Key Difference: Animal husbandry is the keeping and breeding of animals for agricultural purposes. In contrast, livestock are domesticated animals that are raised on farms for meat or milk production.
The important difference between animal husbandry and livestock is that animal husbandry includes the keeping of animals for other purposes such as wool, hides, or labor.
Livestock is raised specifically for their meat or milk. So, animal husbandry is a more general term while livestock refers to a specific category of animals.
What is Animal Husbandry?
Animal husbandry is the management and care of livestock. This includes producing food and fiber from animals, managing land and water resources to support livestock production, and improving the quality of life for animals.
The meaning of animal husbandry has evolved over time. Originally, it referred to the human care and management of animals.
However, today it usually refers to the raising and managing of livestock for food or fiber production.
Types of animal husbandry
There are many types of animal husbandry, but the most common are:
- Beef cattle production – Raising beef cattle for meat
- Dairy cattle production – Raising dairy cows to produce milk
- Sheep farming – Raising sheep for wool and meat
- Poultry farming – Raising chickens, turkeys, and other poultry for meat or eggs
- Pig farming – Raising pigs for meat or pork products
These are just a few of the many types of animal husbandry. The type of husbandry you choose will depend on the type of livestock you want to raise, the climate and terrain where you live, and your goals for the livestock.
In the U.S., beef cattle production is the most common type of animal husbandry, followed by dairy cattle production and poultry farming.
One of the reasons beef cattle are so popular is that they can be raised on a wide variety of land types, making them adaptable to many different climates and regions.
Does husbandry mean farming?
No, husbandry does not mean farming. Husbandry is the practice of managing and caring for animals. It includes breeding, raising, and slaughtering animals for meat or other purposes.
The word husbandry is derived from the Old English word hūsbōnd, which means “householder.” It was used to describe the care and management of land and animals.
So, husbandry is the care and management of land and animals.
Farming is one type of husbandry, but there are many others, including animal husbandry, crop husbandry, and aquaculture.
Example
An example of animal husbandry is keeping cows in a pasture so that they can be milked. Another best example of animal husbandry is the raising of chicken for meat or eggs.
What is Livestock?
Livestock is a term used to describe domesticated animals that are raised on farms for meat or milk. The most common types of livestock include cattle, pigs, chickens, and sheep.
The word “livestock” is also used to describe animals that are used for work or transportation, such as horses and camels.
It is derived from the Old English word “hlaf-stoc,” which means “food stock.” Over time, the term has come to refer specifically to domesticated animals that are raised for agricultural purposes.
What animals are considered livestock?
livestock are animals that are raised on a farm or ranch for meat, milk, eggs, or wool. Some common types of livestock include cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep.
In the United States, pigs, cows, horses, and chickens are the most common types of livestock. worldwide, however, sheep are the most common type of livestock.
It depends on the context. In general, livestock refers to domesticated animals that are raised for agricultural purposes.
This includes animals that are used for meat, milk, eggs, or wool.
What are the 6 main types of livestock?
There are six main types of livestock: cattle, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, and horses.
- Cattle: The most common type of livestock in the United States, cattle are used for meat, milk, and leather
- Pigs: Pigs are used for meat and sometimes for milk
- Chickens: Chickens are most commonly used for eggs, but they can also be used for meat
- Sheep: Sheep are used for meat, milk, and wool
- Goats: Goats are used for meat, milk, and fiber
- Horses: Horses are used for work or transportation.
These are the six most common types of livestock. There are many other types of livestock, such as camels, llamas, and alpacas.
Is fish a livestock?
No, fish are not considered livestock. They are a type of aquaculture.
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) classified aquaculture in 2002 as a “new animal enterprise” that is separate from livestock.
Animal Husbandry vs Livestock
One of the biggest distinctions between animal husbandry and livestock is that husbandry generally refers to the breeding and raising of animals for companionship, sport, or work purposes, while livestock refers to animals that are bred and raised specifically for use as food.
Another distinction between the two terms is that husbandry practices are often more holistic and involve taking care of the animals’ overall well-being, including their mental health, while livestock farming is typically more focused on producing a high quantity of meat, milk, or eggs.
Main Differences
Major differences between Animal husbandry and livestock include –
- Animal husbandry refers to the raising and keeping of animals, while livestock refers to the animals that are raised for their meat or milk
- Animal husbandry typically includes caring for a variety of animals, while livestock farming is more specialized and focused on a single type of animal
- Animal husbandry is often done on a small scale, while livestock farming is more commonly done on a large scale
- Animal husbandry is more about the care and welfare of the animals, while livestock farming is more focused on producing meat or milk
- Animal husbandry is an older practice that dates back to the domestication of animals, while livestock farming is a more recent development that began in the early 1900s
- Animal husbandry is more common in developing countries, while livestock farming is more common in developed countries
- Animal husbandry is often seen as a more sustainable practice, while livestock farming can have negative environmental impacts
- Animal husbandry is more labor-intensive, while livestock farming is more capital-intensive
- Animal husbandry is often more expensive to get into, while livestock farming can be a more affordable option
- Animal husbandry is more about the welfare of the animals, while livestock farming is more about making a profit
- Animal husbandry is a more traditional form of agriculture, while livestock farming is a more modern form of agriculture.