Animal husbandry courses in India are provided by Agricultural Universities in India. Animal husbandry is a branch of agriculture specialising in breeding and raising livestock (domestic animals). Since, Indian economy is largely an agrarian one, animals form an important part of the revenue. Major animal products obtained include milk, egg, meat and wool. India is ranked amongst the top producers of these products. Livestock also provides raw material through by-products which include hides, skins, blood, bone, fat, etc. Livestock Sector is also a major source for food. In India, animal husbandry is a state subject and the state governments are primarily responsible for the growth of the sector. Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying & Fisheries (DADF) advises state governments/union territories in the formulation of policies and programmes in the field of animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries. The department, working under the Ministry of Agriculture, was earlier known as Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (AH&D). Animal Husbandry Courses in India are quite similar to Veterinary science courses in India. The reason being that both involve the study of animals. This can also be seen in the nomenclature of the course -  B.V.Sc. & A.H.B. which stands for Bachelor's in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. The course curriculum of animal husbandry courses in India deals with breeding, diseases, management, nutrition, hygiene etc. through theory and practical work. The Veterinary Council of India is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Government of India. Veterinary Council of India conducts an All India Common Entrance Examination for admission to Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Course. It derives its funding from grants-in-aid from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying of the Ministry of Agriculture. Animal Husbandry professionals are known as Animal Husbandman, though this term is uncommon in use.

  • B.Sc Animal Husbandry and Dairying

    Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry and Dairying

    Total Colleges: 4

  • M.Sc. (Animal Husbandry and Drying)

    Master of Science in Animal Husbandry and Drying

    Total Colleges: 6

  • Ph.D. (Animal Biochemistry)

    Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Biochemistry

    Total Colleges: 2

  • Ph.D. (Animal Biotechnology)

    Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Biotechnology

    Total Colleges: 6

  • Ph.D. (Animal Husbandry/ Animal Husbandry and Drying)

    Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Husbandry/ Animal Husbandry and Drying

    Total Colleges: 4

  • Ph.D. (Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry)

    Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry

    Total Colleges: 3

  • Few of the specialized fields

    • Sheep Development
    • Poultry
    • Piggery
    • Fodder Development
    • Livestock Insurance

    Course: Partial Content Overview

    The study of this field includes all or few of these –

    • Animal Nutrition
    • Animal Physiology
    • Livestock Production and Management
    • Genetics and Animal Breeding

    Animal Husbandry Course Objectives

    • To utilise and promote the advanced methods to control animal diseases.
    • To establish and propagate scientific management of animals.
    • To upgrade genetic resources, increasing availability of nutritious feed and fodder.
    • To increase production and profitability of livestock and fisheries without compromising on animal cruelty.

    Course: Basic Requirements

    For graduate course candidates must have passed the Higher Secondary Examination equivalent to 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English.

    Admission to most veterinary colleges is done on the basis of marks obtained in the entrance examination conducted by the university concerned. This test is known as All India Pre-Veterinary Test (AIPVT). It is conducted by Veterinary Council of India for filling up 15% of the total number of seats of the Veterinary Colleges.

    AIPVT is an objective type (multiple choice and reason assertion type) examination.

    Few of the prominent Animal Husbandry Colleges

    Personal Attributes

    Since it is field centred around animals, first and foremost attribute required is - genuine love and compassion for all living beings. If you have this quality other qualities tend to be acquired by default.

    One will be dealing with a variety of animals, one should have a thorough knowledge of the characteristics and anatomy of different types of animals, be it birds, mammals, reptiles etc.

    Some animal types and certain individuals amongst animal groups can be unpredictable so one should have quick reflexes, stamina and presence of mind. This is essential for untoward instances.

    One should be or inculcate extra sensitivity, patience and perceptiveness towards animals as they cannot communicate verbally.

    Animal Husbandry Job Perspectives

    India ranks First in buffalo, 2nd in cattle and goats, 3rd in sheep, 4th in ducks, 5th in chickens and 6th in camel population in the world. Animal husbandry plays an important role in the rural economy because it generates employment for landless labourers, small farmers and women by supplementing their family income. Animal Husbandry sector also provides large self-employment opportunities. Many experienced individuals without education have been able to run a thriving business. That is why it is also pursued by differently-abled persons, small holders and weaker sections. But that doesn’t mean that this discipline cannot be pursued by others. Educated individuals are nonetheless are very much required by various concerned organisations. Teaching is another option required in various institutes. One can get employment in various government bodies like National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Indian council for Agricultural Research, Veterinary Council of India, State Animal Husbandry Departments, Indian Forest Service’s, Central Cattle Breeding Farm, Central Fodder Seed Production Farm, Animal Quarantine & Certification Service Station, Central Sheep Breeding Farm, Central Poultry Development Organization, Central Frozen Semen Production & Training Institute etc.

    Remuneration

    The amount of remuneration of a animal husbandman or a veterinarian depends upon the type of practice and the animals dealt with. The average salary of a typical professional ranges between Rs.12,000 – Rs.17, 000 per month. A livestock development officer earns around Rs. 14,000 depending on position and experience. A professor in a university earns around 15,000 per month. Technologist and researchers earn up to 20,000 per month.

    Job Types

    • Director
    • Farm Manager
    • Subject Matter Specialist
    • Technical Sales Executive
    • Veterinarian
    • Research Assistant
    • Animal Husbandry Technician
    • Post Graduate Teacher
    • Veterinary Assistant Surgeon
    • Block Animal Husbandry Officer

    Employment Areas

    • Poultry Farms
    • Dairy Farms
    • Sheep
    • Rabbit Farms
    • Race Clubs
    • Stud Farms
    • Veterinary Hospitals
    • Animal Husbandry Clinics
    • Aviaries
    • Meat Processing Industries
    • Wildlife Sanctuaries
    • Zoological Parks
    • Universities