Step 1: For a severe (category III) animal bite, ready-made antibody in the form of rabies immunoglobulin is placed in and around the bite wound to neutralise virus before the vaccine takes effect.
Step 2: The standard equine (horse-derived) immunoglobulin preparation is administered at $20$ IU per kilogram of body weight.
Step 3: The higher figure of $40$ IU/kg applies only to F(ab)2 fragment preparations, so option d is a trap; 10 and 30 IU/kg are not recognised dosing schedules.
Step 4: Hence the dose asked for is 20 IU/kg.
\[\boxed{20\ \text{IU/kg}}\]