryology: Study tissue types, cell division, and organogenesis, with a focus on the reproductive system and embryonic development in mammals and birds.
Bovine and Fowl Anatomy: Learn about the anatomy of cattle and poultry, focusing on regional anatomy, musculoskeletal system, and functional anatomy.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics: Understand the pharmacodynamics of drugs, anesthetics, and chemotherapy for microbial and parasitic infections.
Veterinary Hygiene: Study the impact of water, air, and soil pollution on animal health. Learn about the importance of proper housing for different categories of livestock.

2. Animal Diseases:

Infectious and Production Diseases: Learn about the etiology, pathogenesis, and management of diseases affecting cattle, poultry, sheep, and goats.
Deficiency and Non-Specific Conditions: Understand the diagnosis and treatment of deficiency diseases, neurological disorders, and non-specific conditions like bloat and indigestion.
Immunization and Disease Prevention: Explore vaccination, chemoprophylaxis, and disease-free zones. Understand principles of immunization and their application in disease control.

3. Veterinary Public Health:

Zoonotic Diseases: Learn about the role of animals in the transmission of zoonoses, occupational zoonoses, and their epidemiological control.
Epidemiology: Understand the principles of epidemiology, including disease control measures, air, water, and food-borne infections.
Veterinary Jurisprudence: Study the legal regulations regarding animal diseases and animal product quality, as well as the role of veterinarians in ensuring public health.

4. Milk and Milk Products Technology:

Market Milk Production: Study the quality control, processing, and packaging of market milk and various types of processed milk products like yogurt, toned milk, and sterilized milk.
Milk Products Processing: Understand the production, testing, and grading of milk products such as butter, ghee, cheese, and ice cream.
Dairy Product Quality Control: Learn about quality control measures, BIS standards, and the economic aspects of dairy product production.

5. Meat Hygiene and Technology:

Meat Hygiene: Study the ante-mortem care of food animals, stunning, slaughtering, and meat inspection. Learn about post-slaughter changes in meat and the methods for preventing spoilage.
Meat Technology: Understand the physical and chemical properties of meat, meat preservation techniques, and the role of veterinarians in ensuring wholesome meat production.
Poultry Products Technology: Learn about the composition, nutritive value, and preservation methods of poultry meat and eggs, as well as the regulations governing poultry products.
Rabbit and Fur Animal Farming: Explore the production of rabbit meat and the utilization of fur, wool, and by-products.

This detailed breakdown of the UPSC Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Syllabus for Paper-I and Paper-II will help you structure your study plan effectively. A thorough understanding of these topics will be crucial to performing well in the examination.

Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Syllabus for UPSC 2025: Detailed Guide for Paper-I & Paper-II

Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Syllabus for UPSC 2025: Detailed Guide for Paper-I & Paper-II