Animal husbandry

Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture concerned with animals that are raised for meat, fibre, milk, eggs, or other products. It includes day-to-day care, selective breeding and the raising of livestock.

History

Animal husbandry has been practiced for thousands of years, since the first domestication of animals. The science of animal husbandry is called zootechnics, which is part of the larger field of agriculture.

Types of Animals

There are several types of animals that are commonly raised in animal husbandry. These include cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, swine, and horses. Each of these animals requires different care and is used for different products.

Breeding

Breeding in animal husbandry is an important aspect, as it allows for the improvement of livestock. This can be done through selective breeding, where animals with desirable traits are bred together to produce offspring with those traits. This can include traits such as size, growth rate, resistance to disease, and quality of meat or milk.

Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is a key concern in animal husbandry. This includes ensuring that animals are kept in good health, are not subjected to unnecessary suffering, and are provided with a suitable environment to live in. This can involve providing adequate food and water, appropriate shelter, and veterinary care.

Environmental Impact

Animal husbandry has a significant environmental impact. This includes the production of greenhouse gases, deforestation for pasture, and pollution from animal waste. There are efforts to reduce this impact through sustainable farming practices.

See Also

• Agriculture
• Livestock
• Zootechnics
• Animal welfare
• Sustainable farming