Did you know India is gearing up for something huge in the world of farming and animals? It’s called the 21st Livestock Census, and it’s pretty much like taking a massive roll call of all the animals across the country. This isn’t just any count; it’s a big event that happens every five years, and it helps the country understand how many animals are out there, what kinds they are, and how they’re being taken care of.Think of the Livestock Census as a giant project where the government counts every single farm animal and pet in India—from the millions of cows, goats, and chickens to elephants and even dogs. Why? Because knowing how many animals there are and where they live helps the government make important decisions about agriculture, which is a major part of India’s economy. It’s kind of like how schools need to know how many students they have to make sure there are enough books and desks for everyone.India relies a lot on its agriculture, and a big part of agriculture is livestock. That includes all the animals that people raise not just for food but also for things like milk, wool, and even companionship. The Livestock Census collects data that help farmers and the government make better choices about how to take care of these animals and use resources wisely. This way, they can plan better for food production, animal health, and even how to handle animal diseases that can affect humans too.This year’s census is super tech-savvy. Instead of using paper and clipboards, enumerators—those are the people doing the counting—will use mobile apps and GPS technology to gather accurate information quickly. This makes it easier to handle such a big task and cuts down on mistakes that can happen when you’re dealing with huge numbers.The latest census is not just counting animals. It’s also collecting new kinds of information, like how much money families make from raising these animals, and the roles women and men play in taking care of them. This is important because it helps everyone understand not just how many animals there are, but also how they fit into people’s lives economically and culturally.All this data gathering is not just about numbers. It’s about making life better for millions of farmers and families who depend on these animals for their livelihood. It also plays a role in managing food supplies and tackling issues like malnutrition, because a lot of people in India depend on animal products for nutrition.The census also ties into bigger global goals like the Sustainable Development Goals, which are all about solving big world problems by 2030. One of those goals is Zero Hunger, and by keeping track of livestock, India can make plans to ensure that everyone has enough to eat, especially as the population continues to grow.The last Livestock Census in 2019 showed that India had a huge number of animals, over 535 million! That includes about 193 million cattle, 109 million buffaloes, and lots more. These numbers help tell the story of how vital these animals are, not just to India’s economy but to daily life for millions of people.The upcoming census will likely show changes and trends that have happened over the last five years. Maybe there are more of certain kinds of animals, or maybe farming practices have changed. Whatever the results, the information will help everyone from policymakers to farmers make informed decisions that can lead to better farming practices, healthier animals, and a healthier environment.So, next time you enjoy a glass of milk or a wool sweater, think about how the Livestock Census plays a part in making sure those products are available and sustainable. It’s a huge effort, but it’s crucial for a country like India, where so much of life is connected to the land and the animals that live on it..Cows have best friends! Just like humans, cows are social creatures and they form close bonds with other cows. Studies have shown that when cows are with their best friends, they experience less stress and are more relaxed..Chickens are quite the communicators They can perform over 30 different types of vocalisations to communicate with each other. Each type of cluck, squawk, or chirp has a specific meaning, whether it’s signaling danger or calling their chicks..Sheep can recognise facesSheep have very good memories and can remember at least 50 individual faces for years. They can differentiate between expressions and prefer a smile to a frown! .Goats have accentsJust like humans, goats can develop different accents based on their social surroundings and the group they grow up with. Their voices change as they move from one group to another..Pigs are smarter than you thinkPigs are considered to be more intelligent than dogs and even some primates. They are capable of solving complex problems, learning new skills quickly, and can recognize themselves in mirrors..Camels' humps store fat, not waterMany people think camels' humps store water, but they actually store fat which the camel can metabolize when food is scarce. This allows them to go for weeks without eating!.Turkeys can blushWhen turkeys are excited, angry, or sick, the skin on their head and neck turns bright red, blue, or white. The color change is due to blood flow, much like blushing in humans..Ducks have waterproof feathersThanks to a special gland called the uropygial gland, ducks can secrete an oil that they spread over their feathers to make them waterproof. This allows them to stay buoyant and dry.
