Animal husbandry

Definition

Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture focused on the breeding and raising of livestock for various purposes, including food, fiber, and labor. This practice has significantly contributed to the development of agricultural societies, facilitating stable food sources and economic growth. As agriculture spread globally, animal husbandry became crucial in supporting human populations and transforming landscapes through the domestication of various animal species.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Animal husbandry began around 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic Revolution, with early humans domesticating species like sheep, goats, and cattle.
2. It supports not only food production but also economies by providing materials such as wool, leather, and labor for farming activities.
3. The rise of animal husbandry enabled the establishment of permanent settlements, as communities could rely on domesticated animals for sustenance and resources.
4. Different regions developed distinct practices based on local environmental conditions, leading to a variety of livestock breeds adapted to specific climates and uses.
5. The spread of animal husbandry was critical in facilitating trade networks, as livestock could be exchanged or sold, connecting different cultures and economies.

Review Questions

• How did animal husbandry contribute to the establishment of stable agricultural societies?
  • Animal husbandry played a key role in establishing stable agricultural societies by providing a consistent source of food, labor, and materials. By domesticating animals like cattle and sheep, communities were able to secure reliable food sources through meat, milk, and eggs. Additionally, these animals could assist with farming tasks such as plowing fields or transporting goods, which reduced manual labor needs and allowed for more efficient agricultural practices.
• Analyze the impact of climate on the development of different animal husbandry practices across regions.
  • Climate has had a significant impact on how animal husbandry practices developed across different regions. In arid environments, for example, pastoralism became more prevalent as communities relied on herding livestock that were well-suited to dry conditions. In contrast, regions with abundant grasslands supported intensive grazing systems that facilitated larger herds. These environmental factors dictated the types of animals raised and influenced the overall agricultural strategies employed by societies.
• Evaluate how the transition from hunting-gathering to animal husbandry transformed human interactions with the environment.
  • The transition from hunting-gathering to animal husbandry drastically transformed human interactions with the environment by altering land use patterns and resource management strategies. This shift encouraged people to manipulate ecosystems to support domesticated animals, leading to changes in vegetation and wildlife populations. Additionally, it fostered a dependence on livestock for economic stability, which drove innovation in farming techniques and contributed to larger populations and more complex societal structures.

Related terms

Domestication: The process of adapting wild animals for human use, resulting in significant changes in their behavior, reproduction, and physical characteristics.

Pastoralism: A form of agriculture that relies on the herding of livestock and typically involves the seasonal movement of animals to find fresh pastures.

Agricultural Revolution: A period marked by the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, which included the domestication of plants and animals.