Cattle husbandry is done for two purposes- milk and draught labour for agricultural work such as tilling, irrigation and carting. Milch animals produce milk where as draught animals are used for farm labour. The two major species of Indian cattle are Bosindicus, or cows, and Bosbubalis, or buffaloes.

Management practices for cattle include cleaning, sheltering and feeding. Cleaning involves periodic washing to get rid of dirt and loose hair. Shelter facilities include well ventilated roof sheds which protect cattle from rain, cold and sun. Animal feed includes roughage feed which is largely fibre, and concentrate feed which are low in fibre and contain relatively high levels of proteins and other nutrients.

Cattle suffer from a number of diseases. The diseases, besides causing death, reduce milk production. Diseases in cattle are caused by both external and internal parasites. External parasites live on the skin and cause skin diseases. Internal parasites affect the stomach and intestinal parts. Vaccinations are given to farm animals against many major viral and bacterial diseases.