The correct answer is (a) Cattle.
Cattle are the predominant livestock species in Assam, accounting for over 50% of the total livestock population. They are used for milk, meat, and draught power. Goats are the second most important livestock species, followed by poultry and pigs.
Cattle are raised in both the hills and the plains of Assam. In the hills, they are mainly used for milk and draught power. In the plains, they are used for milk, meat, and draught power.
Goats are raised in both the hills and the plains of Assam. In the hills, they are mainly used for meat. In the plains, they are used for milk, meat, and wool.
Poultry are raised in both the hills and the plains of Assam. They are mainly used for eggs and meat.
Pigs are raised in the plains of Assam. They are mainly used for meat.
The following are some of the reasons why cattle are the predominant livestock species in Assam:
- Cattle are well-adapted to the climate and terrain of Assam.
- Cattle are a good source of milk, meat, and draught power.
- Cattle are relatively easy to raise and manage.
- Cattle are a valuable asset to farmers.
The following are some of the challenges faced by the cattle industry in Assam:
- Disease: Cattle are susceptible to a number of diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, and tuberculosis.
- Feed: The availability of good quality feed is a major challenge for the cattle industry in Assam.
- Market: The market for cattle is not well-developed in Assam.
- Infrastructure: The infrastructure for the cattle industry in Assam is not well-developed.
Despite the challenges, the cattle industry is an important part of the economy of Assam. The government of Assam is taking steps to address the challenges faced by the cattle industry.