Domestication and Improvement of Animals and Economic Zoology Questions in English

(C) Sweet clover,when spoilt,contains a compound called dicumarol.
Dicumarol acts as an anticoagulant by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin $K$-dependent clotting factors in the liver.
As a result,cattle consuming this hay may experience a functional deficiency of vitamin $K$,leading to an inability of the blood to clot properly,which causes prolonged and potentially fatal bleeding.

(C) General utility breeds (also known as dual-purpose breeds) are those where the cows are reasonably good milk producers and the bullocks are useful for agricultural work. Among the given options,Haryana,Ongole,and Kankrej are classified as general utility or dual-purpose breeds. Gir,Sahiwal,and Deoni are primarily milch breeds,while Malvi,Nageri,and Halliker are primarily draught breeds.

(B) Viral diseases in animals are caused by various viruses.
$1$. Blue tongue disease is caused by the $Orbivirus$.
$2$. Foot and mouth disease is caused by the $Aphthovirus$.
$3$. Rinderpest is caused by the $Rinderpest$ virus (a morbillivirus).
$4$. Rabies is caused by the $Lyssavirus$.
All these diseases listed in option $B$ are well-known viral infections affecting livestock and other animals.

(C) $Sunandini$ is a crossbred cattle variety developed in Kerala.
It is produced by the hybridization of local Indian cattle breeds with exotic $Jersey$ bulls to improve milk production.
Therefore,the correct option is $C$.

(D) Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin,tendons,ligaments,and bones with water. It is primarily obtained from cattle (bovine) bones,horns,and hoofs. Therefore,it is a byproduct of the cattle industry.

(A) The goat is commonly referred to as the poor man's cow because it is easy to maintain,requires less space,and provides nutritious milk.
Mahatma Gandhi kept goats and advocated for their rearing,as they were accessible to the rural poor and provided a sustainable source of nutrition.

(A) In the temperate Himalayan region,the climate and terrain are highly suitable for pastoral activities.
Sheep rearing is a traditional and primary occupation for the people living in these regions.
The wool obtained from these sheep is of high quality and is a significant source of income for the local communities.
Therefore,sheep rearing is the most important occupation among the given options.

(A) Lohi is a breed of sheep,primarily distributed in the regions of Punjab and Rajasthan.
These sheep are reared for the production of high-quality wool and milk.

(D) Sheep $(Ovis \text{ } aries)$ and goats $(Capra \text{ } hircus)$ are distinct species.
They differ significantly in their morphological characteristics.
Specifically, they exhibit differences in body shape, the structure and size of their horns, and the shape of their nose (profile).
Sheep generally have a convex nose profile, while goats often have a straight or concave profile.

(C) The flesh of a goat is commonly referred to as $Mutton$.
$Pork$ is the flesh of a pig.
$Beef$ is the flesh of cattle.
$Meat$ is a general term for animal flesh used as food,but $Mutton$ is the specific culinary term for goat meat.

(D) Goats are browsers,not grazers. They primarily feed on the leaves,young shoots,buds,and fruits of various shrubs and low-growing trees. Therefore,option $D$ is the correct answer.

(C) The correct answer is $C$. Sheep are primarily domesticated and reared globally for the production of wool,which is a major textile fiber. While sheep are also used for meat (mutton) and milk,their economic significance is most strongly associated with the wool industry,which employs millions of people worldwide.

(C) Vitamin $B_{12}$ (cobalamin) is primarily found in animal-derived foods and certain microorganisms.
Goat's liver is an extremely rich source of vitamin $B_{12}$ due to the liver's role in storing vitamins.
Spirulina is a blue-green alga that is often cited as a plant-based source of $B_{12}$,although it contains pseudo-vitamin $B_{12}$ which is not biologically active in humans; however,in the context of biological sources,it is frequently grouped with high-density nutrient foods.
Therefore,goat's liver and spirulina are considered the richest sources among the given options.

(D) The correct answer is $D$. $Nali$ and $Lohi$ are well-known Indian sheep breeds. $Nali$ is famous for its high-quality carpet wool,while $Lohi$ is known for producing good quality wool and is also valued for its milk production.

(C) The correct answer is $(C)$.
$Merino$ is a world-famous exotic breed of sheep known for its high-quality wool.
$Nali$,$Lohi$,and $Bhakarwal$ are indigenous (native) breeds of sheep found in India.

(B) Angora wool is a soft,silky fiber produced by the Angora rabbit.
While some breeds of goats (like the Angora goat) produce mohair,the specific term 'Angora wool' refers to the fiber harvested from the Angora rabbit.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(A) The $Chiru$ $(Pantholops hodgsonii)$, also known as the Tibetan antelope, is the source of $shahtoosh$ wool.
$Shahtoosh$ is considered the finest, lightest, and warmest wool in the world.
Due to the illegal hunting of $Chiru$ for this wool, it is classified as an endangered species.
Therefore, the correct option is $A$.

(C) cloven hoof is a hoof split into two toes. This characteristic is typical of the order $Artiodactyla$ (even-toed ungulates).
Among the given options,the sheep ($Ovis$ $aries$) belongs to the order $Artiodactyla$ and possesses a cloven hoof.
In contrast,horses and zebras belong to the order $Perissodactyla$ (odd-toed ungulates) and have a single hoof,while elephants are unguligrade but do not have cloven hooves.

(B) The Pashmina wool is obtained from the Pashmina goat, scientifically known as $Capra \text{ } hircus$. This breed is native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. It is highly prized for its extremely fine, soft, and warm undercoat, which is harvested to produce luxurious Pashmina shawls and garments. Therefore, the correct option is $B$.

(B) The process of removing the fleece of sheep along with a thin layer of skin is called shearing.
In India,shearing is generally performed twice a year.
The recommended periods for shearing are during the winter season $(February-March)$ and the rainy season $(August-September)$.
These periods are chosen because the sheep have sufficient wool growth and the availability of rich grazing grounds ensures the health of the animals after shearing.

(A) Poultry farming is the correct answer because it requires relatively less space compared to other livestock farming methods. It is easier to manage and maintain,and it provides a fast economic return,as broilers can be ready for market within $6$ to $8$ weeks,which is well within the span of $6$ months.

(B) The correct answer is $B$. Pigs are omnivorous animals that are known to feed on a wide variety of organic matter,including vegetables,garbage,kitchen waste,agricultural by-products,and even human excreta in certain environments. This scavenging behavior is characteristic of their dietary flexibility.

(B) The correct answer is $B$.
Generally,pigs exhibit distinct breeding seasons.
While breeding can occur throughout the year in managed conditions,in many natural or traditional farming environments,pigs show peak reproductive activity during specific periods,often including late winter and early spring (such as $February$ to $March$) and late summer to early autumn (such as $August$ to $September$).

(A) The correct answer is $A$.
$1$. Pig farming offers a significant advantage because pigs have a high feed conversion efficiency,meaning they require much less feed per kilogram of body weight gain compared to other livestock.
$2$. They also yield a higher percentage of dressed carcass (meat) relative to their body weight.
$3$. Additionally,pig rearing requires a relatively low initial investment and provides quicker economic returns compared to cattle or sheep farming.

(B) Landrace is a well-known exotic breed of pig. It is widely used in commercial pig farming due to its high growth rate and excellent meat quality.

(C) The correct answer is $C$. Ghori is an important native breed of pigs found in certain regions of India.

(D) The large white breed of donkey,commonly known as the Indian wild ass or $Equus$ $hemionus$ $khur$,is primarily found in the saline desert region of the $Rann$ $of$ $Kutch$ in the state of Gujarat,India.

(B) There are $2$ breeds of donkeys in our country: small dark grey and large light grey to almost white.

(B) The correct answer is $(b)$.
The Indian Army utilizes mules for logistics and transport in difficult mountain terrains due to their high endurance and ability to navigate steep,narrow paths.
The Army uses two types of mules:
$(i)$ General Service type,and
$(ii)$ Mountain Artillery type.

(D) In tropical countries,the primary challenge in animal housing is managing heat stress.
High ambient temperatures can significantly affect the health,growth,and reproductive performance of pigs.
Therefore,temperature control is the most critical factor to consider when designing a pig house to ensure proper ventilation and cooling,preventing heat-related stress and diseases.

(D) $Bhutia$ is an important breed of Indian horse. They are primarily distributed in the regions of $Punjab$ and $Bhutan$.

(D) Horses have been historically used by humans for transportation,agriculture,and labor,classifying them as beasts of burden.
They are known for their physical endurance and resilience,making them tough animals.
Additionally,horses exhibit high levels of cognitive ability and social awareness,which classifies them as intelligent animals.
Therefore,all the given statements are correct.

(D) The correct answer is $D$.
Compared to other animals listed,horses have a relatively low reproductive rate.
$Camelus$ $dromedarius$ (camel),$Ovis$ $sp.$ (sheep),and $Capra$ $hircus$ (goat) generally exhibit higher reproductive frequencies and shorter gestation periods compared to horses,which typically produce only one foal per year and have a longer gestation period of approximately $11$ months.

(B) Horses are herbivores and require a balanced diet for energy and health. They are primarily fed on a mixture of grains such as $Oats$, $Barley$, and $Gram$, along with $Hay$ (dried grass). Additionally, $Common$ $\text{salt}$ is often added to their diet to maintain electrolyte balance.

(B) The $Spiti$ horse is a rare breed of horse native to the $Spiti$ Valley in the $Himachal$ $Pradesh$ state of $India$.
It is well-adapted to the high-altitude, cold desert environment of the $Himalayas$ and is known for its hardiness and ability to survive in harsh conditions.

(B) beast of burden is an animal used by humans to carry heavy loads. Among the given options,the donkey is widely recognized for its hardiness,ability to survive on sparse vegetation,and requirement for minimal care compared to other domesticated animals like horses or mules. Therefore,the donkey is the most appropriate answer.

(D) mule is the result of interspecific hybridisation,which involves mating between two different species. Specifically,it is the offspring of a male donkey (ass) and a female horse (mare).

(C) The correct answer is $C$. The hump of a camel is primarily composed of adipose tissue (fat). This stored fat serves as a source of energy and nourishment for the camel when food is scarce in the desert environment. It is not a storage organ for water.

(C) The Indian camel,also known as the Dromedary or Arabian camel,is characterized by having a single hump. These camels are well-adapted to arid environments and are commonly found in regions like India and North Africa.

(B) The correct answer is $B$. Camels are seasonal breeders,and their breeding season typically occurs during the winter months,specifically from $November$ to $March$.

(B) . Camel is popularly called 'ship of the desert' because of its remarkable ability to travel long distances across sandy deserts with minimal water.

(C) The camel's hump is composed of adipose tissue,which stores fat. When this fat is oxidized during metabolic processes,it produces metabolic water,which helps the animal survive in arid conditions.

(D) The correct answer is $D$.
The camel is known as the 'Ship of the Desert'.
It is the most valuable animal in desert regions because it can survive for long periods with minimal food and water,even while carrying heavy loads.
Its physiological adaptations,such as the ability to store fat in its hump and conserve water,make it uniquely suited for desert survival.

(A) The Arabian camel,scientifically known as $Camelus \, dromedarius$,is characterized by having a single hump on its back. In contrast,the Bactrian camel $(Camelus \, bactrianus)$ is known for having two humps.

(A) The Bactrian camel $(Camelus\, bactrianus)$ is characterized by having two humps on its back.
These camels are primarily found in the Gobi Desert and other regions of Central Asia.
In contrast,the Dromedary camel $(Camelus\, dromedarius)$ possesses only one hump.

(B) $Surra$ is a protozoan disease caused by $Trypanosoma evansi$,which commonly infects camels. Other diseases that affect camels include anthrax,pneumonia,camelpox,and rabies.

(D) There are four primary breeds of camels found in India: $Jaisalmeri$,$Sindhi$,$Bikaneri$,and $Kutchi$. $Jaisalmeri$,$Sindhi$,and $Bikaneri$ are primarily found in the state of Rajasthan,while the $Kutchi$ breed is native to the state of Gujarat. Therefore,all the options listed are correct.

(C) There are $9$ recognized breeds of camels in India,but based on the provided options,the question likely refers to the major distinct types or a specific classification context. However,according to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources $(NBAGR)$,there are $9$ registered breeds. Given the standard multiple-choice format often found in older textbooks,if the question implies major breeds like Bikaneri,Jaisalmeri,Kachchhi,and Mewari,the answer is $4$.

(D) The camel's hump is primarily composed of adipose tissue (fat).
When the camel is deprived of food and water,this stored fat undergoes metabolic oxidation.
The chemical reaction of fat oxidation produces energy and metabolic water as a byproduct,which helps the camel survive in arid desert conditions.