Book Release: “Basic Fundamentals of Animal Husbandry: A Practical Guide for Beginners” by Dr. Pramod S. Mahajan is a remarkable and timely contribution to the field of animal husbandry, designed especially for those who wish to pursue livestock farming scientifically and sustainably. The book presents an ideal combination of practical experience and scientific principles, making it an invaluable resource for beginners as well as professionals associated with livestock and dairy development.
Dr. Mahajan, a senior veterinarian, animal husbandry expert, and author with over 39 years of rich experience, has dedicated his career to advancing livestock development and dairy farming in India. His vast professional journey includes key roles in cooperative and government sectors, where he made significant contributions to animal health, productivity enhancement, disease control, and farmer welfare. His outstanding service in organizations such as Sumul Dairy and Amul Dairy brought practical improvements in dairy animal health management and milk yield. Later, his 31 years in the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Maharashtra, as Livestock Development Officer (Group A) and Assistant Commissioner (Animal Husbandry), further strengthened the state’s livestock development framework.
After retirement, Dr. Mahajan continued his service to the sector as a consultant with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Anand, under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. There, he provided guidance on indigenous cattle breed conservation, genetic improvement, and sustainable dairy development at the national level. His dedication to educating and empowering livestock farmers is evident through his YouTube channel “Dr. Pramod S. Mahajan,” where he regularly shares insightful content on animal husbandry, disease prevention, dairy farming practices, and government schemes. He is also the founder of the “Pashumitra” mobile app — a unique digital platform that connects livestock farmers with services, training, and markets, thus promoting digital inclusion in rural livestock management.
This book, “Basic Fundamentals of Animal Husbandry,” is a sincere effort to translate Dr. Mahajan’s extensive field experience into an accessible and practical guide for aspiring livestock farmers. Written in a simple and easy-to-understand language, the book covers a wide range of topics including selection of animals, housing, feeding management, vaccination, disease control, breeding techniques, and seasonal care. The author’s approach is deeply rooted in practical reality — addressing the problems faced by new livestock farmers and offering tested solutions derived from real-life experience.
Beyond technical guidance, the book also emphasizes the mindset, discipline, and planning essential for success in animal husbandry. Dr. Mahajan views livestock farming not just as an occupation but as a science-driven enterprise that requires vision, management skills, and consistency. This perspective is particularly useful for rural youth, self-employment seekers, and students of veterinary science who wish to build a stable career in this field.
The book’s relevance extends beyond individual readers — it is a valuable reference for training institutions, government programs, and dairy cooperatives that aim to promote sustainable livestock development. Based on modern veterinary science, field experience, and national-level perspectives, it offers a comprehensive understanding of animal husbandry as both an art and a science.
“Basic Fundamentals of Animal Husbandry” stands as a trustworthy companion for anyone seeking to build a profitable, sustainable, and ethical livestock farming enterprise. It reflects Dr. Pramod S. Mahajan’s lifelong dedication to the welfare of farmers, rural youth, and the nation’s livestock sector — making it not just a book, but a guiding light for India’s growing community of animal husbandry professionals.