“Learn about the types and classification of farm animals, their definitions, and their uses in agriculture. Discover how these animals support food production, labor, and more.”
Introduction
Farm animals play a vital role in agriculture, serving as a source of food, labor, and raw materials. Understanding the types and classification of farm animals is crucial for effective livestock management. This blog explores the definition, classification, and uses of farm animals, making it a comprehensive guide for farmers, students, and animal enthusiasts.
Table Of Contents
- Define farm animals.
- Classification of farm animals
- List the different types of farm animals.
- Classify farm animals according to
- Habitat
- Nature of their alimentary canal or digestive tract.
- AND uses
See Also
- Domestic Animals Names and their roles
- Malnutrition in farm animals, causes, symptoms and corrections
- Animal health management, signs and causes
- List of 100 birds and their names you need to know
DEFINITION AND TYPES OF FARM ANIMALS
Farm animals is defined as a group of animals which are reared in the farm either for food or for commercial purposes. These animals are typically kept on farms and play a significant role in supporting livelihoods, agriculture, and economies worldwide.
Types Of Farm Animals include
- Poultry (fowls)
- Sheep.
- Cattle
- Pig
- Rabbit
- Goat
- Snail
- Ducks
- Turkey
- Fish
- shrimps
- Ostrict
- Geese
- Bees
- Grasscutter
CLASSIFICATION OF FARM ANIMALS
Farm animals can be classified into three major group. These grouping are based according to their:
- Habitat
- Nature of their digestive tract
- and Thier uses
1. Types and Classification of Farm Animals according to their Habitat:
Habitat is defined as any environment in which an organism lives naturally. It is the natural home of an organism for example, the habitat of the fish is water.
Farm animals are therefore classified into two groups based on their habitat. These two habitats are terrestrial and Aquatic habitats.
Terrestrial Habitat: Terrestrial habitat is known as the animals that live on the land. In other words, these animals lives on the surface of the Land. All their growth, development, feeding and all activities are related to land. Examples of types of farm animals that live on land are:
- Poultry birds
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Goats
- Rabbits
- Geese
- Turkey
- Pig
- Ostrict
- Grasscutter
Aquatic Habitat: Aquatic habitat refers to animals that live in water. In other words, these farm animals lives in inside anybody of water such as river, lakes, streams, lagoon’s, Wells, ponds, seas etc. All their growth, development, feeding and all activities are related to live in water. examples of types of farm animals that lives inside water are:
- Fishes
- Crabs
- Shrimps
2. Types And Classification of Farm Animals based on the nature of their Digestive tracts or Alimentary Canal:
- Ruminants animals
- Non-ruminants animals
Digestive tract or alimentary canal is that part of the digestive system where digestion of food takes place in the body. Farm animals are again grouped into two main classes based on their nature of the alimentary canal or digestive tracts. These are:
1. Monogastric or non-ruminant animals: These are animals which possesses only one stomach and they do not ruminate, i.e (they do not chew the cud). In other words, these animals have simple stomach and cannot digest cellulose and fibers properly. Examples are the pig, rabbit and Poultry birds like the domestic fowl, Turkey, ostrict and geese.
2. Polygestric or ruminant animals: These are farm animals which possesses four stomach compartments (complex stomach) and hence, they can ruminate or chew the cud. These animals can chew the cud and digest cellulose and fibers properly. The first stomach compartment of these animals are rumen, (the largest), reticulum, omasum, and abomasum (true stomach).
EXAMPLES of ruminant animals are:
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Goat
- and rabbit
Quick Revision Questions
- What are the types and classification of farm animals?
- Mention two classification of farm animals based on their habitats
- Mention two classification of farm animals based on their uses
- Mention two classification of farm animal based on their digestive tracts.
Types And Classification of Farm Animals based on their uses:
All the farm animals are reared for one or more purposes to the Farmers either for food or for other purposes. Some of the uses of farm animals include:
1. Food: Virtually all farm animals provide food for human beings especially protein, minerals and some vitamins. Some of these animals are cattle, sheep, goat, rabbit, fowl, Turkey and snail.
2. Hides and skin: Hides and skin are derived from the skin of cattle, goats, rabbit, etc. Hides and skin are used for bags, shoes, footwears, jackets and decorations.
3. Milk production: Milk is derived from farm animals like cow (cattle) sheep, sows (pigs), and doe (goats). The part that produce this milk is the mammary gland or udder. Milk provide protein in food, used in baby food preparation, supplies minerals and vitamins to livestock.
4. Horns: Horns are derived from the animal like cattle, sheep and goat. They are found in the head region of these animals. Horns are used as raw materials in knife handle belt heads, decoration purposes, fertilizer, feed ingredients, musical instruments e.g, flut, for fighting in form of protection.
5. Income generator: All farm animals are also reared to provide income both to the Farmers and the nations
6. Eggs: Eggs are mainly produced by poultry birds for example; fowls, Turkey, geese and ostrich. Egg is also a source of protein, used in pharmaceuticals, used in industrially for paint making, adhesives, scouring powder, sources of calcium in Animal feeds. It is also used in manufacturing of vaccaries and cosmetics.
7. Animal dung or manure: Animal dung or manure is produced mainly by all terrestrial animals like cattle, sheep, goat and Poultry birds. Manure serves as fertilizers, improved the structure and texture of the soil, it prevents erosion and has buffering effect on the soil.
8. Bone: Bone is derived from cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, etc. Bone is used as livestock Feed, making of hoes, provide vaccines and hormones from bone marrow.
9. Feather: Feathers are derived mainly from Poultry birds such as domestic fowl, Turkey, gees and ducks, feathers are used mainly for making pillows, cushions and mattresses and dusters.
10. Blood: Blood is derived from all farm animals especially cattle, sheep, Goats and pigs. Blood is collected from these animals during slaughtering. Blood is used as blood Meal for livestock feed, it is also a source of vitamins and minerals to man, and also use industrially in providing hormones and other pharmaceutical products.
READ ALSO – Types Of Mating And Gestation Period In Farm Animals
Revision Questions and Answers
1. What are farm animals?
Farm animals are domesticated animals raised by humans for various purposes, including food, labor, and raw materials like wool and leather.
2. How are farm animals classified based on function?
They are classified as dairy animals, draught animals, meat-producing animals, fiber-producing animals, egg-laying animals, and dual-purpose animals.
3. What are some examples of dairy animals?
Examples include cows, buffaloes, and goats, which are primarily reared for milk production.
4. Which animals are used for agricultural labor?
Draught animals like oxen, donkeys, and horses are used for tasks such as plowing fields and pulling carts.
5. What are the uses of farm animals?
Farm animals are used for food production (meat, milk, eggs), agricultural labor, raw material production (wool, leather, silk), and manure for fertilizing soil.
6. How are farm animals classified based on habitat?
They are categorized as terrestrial animals (cattle, sheep), aquatic animals (fish, crabs), and aerial animals (poultry like chickens and ducks).
7. What is the economic significance of farm animals?
Farm animals contribute to rural economies through trade, employment, and production of essential goods like food and textiles.
READ ALSO – Types of Fertilization in Animals: Meaning and Advantages
Conclusion on the classification of farm animals
Farm animals are an integral part of agriculture, offering food, labor, and economic value. Understanding their classification and uses helps optimize their management and productivity. Whether you are a farmer or a student, learning about farm animals enhances your knowledge of their critical role in supporting human life and agricultural practices.
By investing in sustainable livestock farming, we can ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for everyone.
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