Animal husbandry is defined as the controlled cultivation, management, and production of domestic animals and improving their attributes deemed desirable by humans through breeding. It is a sophisticated method of animal breeding, like cattle breeding. The global population is increasing, as is the demand for animal- and plant-based food items, and animal husbandry is being used to meet this demand. In this post, you’ll learn everything there is to know about animal husbandry, including its different varieties, benefits, and more.
Types of animal husbandry
Animal husbandry includes caring for and rearing cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep to provide milk or for agricultural purposes such as irrigation. It also involves caring for and breeding bees, poultry, fish, etc.
Apiculture is the maintenance of bees, and the word originates from the Latin word ‘apis,’ which means bee. As a result, it entails the care and administration of honey bees to generate honey and wax.
Farming of fish
Fish farming is the process of commercially rearing fish in controlled tanks or ponds.
Farming of Poultry
Poultry farming is concerned with the commercial raising and breeding of birds. Ducks, chickens, geese, pigeons, turkeys, and other domesticated birds are raised for eggs and meat.
Role of animal husbandry in agriculture
The following is a summary of the importance of animal husbandry in human welfare:
Animals such as cows, sheep, and goats are the primary suppliers of milk and milk products, such as butter, cheese, yoghurt, and cottage cheese.
Because of their great nutritional content, several animals such as chickens, goats, ducks, pigs, and buffaloes are utilised for meat.
The dry shrubs that are prone to fire are chewed away by numerous animals, which helps to restrict the spread of weeds on agricultural land. This decreases the risk and injury that can occur in extreme circumstances. As a result, it is critical for land management.
Animals that generate fibres or textiles, such as wool and leather, are also known as fibre animals. Sheep, for example, are raised for their wool, whereas camels provide leather.
Manure
Animal excreta, blood, and bones are utilised as manure. The manure is applied to the fields to boost crop yields and output. It’s also used as a fire starter and wall and floor plaster. Non-human labour is provided by labour animals. They’re employed for ploughing fields, delivering products, and serving in the military. Horses, yaks, and donkeys, for example, are commonly used for this purpose.
Importance of Animal Husbandry
Humans benefit from animal husbandry because it provides a diverse range of high-nutrient food products. They suit the commercial demands of high food demand, such as dairy requirements from cows, goats, and buffaloes. They are known as milch animals because they offer us milk that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Animal husbandry is also crucial for other animals that humans rely on for eggs and meat, such as hens, ducks, geese, goats, fish, etc. They’re also bred for meat, which has high protein, iron, lipids, vitamin B12, and zinc levels. These nutrients are necessary for increasing metabolic rate, increasing fullness, and decreasing appetite.
Consuming fish, which includes omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and vitamin D, are also thought to make a person happier and healthier.
Animal husbandry is a large-scale industry that deals with the management and breeding of animals.
A farm or a specific place is created for the purpose of providing shelter to the animals. They are fed organic or other specialised nutrient-rich feed. It also includes apiculture, beekeeping, and aquaculture, or the raising of aquatic animals.
Advantages of Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry has several benefits for both farmers and non-farmers. Here are a few examples:
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Cross-breeding is a form of animal husbandry that aids in the development of high-yielding breeds.
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Dairy animals such as cows, buffaloes, and goats provide milk and milk products such as curd, cheese, and yoghurt.
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Certain animals, such as poultry, birds, fish, prawns, and others, are raised for their high-nutrient meat products.
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It employs a large number of people, thereby assisting in the improvement of people’s and the country’s economic conditions.
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It aids in properly managing and disposing of animal waste, resulting in a clean and safe environment.
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It aids in the production of manure or compost, which can then be applied to the field to increase crop yield.
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Sheep, camels, and other animals produce wool and leather, important by-products. These are in high demand all over the world.
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It is beneficial to both humans and animals. These animals receive shelter, food, and treatment for diseases.
Conclusion
As the world’s population grows and living standards rise, so does the demand for milk, eggs, and meat. In addition to traditional animal breeding and care procedures, modern technology must be used to improve quality and increase productivity. Animal husbandry entails the application of scientific methodologies to the management of livestock animals.
Furthermore, it encompasses a variety of factors like feeding, breeding, and disease control management, all of which aid in meeting the rising demand for animal products.