Livestock is a term used to refer to domesticated animals raised in an agricultural environment for the purpose of producing goods such as meat, eggs, milk, fur, leather, and wool. In some instances, the term refers solely to animals that are raised for consumption, while in other instances, it describes all farmed ruminants including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. In many cultures, breeding, maintaining, slaughtering, and generally dominating animals have been part of agriculture since the transition from hunter-gatherers to farmers. Various cultures have developed a variety of animal husbandry techniques over time. Animal husbandry remains an important economic and cultural activity in many cultures.
Intensive animal farming practices have largely replaced traditional livestock farming practices. Although intensive animal farming increases commercial production, it also negatively impacts public health, animal welfare, and the environment.
A large portion of agriculture's greenhouse gas emissions come from cattle, dairy, and sheep.
Cattle- There are more cattle in the world than any other cattle group. A few prominent breeds for beef production are Hereford, Shorthorn, and Angus. The majority of cattle's diet is pasture by grazing, but these days, they are normally supplemented with prepared animal feeds. In small-scale farming and in developing countries, cattle are sometimes used as draft animals.
Sheep- From 10,000 BCE, sheep are among the very first domesticated animals. Lambs are raised primarily for their meat (mutton and lamb) and milk, respectively. Sheep, close relatives of goats, are raised primarily for their fleece or wool. Like cattle, sheep consume grass, weeds, and fine, short blades of grass to supplement their diets.
Pigs – Since ancient times, domestic pigs, also called pork, have been raised for meat. The number of breeds of domestic pigs goes up to 300. In addition to corn, pigs usually consume wheat, sorghum, oats, and barley as well.
Goats- We raise goats for milk and its byproducts, as well as for meat, hides, and wool. Breeds may be categorized into three main groups: prick-eared, eastern or wool, and cashmere. It is common for goats to eat pasture grass, alfalfa, or other hays, as well as grain-based feed.
Horses- Domesticated first in Central Asia, these horses can be bred for riding, showing, and racing in addition to being livestock. On large cattle ranches, horses are used for riding, as well as farm work. It is possible to categorize the numerous breeds based on their origins, purposes (e.g., riding, drafts), or outward appearance (light, heavy, ponies). A horse's diet typically consists of grass and other pasture plants, as well as hay, grain (mainly oats), and other nutrient-dense foods.
Livestock disease forewarning
A vital role is played by the livestock sector in the welfare of India's rural population. In addition to providing essential food, traction power, manure, and jobs, this business generates income and exports. Efforts are being made to enhance the quality of the primary and secondary products in this sector, as it's an important component of poverty alleviation programs, therefore requiring safe animal health. It is therefore essential that a good animal health service is developed and livestock is protected against infectious diseases and pests, particularly deadly ones, in order to succeed in livestock development programs.
Its efforts have been successful in eliminating Rinderpest, Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia, AHS, and Dourine from its territory. It is also important to note that several non-infectious and infectious diseases plague the country, causing huge economic losses each year. Understanding epidemiology and the economic impact of animal diseases is essential for preventing, controlling, and eradicating these diseases.
It is essential for effective control and control of epidemic animal diseases to have early warning of outbreaks and the ability to predict the spread to new areas.
Forestry
For the benefit of people and the environment, forestry professionals create, manage, use, conserve, and maintain forests, woodlands, and related resources. Forestry is practiced on plantations and natural stands. It is a science that takes elements from biology, physics, social science, political science, and management. By managing forests, you can create and modify habitats, as well as provide ecosystem services for your community.
Agro-forestry- In all terrestrial ecosystems, trees play a crucial role, providing products and services to rural and urban populations alike. In agroforestry, trees are integrated into the agricultural system to retain the benefits that trees provide as natural vegetation is cleared for agriculture and other purposes.
Since ancient times, farmers have practiced agroforestry. Farms and rural areas engage in agroforestry by growing a variety of trees. On the same piece of land, agroforestry plants, crops, and/or animals together. This is a combination of
Clonal forestry- By breeding clones, one can breed clones that contain all the genetic information of their parents. Plant material propagated exclusively by vegetative means, derived from a single individual, is referred to as a clone.
A growing number of forest managers are focusing on the use of clonal selection and deployment to increase wood production. Plantation building programs using clonal forestry approaches have been used by a number of timber industries, including pulp and paper producers.
Forest Nursery- Forestry is an important sector for the socio-economic and rural development of a country, in addition to maintaining ecological stability, particularly in developing countries like India. Fuelwood, fodder, small and construction timber, and many other products are traditionally obtained from forests, and large masses of people have relied on them. Forests are capable of generating employment, especially in rural areas, thereby enhancing incomes and alleviating poverty.
A great deal of pressure is placed on the country's forests by the indiscriminate removal of timber, firewood, fodder, and other products that forests provide.
