Animal Husbandry

Define the term "animal husbandry" and appreciate its commercial importance of it. List some of the animal-based farming practices.

Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture that is raised for meat, fiber, milk, eggs, or other products. It includes day-to-day care, selective breeding, and the raising of livestock. Husbandry has a long history, starting with the Neolithic revolution when animals were first domesticated, from around 13,000 BC onwards, antedating farming of the first crops. By the time of early civilizations such as ancient Egypt, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs were being raised on farms.

Define and discuss the term "cattle farming" and illustrate the procedure for breed improvement. List the different methods of breeding animals. Define the term "Poultry farming" and examine the steps involved in the production of improved varieties of poultry.