MEV 014: Unit 07 – Animal and Wild Resources

 UNIT 7: ANIMAL AND WILD RESOURCES


7.0 Introduction

Animal and wild resources are crucial for human survival and economic development. Livestock such as cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep provide food, milk, wool, leather, and manure. In addition, wild animals play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. The sustainable use of these resources is necessary to ensure long-term benefits for people and the environment.


7.1 Objective

After studying this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the role and significance of livestock and wild animal resources.

·         Identify the different types of domesticated animals used for food, transport, and other purposes.

·         Learn about the production status, diversity, and productivity of dairy animals.

·         Discuss the importance of sustainable livestock management and biotechnology in improving productivity.

·         Recognize the major issues and challenges in the conservation and utilization of animal and wild resources.


7.2 Livestock and Wild Life Resources

India is one of the world leaders in livestock population. Each species of livestock contributes uniquely to agriculture, dairy, and rural livelihoods.

7.2.1 Cattle

·         Cattle are important for milk, meat, and draft purposes.

·         Indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, and Red Sindhi are known for their adaptability and resilience.

7.2.2 Buffalo

·         Buffaloes contribute significantly to milk production in India.

·         Murrah and Mehsana are popular high-yielding breeds.

7.2.3 Sheep

·         Sheep provide meat and wool.

·         India has several breeds suited to arid, semi-arid, and hilly regions.

7.2.4 Goat

·         Goats are hardy animals raised for milk, meat, and skin.

·         Black Bengal and Jamunapari are well-known Indian breeds.

7.2.5 Pigs

·         Pigs are mainly reared for meat.

·         They have high feed conversion efficiency and fast growth.

7.2.6 Camel

·         Useful in desert areas for transport and milk.

·         Camel milk is nutritious and used for medicinal purposes.

7.2.7 Equines

·         Horses, mules, and donkeys are used for transport, particularly in hilly and rural areas.


7.3 Livestock Production Status

7.3.1 Dairy Animal Dynamics

·         India is the largest milk producer in the world.

·         Milk production mainly comes from buffaloes and indigenous cattle.

7.3.2 Production and Productivity

·         Although the overall production is high, per-animal productivity remains low.

·         Productivity varies across regions due to management, breed quality, and nutrition.

7.3.3 Dairy Animal Diversity

·         India has a wide diversity of dairy animals adapted to different climates.

·         Genetic erosion due to preference for high-yielding exotic breeds is a concern.

7.3.4 Declining Diversity

·         Cross-breeding programs have led to a reduction in the number of indigenous breeds.

·         Many native breeds are now threatened or on the verge of extinction.


7.4 Dependence on Animal Resource

7.4.1 Livestock Population and Production System

·         India has over 500 million livestock, making it the world’s largest livestock owner.

·         Production systems vary: nomadic, pastoral, mixed crop-livestock, and industrial systems.

7.4.2 Demand and Supply of Livestock Products

·         The demand for milk, meat, and eggs is increasing with rising incomes.

·         There is a gap in supply due to poor productivity and diseases.

7.4.3 Livestock Productivity and Health

·         Health services for animals are often inadequate in rural areas.

·         Diseases like FMD (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) and mastitis reduce productivity.

7.4.4 Sustainable Harvesting

·         Sustainable livestock management includes improved fodder, breeding, and disease control.

·         Community participation and traditional knowledge are essential.


7.5 Role of Available Biotechnology

Biotechnology offers modern tools to enhance animal productivity, health, and conservation.

7.5.1 Reproductive Physiology

·         Understanding animal reproductive cycles helps in planning breeding programs.

7.5.2 Artificial Insemination (AI)

·         AI helps improve genetic quality and increase productivity.

7.5.3 Embryo Transfer

·         Allows rapid multiplication of elite animals.

7.5.4 Embryo Sexing and Cloning

·         Used to predetermine sex and replicate elite animals.

7.5.5 Hormone Use

·         Hormonal treatments help in regulating estrus cycles and fertility.

7.5.6 Animal Genetics and Breeding

·         Selective breeding enhances desirable traits like milk yield and disease resistance.

7.5.7 Indicator Traits

·         Traits like body weight, growth rate, and fat percentage are used for selection.

7.5.8 Genetic Marker and Marker-Assisted Selection

·         Helps in identifying animals with desirable genes early.

7.5.9 Transgenic Animals

·         Animals modified with beneficial genes for higher productivity or disease resistance.

7.5.10 Genetic Characterization of Animals

·         Involves DNA-based tools to preserve genetic information of native breeds.


7.6 Issues and Challenges for Resource Supply

·         Overgrazing and degradation of grazing lands

·         Water scarcity and poor fodder availability

·         Inadequate veterinary infrastructure

·         Climate change impacts on animal health and productivity

·         Genetic erosion of indigenous breeds

·         Lack of policy support for small livestock farmers


7.7 Let Us Sum Up

·         Livestock and wild resources play a critical role in food production, livelihoods, and ecology.

·         India is rich in animal biodiversity, but productivity is low and diversity is declining.

·         Biotechnology offers tools for genetic improvement, disease control, and conservation.

·         Sustainable livestock systems and conservation of indigenous breeds are vital.

·         Addressing infrastructure, health, and environmental challenges is essential for long-term livestock resource security.

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