Dairy farming – Economically important dairy cattle breeds of India, white revolution, diseases of cattle, dairy by-products.

TRB POST GRADUATE LEVEL STUDY MATERIALS

Dairy Farming: A Comprehensive Overview for Post-Graduate Studies

This study material delves into the multifaceted world of dairy farming, an economically vital sector in India. It covers key areas crucial for a post-graduate level understanding, including:

I. Economically Important Dairy Cattle Breeds of India:

• Indigenous Breeds: Exploration of high-yielding native breeds known for their adaptability, disease resistance, and milk quality. This section will detail characteristics, geographical distribution, and economic significance of breeds such as:
  • Sahiwal
  • Gir
  • Red Sindhi
  • Tharparkar
  • Deoni
  • Ongole
  • Kankrej
• Exotic Breeds and Crossbreeds: Analysis of imported breeds and their crossbred offspring that have contributed significantly to milk production enhancement in India. Focus will be on:
  • Holstein Friesian
  • Jersey
  • Brown Swiss
  • Frieswal (Indian crossbreed)
  • Karan Fries (Indian crossbreed)
• Breed Improvement Programs: Discussion on various governmental and private initiatives aimed at enhancing the genetic potential of dairy cattle in India through selective breeding, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer technologies.

II. White Revolution (Operation Flood):

• Historical Context and Genesis: Understanding the socio-economic conditions that necessitated the launch of the White Revolution.
• Key Objectives and Phases: Detailed examination of the goals, strategies, and different phases of Operation Flood, highlighting its transformative impact on India's dairy sector.
• Amul Pattern and Cooperative Movement: In-depth study of the Amul cooperative model as a cornerstone of the White Revolution, emphasizing its role in empowering farmers and ensuring fair prices.
• Impact and Achievements: Analysis of the White Revolution's success in making India the world's largest milk producer, improving rural livelihoods, and ensuring food security.
• Challenges and Future Outlook: Discussion on the ongoing challenges in the dairy sector post-White Revolution and future strategies for sustainable growth.

III. Diseases of Cattle:

• Common Infectious Diseases: Comprehensive coverage of prevalent bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases affecting dairy cattle, including their etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Examples include:
  • Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
  • Brucellosis
  • Mastitis (bacterial and non-bacterial)
  • Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD)
  • Haemorrhagic Septicaemia
  • Black Quarter
  • Theileriosis
  • Babesiosis
• Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders: Understanding the causes, prevention, and management of non-infectious diseases related to nutrition and metabolism, such as milk fever, ketosis, and ruminal acidosis.
• Biosecurity and Disease Management: Principles of biosecurity in dairy farms, vaccination protocols, deworming strategies, and integrated disease management approaches to minimize economic losses.
• Zoonotic Diseases: Awareness of diseases transmissible from cattle to humans (e.g., brucellosis, tuberculosis) and their public health implications.

IV. Dairy By-Products:

• Classification and Processing: Categorization of various dairy by-products and the technologies involved in their manufacturing.
• Traditional Dairy By-Products: Detailed discussion on the production and economic importance of traditional Indian dairy products like:
  • Ghee (clarified butter)
  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • Khoa (reduced milk solids)
  • Curd/Dahi (yogurt)
  • Chhana
  • Lassi
• Modern and Value-Added Dairy Products: Exploration of commercially significant modern dairy products and their market potential:
  • Butter and Butter Milk
  • Cheese (various types)
  • Ice Cream
  • Skimmed Milk Powder and Whole Milk Powder
  • Whey Protein Concentrates and Isolates
  • Casein and Caseinates
  • Dairy Desserts
  • Fermented Milk Products (e.g., Kefir, Probiotic drinks)
• Economic Significance and Entrepreneurship: Analysis of the economic value added by dairy by-products and opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation in this sector.
• Waste Utilization and Environmental Impact: Strategies for efficient utilization of dairy processing waste and minimizing environmental impact.