Animal Husbandry: Principles, Practices, and Careers

Study Notes

Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture that deals with the rearing, breeding, and management of animals for food products, including meat, milk, and fiber. It has a long history, starting with the Neolithic Revolution around 13,000 BC when animals were first domesticated, and has seen significant changes during the Columbian exchange and the British Agricultural Revolution in the 18th century. Today, animal husbandry includes various species such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and even insects and fish.

The care and breeding of animals are crucial for meeting the high demand for food products. Dairy animals like cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep provide milk and milk products, while others like chickens, ducks, ox, goat, pigs, and marine animals provide meat and other nutritious products. The management and care of animals are monitored under the department of animal husbandry and involve poultry, milk-farms, apiculture, and aquaculture.

Animal husbandry plays a significant role in human welfare by providing dairy products, meat, and other food products. It also helps in land management, generating fibers, and serving as a source of non-human labor. Additionally, animal waste is used as manure for agriculture, improving soil fertility and crop production.

Modern animal husbandry has seen significant advancements in productivity and profitability. Well-fed animals grow faster, produce more milk and meat, and can be sold at a better price. Properly trained animals can be harnessed for farming and transport, allowing farmers to work larger fields and increase productivity.

Animal husbandry careers include agricultural workers, animal breeders, and farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers. These roles require knowledge in animal genetics, nutrition, breeding, and management. Education in animal science at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels can provide the necessary skills for these careers.

Despite its benefits, animal husbandry has been criticized for its environmental impact. The production and consumption of animal products have increased rapidly, leading to concerns about climate change, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss. The environmental sustainability of animal husbandry is an ongoing concern and subject of much debate.

Description

Learn about the basics of animal husbandry, its history, and its significance in providing food products and contributing to human welfare. Discover the various aspects of animal care, breeding, and management, as well as the careers and educational requirements involved in this field. Understand the environmental impact of animal husbandry and the ongoing debates surrounding its sustainability.