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M-SC-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 M.Sc (Agriculture) in Animal Husbandry and Dairying program at Assam Agricultural University focuses on advanced scientific principles and practical applications for sustainable livestock and dairy production. It is designed to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s rapidly growing animal agriculture sector, emphasizing local relevance and modern techniques. The program''''s interdisciplinary approach provides a holistic understanding of animal health, nutrition, breeding, and product technology, essential for driving growth in the Indian livestock industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s graduates in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Dairy Technology, or related fields seeking to deepen their expertise in animal production. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for careers in research, academia, or farm management, as well as working professionals in animal agriculture looking to enhance their scientific knowledge and leadership skills for career advancement within the Indian livestock industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as animal husbandry officers, dairy plant managers, livestock consultants, feed technologists, and research scientists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program equips students for leadership positions in government organizations, private dairy farms, feed industries, and research institutions, contributing to India''''s food security and rural economy.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Scientific Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental concepts in animal nutrition, breeding, and physiology. Utilize textbooks, research papers, and online agricultural learning platforms to reinforce classroom learning and build a strong theoretical base for advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
ICAR e-courses, NPTEL lectures on agricultural science, Departmental library resources
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in specialized fields, preparing you for research roles, farm management, and effective problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
Develop Practical Laboratory Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions for subjects like animal nutrition and biostatistics. Seek opportunities to handle lab equipment, perform feed analysis, and conduct basic statistical computations. Document all procedures and results meticulously in a lab notebook.
Tools & Resources
Departmental laboratories, Statistical software (R, SAS, SPSS) tutorials, Mentorship from lab instructors
Career Connection
Hands-on skills are highly valued by employers in research, quality control, and diagnostic services within the animal and dairy industry.
Engage in Academic Discussions and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics, prepare for exams, and review practical concepts. Actively participate in classroom discussions and seek clarification from professors. Peer teaching solidifies understanding and fosters a collaborative learning environment.
Tools & Resources
Study groups, Online academic forums for agriculture, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to articulate scientific concepts, beneficial for future academic and professional interactions.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Industry Internships and Field Exposure- (Semester 2-3 breaks, Semester 3)
Actively look for short-term internships or training programs at local dairy farms, poultry units, feed manufacturing plants, or veterinary clinics during semester breaks. This provides invaluable real-world experience and understanding of industry operations in India.
Tools & Resources
AAU Placement Cell, Local agricultural enterprises, ICAR institutes for summer training
Career Connection
Internships bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industrial practice, significantly boosting employability and network building for placements.
Participate in Agricultural Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 2-3)
Attend university-organized seminars, national/international conferences on animal science, and workshops focusing on emerging technologies in animal husbandry. Presenting a short paper or poster can further enhance research and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
AAU event calendar, ICAR events, Agricultural news portals
Career Connection
Keeps you updated on industry trends, helps in networking with experts, and can lead to collaborative research opportunities or job leads.
Develop Specialization-Specific Skills- (Semester 3)
Beyond coursework, identify specific areas of interest within animal husbandry (e.g., advanced breeding techniques, dairy processing, feed formulation software). Utilize online courses, certifications, or self-study to gain expertise in these niche areas relevant to the Indian market.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, ICAR-certified training programs, Industry-specific software demos
Career Connection
Builds a unique skill set that differentiates you in the job market, making you a specialist in high-demand areas like genetic improvement or dairy product innovation.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Master''''s Thesis Research- (Semester 4)
Select a relevant research topic in Animal Husbandry and Dairying that addresses a current challenge in the Indian context. Execute the research meticulously, analyze data using appropriate statistical tools, and prepare a high-quality thesis, focusing on original contributions.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, AAU research facilities, Statistical analysis software, Scopus/Web of Science for literature
Career Connection
Showcases your ability to conduct independent research, solve complex problems, and contribute new knowledge, critical for research and academic roles.
Prepare for Placements and Career Planning- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with the university''''s placement cell. Prepare a strong resume highlighting your research, practical skills, and internships. Practice interview techniques and participate in mock interviews. Research potential employers in India and their requirements.
Tools & Resources
AAU Placement Cell workshops, Career guidance counselors, LinkedIn for industry insights
Career Connection
Maximizes your chances of securing desirable placements in leading agricultural companies, government organizations, or research institutions.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3-4 and beyond)
Utilize alumni networks, professional bodies (e.g., Indian Dairy Association, Poultry Federation of India), and industry events to connect with established professionals. Seek their advice, explore mentorship opportunities, and stay informed about job market trends and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
AAU Alumni Association, Professional agricultural associations, Industry expos and conferences
Career Connection
Building a robust professional network can open doors to unadvertised job opportunities, mentorship, and long-term career growth in the dynamic Indian agricultural sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc (Agri) / B.V.Sc. & A.H / B.F.Sc. / B.Tech (D.Tech) or B.Sc (H.Sc) with minimum OGPA of 2.60 in 4.00 scale or 6.50 in 10.00 scale or 60% aggregate marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 75 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH&D 501 | Principles of Animal Nutrition | Core | 4 | Nutrient requirements of livestock, Digestion and metabolism of nutrients, Feed analysis and quality control, Formulation of balanced rations, Nutritional disorders and remedies |
| AH&D 502 | Principles of Animal Breeding | Core | 4 | Basic genetics and inheritance patterns, Population genetics and gene frequencies, Selection methods and breeding systems, Quantitative genetics principles, Genetic improvement in livestock |
| AH&D 503 | Principles of Animal Production and Management | Core | 4 | Housing and environmental management, Feeding practices for different livestock, Reproductive management techniques, Health care and disease prevention, Management of dairy, poultry, swine |
| AH&D 504 | Biostatistics | Core | 3 | Probability and probability distributions, Hypothesis testing and estimation, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Correlation and regression analysis, Design of experiments |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH&D 505 | Applied Animal Nutrition | Core | 4 | Feed additives and growth promoters, Nutrient partitioning and utilization, Feed processing and preservation methods, Practical feeding strategies for livestock, Nutritional programs for different physiological states |
| AH&D 506 | Applied Animal Breeding | Core | 4 | Quantitative genetics in breeding, Estimation of breeding values and genetic parameters, Molecular genetics and genetic markers, Advanced breeding plans and schemes, Genetic improvement programs in livestock |
| AH&D 507 | Physiology of Reproduction and Lactation | Core | 4 | Hormonal control of reproduction, Estrous cycle and pregnancy physiology, Parturition and postpartum management, Physiology of mammary gland and lactation, Artificial insemination and embryo transfer |
| AH&D 508 | Livestock Products Technology | Core | 4 | Milk processing and dairy product manufacturing, Meat processing and preservation techniques, Egg and poultry product technology, Wool, hide, and other animal by-products, Quality control and food safety in livestock products |
| AH&D 509 | Research Methodology | Core | 2 | Principles of scientific research, Experimental design and sampling techniques, Data collection, analysis, and interpretation, Scientific writing and presentation, Ethical considerations in animal research |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH&D 601 | Advanced Animal Nutrition | Core | 4 | Energy and protein metabolism in monogastrics and ruminants, Mineral and vitamin nutrition at advanced level, Nutritional genomics and epigenetics, Advanced feed formulation techniques, Role of nutraceuticals in animal production |
| AH&D 602 | Advanced Animal Breeding | Core | 4 | Molecular genetics applications in breeding, Genome selection and marker-assisted selection, Genetic engineering and transgenesis in livestock, Conservation genetics of indigenous breeds, Breed characterization and genetic diversity studies |
| AH&D 603 | Advanced Animal Physiology | Core | 4 | Endocrine system and its functions, Physiology of growth and development, Stress physiology and animal welfare, Immunology in animal health and production, Physiological adaptations to environmental changes |
| AH&D 604 | Dairy Chemistry and Microbiology | Core | 3 | Composition and properties of milk, Chemical changes in milk processing, Microorganisms in milk and dairy products, Pathogenic bacteria in dairy industry, Starter cultures and fermented dairy products |
| AH&D 605 | Meat Science and Technology | Core | 3 | Muscle biochemistry and meat quality, Pre-slaughter and slaughter management, Post-mortem changes and meat tenderization, Meat curing, smoking, and processing, Quality assessment of meat and meat products |
| AH&D 606 | Poultry Production and Technology | Core | 3 | Broiler and layer management practices, Hatchery operations and incubation, Poultry nutrition and feeding strategies, Poultry disease control and biosecurity, Egg and poultry meat processing |
| AH&D 691 | Seminar I | Elective | 1 | Review of scientific literature, Preparation of seminar presentation, Effective communication skills, Critical analysis of research papers, Addressing audience questions |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH&D 699 | Master''''s Thesis | Project | 20 | Research problem identification, Experimental design and execution, Data analysis and interpretation, Scientific writing of thesis, Oral presentation and defense |
