Livestock is basically the farming of animals for earning money. It is a very popular business these days. It has its own plus points and disadvantages depending upon the circumstances. The livestock are brought up in an agricultural and domestic environment. The main purpose of keeping livestock is to earn money.
History of livestock keeping:
The history of raising livestock and earning money from livestock for sale started with the domestication of goats and sheep in Asia in 8000 BC. Horses were domesticated in about 4000 BC. Pigs were domesticated first in Middle East and China in 7000 BC. According to the ancient English sources, livestock is generally referred to cattle.
Uses of cattle:
Livestock for sale, especially cattle have a lot of commercial uses. They are a source of meat (beef, veal, mutton, and blood), dairy products, leather, draught, etc. Dairy products are the food materials made from the milk of cattle. Most of the times, milk is obtained from cows, but sheep, goats and camels are also a source of it. They were firstly domesticated in Southwest Asia, India and North Africa. Cattle are mammals and herbivores. They were firstly captivated in 6000 BC. The wild ancestors of cattle are aurochs.
Farming practicing:
Different techniques are used for farming practice for the livestock for sale depending upon the type of the animals. The animals that are to be kept are dependent on the environment provided to them by their keepers and the food on which they are fed. Raising livestock in pastures and barns is a newer concept. The breeding of animals is also done according to the planning of the people who keep them. Some of the animals are bred artificially by providing them controlled environment while others are bred freely under natural circumstances. Drugs and supplements are used for artificial growth.
Economic value of livestock:
Meat is a source of protein and energy. Dairy products are made from the milk obtained from the cattle. They include butter, yogurt, ice cream, cheese, etc. Instead of slaughtering the livestock animals for meat, if they are utilized in this way, greater food energy is obtained. Different fertilizers are used for increasing the yield of crops. Crops are important for feeding the animals. Fertilizers are made from the blood and bones of the animals sometimes. At several times, weeds and undergrowth in grazing lands are brought under control with the help of livestock. For example goats and sheep remove combustible material when they graze on scrubs that are dried.
The animals that are to be kept as livestock are to be saved from wild animals like wolfs, tigers, etc. They are also to be saved from various diseases and epidemics. Vaccination is important for preventing the attack of diseases on the animals. The people who are responsible for taking care of the animals are supposed to handle them in a good way that they do not suffer from unnecessary pains. The rights of animals should be kept under consideration.