ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND ITS ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Geography Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is an art of breeding and rearing animals for the benefit of human society.
Animal husbandry primarily applies to cattle or dairy cows, buffalo, chicken, goats, pigs, horses and sheep. Today, even animals like donkeys, mules, rabbits and insects like bees are raised as part of it.

It is enriched with one of the largest diversity of animal wealth in world
At present there are, 37 breeds of cow, 13 of buffaloes, 39 of sheep, 24 of goats, 6 of horses, 8 of camels, 2 of pigs and 15 of poultry.
The livestock census is carried out once every 5 years with last one (19th census) being done in 2014.
There has been overall 3.33% of decline in total livestock population from the 18th census.
This sector is emerging as an important farming area which can create more employment and address food security

Livestock supports 25% of gross value added in agriculture sector.
Provides self-employment to millions.
From equity and livelihood standpoints, livestock rearing must be central to the poverty lessening programmers. It has been draught power, manure, employment, household income and export incomes. Thus while assessing inclusive growth, it should be considered from equity and livelihood perspective.

Livestock rearing at household level is a women-led activity. Income from livestock rearing and decisions related to management of livestock are mainly taken by women.
This has led to increased empowerment as well as decision making capacity of the women.

Animal agriculture responsible for 20-33% of all fresh water consumption in world today.
It is leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution and habitat destruction.
In addition to monumental habitat destruction caused by clearing forests and converting land to grow feed crops and for animal grazing, predators and ‘competition’ of species are frequently targeted and hunted because of perceived threat to livestock profits.

Livestock and their products account for at least 32,000 million tons of C02 per year of 51% of all worldwide GHGs.
It is responsible for 65% of all human-related emissions of nitrous oxide- a GHG with 296 times global warming potential of C02 and stays in atmosphere for 150 years.
Agriculture contributes significantly to emissions of non-Co2 GHGs such as methane and nitrous oxide.
Hence it is necessary to mitigate it through using gas produced from manure from energy production (biogas).

It makes important contribution to food security and poverty reduction for many low income rural families but many countries have been unsuccessful to serve the needs of poorest households and include them in development.

Livestock producers, including traditional pastoralists and small holders, are both victims of natural resource degradation.
Remedial action lies in mix of public goods related to environmental protection, ecosystem services and private investments to improve animal productivity.

Animal health services have been widely ignored in the world and has led to institutional flaws Nwhich leads to poor delivery of animal health services.
Animal health services not only combat animal diseases that cause mortality and reduce animal productivity, they also shield human health because of risk of animal to human disease transmission.

Indian livestock industry makes up for significant amount of world’s livestock resources. Both national economy and socio-economic growth of India is backed by livestock sector. It offers great potential and outstanding contribution in agriculture sector. Livestock sector is performing well in production, value addition and export of dairy, fishery, wool, poultry and other products. Challenges associated with social taboos, unorganized livestock market need to be addressed and tap into global market opportunities.