12th Class

Lac is the resinous secretion produced by lac insect as protective covering around its body. It belongs to genera Laccifera or Tachardia.  Lacifera lacca is the common Indian lac insect. It lives on the trees of fig family namely kikar, ber (Zizyphus mauritiana), babul (Acacia nilotica), dhak or palas (Butea monisperma), kusum (schleichera oleosa), Katha or khair (Acacia catechu), peepal (Ficus religiosa) and gular (Ficus glomerata). Lac insect feeds upon the sap of its host plant like any other sap sucking insect. It is found in India and Philipine islands. Male and female chambers : The adult male and female insects live on the tree twigs enclosed in thick capsules or chambers separately. The male chamber are elongated and cigar- shaped. Each male chamber has a branchial aperture in its anterior part. The female chamber is smaller and rounded. It has a branchial aperture in its anterior part and a more...

Meaning of livestock : The word livestock refers to the domestic animals kept or dealt in for use or profit. It includes cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, mules, donkeys and camels. The most important of these are cattle and buffaloes. Cattle (Bos indicus),  Buffaloes (Bos bubalus) : The word cattle includes cow (adult female), bull (uncastrated adult male), bullock or OX (castrated adult male) and  steer (young castrated male). Importance of cattle and Buffaloes : Cattle and buffalo are most important forms of domesticated animals. They are next to land in use for farmers. They are widely used for : (1) Agricultural Operations : Cattle are used in agricultural operations such as ploughing, harrowing and levelling land; in harvesting and thrashing ripe crops; and in working wells, etc. (2) Milk : Cows and buffaloes provide milk, an important human food with all the essential materials. (3) Transport : Cattle more...

Mule is the hybrid between male ass (jack) and female horse (mare). It has the stamina of ass and size of horse, but is sterile. Similarly, the cross between male horse (stallion) and female ass is called hinny. Mules are known for their toughness.  Since they are sexually sterile, they have to be produce every time a new. Feeding : They are fed mainly on green fodder, crushed grams and barley. They are also given salt. Breeding : Indian army has imported male donkeys from Europe for breeding mules. Army uses two type of mules : (a) General service  type and (b) Mountain artillery type. The latter are firm footed and can carry heavy loads on steep terrain. Common Disease of Equines : The horses, donkeys and mules suffer from many diseases. They include pink eye or influenza, strangles, tetanus, colic etc.

History of Pearl Industry : For the first time the idea of pearl industry was evoked in Japan which was carried out in the Bay of Japan located at South coast of Hansoo. But in Japan, pearl culturists feel difficulty due to unfavourable climatic conditions. Kokichi Mikimoto (1858-1954) is referred to be the father of pearl industry. Pearl is a concretion formed by molluscs. It consists of nacre or mother of pearl. It is characterised by iridescence and translucence. Pearls is produced by the marine molluscs such as pearl oyster and mussel. Types of pearls : Pearls are of seven types. They are the following - (1) Lingha pearl : This is the best quality pearl obtained from marine oysters. (2) Seed pearls : The small pearls are called seed pearls. (3) Baroque pearls : These are spherical pearls formed inside the body. (4) Blister pearls : These are pearls more...

Pig, also called hog or swine, is an omnivorous, nonruminant, gregarious mammal of genus Sus. All breeds of pigs have descended from the European wild boar sus scrofa or a crossbreed of this and the Asiatic species, S. indicus. The care and management of pigs is called piggery. Pigs are the most prolific breeders and quick growers among the domestic animals. A group of 10 sows (Female hog) and one boar may produce over 160 piglets in a year. Pigs are most useful domestic animals, especially of lower classes of society. They are most economical source of meat and animal fat. Pig meat, in general, is known as pork and the meat obtained from different parts of the body have been given different names, for example bacon obtained from the back and sides and ham from the back of the thigh. Feeding of pigs : Indigenous pigs survive through scavenging more...