Livestock production is
the second most important agricultural practice for the production of food and
non-food materials to man. Farm animals are kept for many reasons, particularly
for food benefits.
In this article, you
should be able to discuss economic importance of animal husbandry and specific
benefits of keeping farm animals.
Economic Importance of Animal Husbandry
1.
Food Benefits of Farm Animals
Farm Animals are kept for
the Production of:
· Meat: This is the muscle tissue or flesh
and the associated fat, connective tissue of slaughtered animals. Meat presents
a source of high quality protein in human diet, which is essential for body
building and repairs.
· Milk: This is a white, cream-coloured
secretion from the mammary glands of female farm animals, which is produced
after parturition (birth of the young animal). It is also a very valuable
source of high-quality protein. Food by-products of milk such as ghee, butter
and cheese are highly desired sources of protein in human diets.
· Eggs: These are produced by poultry, and
they serve as a very good source of protein in man’s diet.
2. Farm Work
Farm animals serve as a
good source of power, especially in rural communities where there are no
motorable roads. Oxens (cows, bulls, bullocks) can be trained to draw ploughs,
harrows, cultivators and carts.
3. Transportation
Donkeys, horses, buffalo,
bullocks and mules are used to transport farm inputs, farm workers and loads of
farm produces to both farm settlements and markets.
4. Non-Food Benefits of Farm Animals
Livestock species have
other uses derived from other products obtainable from them.
These include:
i. Provision of skin and
hides for industrial manufacture of leather
ii. Extractions from
internal organs of farm animals such parts as liver, pancreas, intestine, gall
bladder, etc. used in making drugs in pharmaceutical industries
iii. Provision of animal
fats used in making soap, lubricating oil and drugs
iv. Provision of hooves
and horns used in industrial production of gelatin, glues, buttons, combs and
other kitchen household equipment
v. Provision of manure
(e.g. farmyard droppings, excrements) used as alternative fertilizer materials
to inorganic fertilizers in crop farms
vi. As a source of
household income when livestock and livestock products are sold.
In peri-urban areas and
rural settings, livestock farmers keep animals primarily to meet their daily
expenditures. Livestock keeping also offers huge employment opportunities. This
also has important social benefits.
In conclusion, you have learned that farm animals are primarily kept for food benefits and secondarily for non-food benefits and services. Man derives considerable food and non-food benefits and services, especially as sources of supplementary farm work and transportation.
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