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B-SC-HONS-AGRICULTURE in Animal Husbandry And Dairying at Assam Agricultural University
Jorhat, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Animal Husbandry and Dairying at Assam Agricultural University Jorhat?
This specialization in Animal Husbandry and Dairying within the B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture program at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, focuses on scientific livestock management, dairy technology, and poultry production. It addresses the critical role of animal agriculture in India''''s economy, emphasizing sustainable practices, enhanced productivity, and value-added product development for food security and rural livelihoods, especially in the North-Eastern region.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring agricultural professionals with a passion for livestock science, fresh 10+2 science graduates seeking a career in animal production and dairy sectors, and individuals interested in entrepreneurship within integrated farming systems. It also suits those aiming for research, extension services, or government roles in animal welfare and productivity enhancement, requiring a strong foundation in biological sciences.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including dairy farm management, poultry consultancy, livestock breeding, feed industry, food processing units, and government animal husbandry departments. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in national and multinational companies, cooperative dairies, and for establishing independent agro-ventures, contributing to India''''s growing animal protein demand.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Introductory Animal Husbandry- (Semester 1)
Actively engage with the AHR 111 course, focusing on understanding the basics of livestock care, breeds, and local farming practices. Visit nearby dairy or poultry farms, even small ones, to connect classroom knowledge with real-world scenarios in Assam''''s context. This foundational knowledge is crucial for advanced subjects and for roles in farm management or extension services.
Tools & Resources
Local farms, Veterinary extension centers, Basic textbooks on animal science
Career Connection
Builds essential knowledge for any entry-level role in animal agriculture or farm support.
Develop Scientific Observation & Documentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay keen attention during practical sessions, meticulously documenting animal behavior, health indicators, and production parameters. Practice data recording for feed intake, weight gain, or milk yield. This skill is vital for research, farm management, and quality control roles, ensuring accurate assessments and informed decision-making in animal production.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Field notebooks, Basic data entry software (e.g., Excel)
Career Connection
Essential for roles in research, farm record management, and quality assurance in processing units.
Join Agricultural Student Clubs & Competitions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in university agricultural clubs or local youth farmer groups. Engage in debates, quiz competitions, or small projects related to animal husbandry. This fosters teamwork, communication skills, and provides a platform to network with peers and faculty, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and leadership roles in the Indian agricultural sector.
Tools & Resources
University student affairs office, Local youth farmer groups
Career Connection
Enhances soft skills, builds network, prepares for leadership roles in agri-business.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Hands-on Experience with Livestock Breeding & Nutrition- (Semester 3-4)
During courses like AHR 211 (Livestock Production), AHR 212 (Breeding), and AHR 221 (Nutrition), proactively engage in practicals involving animal handling, artificial insemination demonstrations, and ration formulation. Explore opportunities for short internships at university farms or government animal breeding centers. This practical exposure translates directly into capabilities required for roles in animal breeding, feed technology, or livestock health management.
Tools & Resources
University livestock farms, Local veterinary hospitals, ICAR institutes
Career Connection
Direct skill development for roles in breeding centers, feed mills, or animal health.
Specialise in Dairy & Poultry Sciences through Electives/Projects- (Semester 5)
As specific courses like AHR 311 (Dairy Science) and AHR 312 (Poultry Production) are introduced, delve deeper by undertaking small research projects or case studies focused on local dairy or poultry challenges. Attend workshops on milk processing or poultry disease management. This specialized focus builds expertise for critical roles in India''''s booming dairy and poultry industries.
Tools & Resources
Local dairy plants (e.g., Purabi Dairy), Poultry farms, Online courses, Industry seminars
Career Connection
Prepares for specialized roles in dairy processing, poultry farm management, or product development.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 4-5)
Actively participate in agricultural fairs, exhibitions, and industry events in Assam or nearby states. Engage with professionals from dairy cooperatives, feed companies, and veterinary pharmaceutical firms. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect. Building this network is invaluable for internship opportunities, mentorship, and future job placements in India''''s competitive agri-food sector.
Tools & Resources
Agri-expos, LinkedIn, University alumni network
Career Connection
Crucial for internships, mentorship, and securing employment post-graduation.
Advanced Stage
Maximize Experiential Learning (ELP/RAWE) for Industry Readiness- (Semester 7)
Fully immerse in the Semester 7 ELP modules (Dairy Products Technology or Poultry Production) and RAWE. Treat these as extended internships, taking initiative in project execution, problem-solving, and data analysis. These practical, real-world experiences are paramount for securing placements and transitioning smoothly into the Indian agricultural workforce.
Tools & Resources
ELP/RAWE supervisors, Industry partners, Project reports
Career Connection
Directly enhances employability and provides a strong resume builder for industry roles.
Undertake a Research Project in a Niche Area- (Semester 8)
For the Semester 8 project work, choose a topic within Animal Husbandry and Dairying that aligns with your career interests, such as developing a new feed formulation, optimizing milk chilling methods, or assessing indigenous breed productivity. This demonstrates research capabilities, problem-solving skills, and contributes to the knowledge base relevant to Indian livestock challenges.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, University labs, Research papers, Local livestock data
Career Connection
Strengthens profile for R&D roles, academic pursuits, or advanced entrepreneurship.
Prepare for Entrepreneurship or Professional Certifications- (Semester 7-8)
Explore government schemes for agro-entrepreneurs (e.g., NABARD subsidies) if considering starting a venture in animal farming or dairy processing. Alternatively, look into relevant professional certifications in food safety (e.g., FSSAI regulations), quality management, or specific animal health protocols, which can significantly boost career prospects in India.
Tools & Resources
NABARD guidelines, FSSAI website, Industry training programs, Startup incubators
Career Connection
Enables self-employment, enhances market value for corporate roles, and demonstrates commitment to professional standards.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Agriculture/Mathematics (PCB/PCM/PCA) from a recognized Board/Council/University with minimum 50% marks in aggregate for General/OBC/UPS category and 40% marks for SC/ST/PST category.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 164 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (Theory), 50% (Practical), External: 80% (Theory), 50% (Practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHR 111 | Introductory Animal Husbandry | Core | 3 | Role of livestock in agriculture, Common breeds of livestock and poultry, Housing systems for farm animals, Principles of feeding and nutrition, General management practices, Introduction to common diseases and product processing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHR 211 | Livestock Production and Management | Core | 3 | Systems of livestock farming, Breeds of dairy animals, pig, sheep, goat, poultry, Housing and management of livestock, Principles of breeding and reproduction, Common feedstuffs and feeding practices, Disease prevention and health management |
| AHR 212 | Livestock Breeding and Genetics | Core | 3 | Basic genetics and Mendelian laws, Gene, chromosome, DNA, RNA, Population genetics and inheritance, Heritability, repeatability, correlation, Selection methods and breeding systems, Artificial insemination and animal biotechnology |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHR 221 | Livestock Nutrition | Core | 3 | Nutrients and classification of feedstuffs, Digestion and metabolism in farm animals, Energy and protein requirements, Mineral and vitamin requirements, Formulation of balanced rations, Non-conventional feeds and feed processing |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHR 311 | Dairy Science | Core | 3 | Milk composition and factors affecting it, Physical and chemical properties of milk, Milk processing: Pasteurization, sterilization, Manufacturing of dairy products: Cream, butter, ghee, Production of cheese, ice cream, fermented milk, Quality control, packaging, and dairy plant management |
| AHR 312 | Poultry Production and Management | Core | 3 | Breeds of poultry: Chicken, duck, quail, Housing systems for layers and broilers, Principles of feeding and feed formulation, Brooding, rearing, and layer management, Broiler and hatchery management, Common poultry diseases and waste management |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHR 321 | Meat, Fish and Egg Technology | Core | 3 | Chemical composition of meat and post-mortem changes, Slaughtering, dressing, and meat cuts, Meat processing and preservation methods, Egg quality, grading, and preservation, Fish spoilage and preservation techniques, Value-added products from meat, fish, and eggs |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHR 411 | ELP (Experiential Learning Programme) - Dairy Products Technology | Elective / Specialization | 10 | Dairy plant operations and management, Milk reception, chilling, and pasteurization, Manufacturing of butter, cheese, and fermented milk products, Production of ice cream and other frozen desserts, Quality assurance and control in dairy products, Packaging, marketing, and economics of dairy processing |
| AHR 412 | ELP (Experiential Learning Programme) - Poultry Production | Elective / Specialization | 10 | Hatchery operations and incubation management, Broiler farming practices and economics, Layer farming for commercial egg production, Poultry feed formulation and management, Disease prevention, biosecurity, and health management, Record keeping, marketing, and value addition in poultry |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGB 401 | Integrated Farming System & Sustainable Agriculture | Core | 3 | Concept and importance of Integrated Farming System (IFS), Components of IFS: crops, livestock, fisheries, Crop-livestock integration and nutrient recycling, Energy flow and resource management in IFS, Economic viability and environmental sustainability, Role of IFS in enhancing rural livelihoods |
