What does Animal Husbandry mean?
According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, animal husbandry can be described as a type of agriculture that involves raising, breeding and keeping animals for their meat, fibre, eggs and milk.
What is the definition for animal husbandry?
Animal husbandry refers to the practice of raising livestock or breeding animals for specific purposes. Animal genetics is the management and care of animals where the genetic characteristics and behaviour of animals can be further developed in order to make a profit. A vast majority of farmers rely on animal husbandry for their livelihood.
Animals in their natural environment provide a wide variety of nutritious food products. They require great care and attention.
In order to meet the growing demand for food worldwide, animals are often bred for profit. Dairy products made from livestock such as goats, cows and buffaloes are high in protein, and also contain lots of calcium. These animals are known as milch animals because they provide us with milk.
Animals that provide nutrient-dense foods include chickens, ducks and geese. They provide us with eggs which are rich in protein and another source of nutrition.
Chickens, ducks and oxen are some of the livestock that are bred for meat. We also have other sources of nutrients, such as those derived from marine species, that we can use in addition to domestic animals. The nutritional value of seafood is very high. These foods contain high amounts of fat, protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Particularly, the department of animal management oversees all aspects of animal husbandry, including breeding, management, care and maintenance. The large-scale business of animal husbandry requires many workers. Animal husbandry is a large-scale industry that employs many people. The animals are raised, cared for, and housed on farms or in areas specifically designed to accommodate them. A variety of activities can be done in animal husbandry, including milk production, poultry farming, apiculture (bee-farming) and aquaculture.
Let’s take a closer look into the different methods of animal husbandry.
There are many types of animal husbandry
There are four main styles of animal husbandry currently being practiced all over the globe.
Dairy farming produces milk.
It’s an agricultural practice that involves the long-term production and processing of milk. This is followed by the creation of dairy products like curd, cheese, yoghurt, and other dairy products (e.g. Cream, butter, cream cheese). It involves the care and management of dairy animals like cows, goats and sheep.
They are protected against disease and subject to regular inspections from veterinary professionals. A healthy animal is one in which the animal is in a good physical, psychological, and social state.
These animals can be milked using either hand milking or machine milking. The milk is often saved for later use in dairy products, which can then be sold to businesses.
Poultry farming is a form of farming that raises chickens.
Poultry farming refers to the practice of raising and breeding poultry for commercial production. It is common to breed tamed birds for their eggs and meat in many parts of the globe.
We must take care of the animals to ensure that they are healthy and free from sickness. Eggs and meat are rich in protein.
Hygiene and sanitation must be maintained. To increase soil fertility, bird feces can be used as manure. The poultry farming industry is a highly profitable business that employs large numbers of people.
Fish farming
Fish farming is the practice of raising fish in tanks or ponds. Fish and fish protein are in great demand. Catfish, salmon, perch, cod and salmon are all farm-raised fish species.
There are two types: pisciculture or fish farming.
Local photosynthetic output can be used as a basis for large-scale aquaculture programmes.
A constant supply of food is essential for fish farming.
Insect farming
Apiculture is the practice of keeping bees alive in man-made colonies. Honey bees can be kept in large numbers. Bees can be domesticated for honey, wax, flower pollination and other purposes. They are also used by other beekeepers for the same reasons. An apiary (or bee yard) is a place where bees can be housed and taken care of.
The practice of animal husbandry is a key factor in human well-being.
These are some of the ways that animal husbandry benefits people.
Dairy products
Primary supply of milk and dairy products such as butter, cheese, yogurt and cheese is provided by cows, goats, sheep, and other animals. Animals such as cows and sheep provide the primary supply of milk.
Some of the meat-producing animals include beef, pork and veal. For those who have a restricted diet, their flesh can be a great source of protein.
Land management
Grazing livestock can keep weeds under control. Grooming livestock such as sheep and goats can help reduce the risk of wildfires in high-risk areas.
Fibre animals can produce leather and wool, as well as other textiles. Camels are used to produce their leather, while sheep are bred for wool.
Manure
Manure is made from excrement, blood and bones taken from animals. Manure is used to increase crop yields and productivity. It is used to fuel fireplaces, floor plaster and for wall and floor decoration.
Labour animals provide non-human labor. They are used in many areas, including transportation, agriculture and military. Donkeys, horses and yaks are just a few examples.
There are many benefits to animal husbandry.
Animal husbandry offers many other benefits.
Animal husbandry is a way to ensure that domestic animals are well-cared for by providing them with shelter, food, and protection against disease.
It is a great tool for farmers as it provides them with work and raises the standard of their lives.
Cross-breeding can lead to high-yielding animals. This has led to an increase in the production of meat, eggs and milk.