MP Board · Class 9 · Science · Improvement in Food ResourcesDescribe the key aspects of Cattle Farming. Explain the difference between milch and draught animals, indigenous and exotic breeds, and outline the essential management practices required for dairy cattle.

Purpose of Cattle Farming\nCattle husbandry is done for two main purposes: Milk production and Agricultural labor (such as tilling, irrigation, and carting).

Categorization of Cattle

1. Milch Animals (Milk-producing):
   • Female cattle kept primarily for milk production.
   • Example: Lactating cows and buffaloes.
2. Draught Animals (Labor):
   • Male or non-lactating cattle used for farm labor.
   • Example: Bullocks used for ploughing fields.

Breeds of Cattle

• Indigenous (Local) Breeds:
  • Examples: Red Sindhi, Sahiwal.
  • Characteristics: Show high resistance to diseases and adaptability to local climate.
• Exotic (Foreign) Breeds:
  • Examples: Jersey, Brown Swiss.
  • Characteristics: Selected for long lactation periods and high milk yield.
• Cross-breeding: Indigenous breeds are cross-bred with exotic breeds to combine high yield with disease resistance.

Essential Cattle Management Practices

• Shelter Requirements:
  • Well-ventilated, roofed sheds protecting from rain, heat, and cold.
  • Sloping floors for easy cleaning and keeping dry conditions.
• Nutritional Requirements:
  • Roughage: High fiber foods like green fodder, hay, and silage.
  • Concentrates: Low fiber, high protein, and nutrient-rich mixture (grains, oilcakes).
  • Micro-nutrients for health and milk yield.
• Disease Control:
  • Regular vaccination against infectious bacterial and viral diseases.
  • Clean surroundings to prevent external parasites (ticks, lice) and internal parasites (worms).