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M-V-SC in Livestock Production And Management at Navsari Agricultural University
Navsari, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Livestock Production and Management at Navsari Agricultural University Navsari?
This Livestock Production and Management program at Navsari Agricultural University focuses on advanced scientific and practical aspects of animal husbandry. It addresses the increasing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s vibrant livestock sector, aiming to enhance productivity, sustainability, and animal welfare. The program differentiates itself by its strong emphasis on integrated farm management and ethical animal practices, crucial for modern Indian agricultural enterprises.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) graduates seeking advanced expertise in livestock farming. It''''s suitable for fresh graduates aiming for leadership roles in animal production, as well as working professionals in government animal husbandry departments or private farms looking to upgrade their skills and knowledge for career advancement in the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including livestock farm managers, consultants, research scientists, extension officers, and entrepreneurs in dairy, poultry, and meat processing industries. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 lakhs or more, especially in private sector and entrepreneurial ventures. The program fosters capabilities vital for success in India''''s rapidly evolving agro-economy.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Knowledge with Case Studies- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core theoretical concepts by researching and discussing real-world Indian livestock production case studies (e.g., successful dairy farms in Gujarat, challenges in poultry farming). This helps contextualize classroom learning and prepare for practical application.
Tools & Resources
ICAR publications, Local agricultural extension literature, Livestock Census data, Peer group discussions
Career Connection
Develops problem-solving skills and a practical understanding of Indian livestock challenges, crucial for roles as farm managers or extension officers.
Develop Practical Skills through Farm Visits & Internships- (Semester 1-2 (during semester breaks or designated practical slots))
Seek out and participate in short-term internships or regular visits to local government and private livestock farms (dairy, poultry, piggery) around Navsari. Document observations, interact with farm managers, and actively assist in routine operations.
Tools & Resources
University farm facilities, Local veterinary hospitals, Private farms identified through department contacts
Career Connection
Builds hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a realistic understanding of farm operations, directly enhancing employability for farm management roles.
Engage in Research Paper Reading & Discussion- (Throughout Semester 1 and 2)
Regularly read and critically discuss recent research papers from Indian and international journals related to livestock production, management, and animal welfare. Focus on methodologies and findings relevant to local conditions.
Tools & Resources
University library databases (e.g., J-Gate, CAB Abstracts), ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Departmental reading groups
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, scientific literacy, and prepares for future research projects (seminar, thesis), essential for academic or R&D careers.
Intermediate Stage
Master Data Analysis for Livestock Management- (Semester 3)
Learn and apply statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, Excel) for analyzing livestock production data, such as milk yield, growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and disease incidence. This includes designing simple experiments and interpreting results.
Tools & Resources
Online tutorials for statistical software, University statistics department workshops, Farm record-keeping software
Career Connection
Develops analytical skills highly valued in research, farm consultancy, and data-driven management roles in large livestock enterprises.
Present Research Seminars and Attend Conferences- (Semester 3-4)
Prepare and deliver multiple seminars based on literature reviews or preliminary research findings. Actively seek opportunities to present posters or short papers at state-level or national veterinary/agricultural conferences.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, NAU research symposia, Indian Veterinary Congress, Local scientific meetings
Career Connection
Refines public speaking, scientific communication, and networking abilities, crucial for career progression in academia, research, and industry liaison roles.
Initiate and Design Master''''s Research Project- (Semester 3 onwards)
Work closely with an advisor to identify a relevant research problem, develop a clear hypothesis, design experimental protocols, and begin initial data collection for the Master''''s thesis. Focus on problems with practical implications for Indian livestock farmers.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, University research labs, Animal experimental facilities, Grant proposal templates
Career Connection
Provides in-depth experience in scientific inquiry, project management, and problem-solving, foundational for research careers or advanced problem-solving in industry.
Advanced Stage
Conduct Comprehensive Thesis Research & Writing- (Semester 3-4)
Execute the planned research project, meticulously collect and analyze data, interpret results, and write a high-quality Master''''s thesis following academic standards. Regularly meet with the advisor for feedback and guidance.
Tools & Resources
University thesis guidelines, Statistical analysis software, Reference management tools (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley), University writing center
Career Connection
Demonstrates independent research capability, a key requirement for higher studies (PhD) or R&D positions in pharmaceutical, feed, or animal product industries.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3-4)
Actively attend industry events, workshops, and alumni meets organized by the university or professional bodies. Connect with professionals working in dairy cooperatives, government schemes, feed industries, and private farms to explore career opportunities and gain insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni network, Professional associations (e.g., IVA), Career fairs
Career Connection
Opens doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of industry expectations, significantly boosting placement prospects.
Prepare for Viva Voce and Job Interviews- (Semester 4)
Systematically prepare for the Master''''s thesis viva-voce examination, rehearsing presentations and anticipating questions. Concurrently, practice for job interviews, focusing on subject knowledge, problem-solving scenarios, and communication skills relevant to the Indian livestock sector.
Tools & Resources
Mock interviews with faculty/seniors, Departmental viva preparations, Online interview guides, Career services workshops
Career Connection
Ensures confidence and readiness for the final academic defense and significantly improves chances of securing desirable placements immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.V.Sc. & A.H. degree with an OGPA of not less than 6.0/10.0 or 60% marks in aggregate from a recognized University.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 56 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPM 601 | Principles of Livestock Production and Management | Core | 3 | Livestock population and trends, Systems of livestock production, Breeds and breeding policies, Housing and nutritional management, Waste management, record keeping |
| LPM 602 | Ruminant Production Management | Core | 3 | Dairy cattle/buffalo management, Sheep/goat production systems, Breeding and feeding strategies, Common diseases and their control, Product quality and processing |
| LPM 603 | Non-Ruminant Production Management | Core | 3 | Pig production and management, Poultry production and health, Rabbit production systems, Feeding, housing, and genetics, Non-ruminant product processing |
| Minor I | Minor Course I (Student Choice) | Elective (Minor) | 3 | Selected from related disciplines, e.g., Animal Genetics, Animal Nutrition |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPM 604 | Applied Livestock Farm Management | Core | 3 | Farm planning and budgeting, Financial management in livestock farms, Marketing strategies for livestock products, Personnel management and record analysis, Risk management and insurance |
| LPM 605 | Ethology and Animal Welfare | Core | 3 | Animal behavior and learning, Stress and its impact on welfare, Welfare concepts and ethical issues, Transportation and housing standards, Humane handling and slaughter |
| LPM 606 | Livestock Product Technology | Core | 3 | Milk and meat processing technologies, Egg technology and preservation, Wool, hide, and skin processing, Quality control and food safety, Value addition of livestock products |
| Minor II | Minor Course II (Student Choice) | Elective (Minor) | 3 | Selected from related disciplines, e.g., Veterinary Gynaecology, Veterinary Public Health |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPM 691 | Master''''s Seminar I | Project | 1 | Literature review presentation, Research methodology discussion, Scientific writing and presentation skills |
| Minor III | Minor Course III (Student Choice) | Elective (Minor) | 3 | Selected from related disciplines, e.g., Veterinary Extension Education |
| Supporting I | Supporting Course I (Student Choice) | Elective (Supporting) | 3 | Selected from disciplines like Statistics, Computer Applications, Biotechnology |
| LPM 699 (Part I) | Master''''s Research (Part I) | Project | 10 | Research problem identification, Experimental design and protocol, Initial data collection and analysis, Pilot studies and methodology refinement |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPM 691 | Master''''s Seminar II | Project | 1 | Research progress presentation, Thesis chapter discussion, Critical analysis of scientific findings |
| Supporting II | Supporting Course II (Student Choice) | Elective (Supporting) | 2 | Selected from disciplines like Statistics, Computer Applications, Biotechnology |
| LPM 699 (Part II) | Master''''s Research (Part II) | Project | 10 | Advanced data analysis, Interpretation of research results, Thesis writing and defense preparation, Scientific publication strategies |
