Animal Husbandry

Definition

Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture focused on the breeding and care of livestock. This practice played a crucial role during the Neolithic period as it marked a significant shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities, allowing people to domesticate animals for food, labor, and companionship. The establishment of animal husbandry not only provided a more stable food source but also contributed to the development of social structures and economic systems in early human societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Animal husbandry began around 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic period, fundamentally changing human lifestyles from hunter-gatherers to farmers.
2. Domesticated animals like sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle provided reliable sources of meat, milk, wool, and labor for early agricultural societies.
3. The practice enabled communities to develop more complex social structures by allowing individuals to settle in one place rather than following migrating herds.
4. Animal husbandry contributed significantly to the economy of early agricultural societies, as livestock could be traded or used as a measure of wealth.
5. Technological advancements in tools and techniques for managing animals led to improvements in breeding practices and overall animal health during this period.

Review Questions

• How did animal husbandry influence the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities?
  • Animal husbandry was a key factor in the shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled farming communities. By domesticating animals for food and labor, people no longer needed to follow migrating herds for sustenance. This led to the establishment of permanent settlements where families could raise livestock, resulting in increased food security and allowing societies to grow more complex with social hierarchies and economic systems.
• Discuss the impact of animal husbandry on the economic systems of early agricultural societies.
  • Animal husbandry had a profound impact on the economic systems of early agricultural societies. Domesticated animals served as a reliable source of food and materials such as wool and leather. Additionally, livestock became a valuable commodity for trade, enabling communities to exchange goods with one another. The ability to rear animals also allowed individuals to accumulate wealth based on their herd size, thus influencing social structures and relationships within these societies.
• Evaluate how advancements in animal husbandry practices during the Neolithic period contributed to societal changes.
  • Advancements in animal husbandry during the Neolithic period led to significant societal changes by improving breeding practices and enhancing animal health. As communities gained knowledge about animal care and management, they could produce healthier and more productive livestock. This not only boosted food production but also allowed for specialization within communities, where some individuals focused on farming while others engaged in trade or crafts. These developments fostered greater interdependence among community members and laid the groundwork for complex civilizations.

Related terms

Domestication: The process of taming wild animals for human use, leading to selective breeding and dependency on humans for survival.

Pastoralism: A form of agriculture that focuses on raising livestock and herding animals to provide food, clothing, and other resources.

Agriculture: The practice of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.