About Farm Animals
Livestock farming includes many species and production systems. Good animal care requires appropriate food, clean water, shelter, health monitoring, space, safe handling, and management suited to the species and climate.
Cattle
Cattle are raised for milk, meat, hides, and breeding stock.
Learn MorePoultry
Chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other birds are raised for eggs or meat.
Learn MorePigs
Pigs are intelligent omnivores raised mainly for meat.
Learn MoreSheep and Goats
Sheep and goats can produce meat, milk, wool, fiber, and hides.
Learn MoreFeed
Livestock diets are designed around energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Learn MoreAnimal Health
Farmers work with veterinarians and animal-health specialists.
Learn MoreHousing
Farm buildings protect animals from weather and support management.
Learn MoreAnimal Welfare
Animal welfare considers health, comfort, behavior, and humane care.
Learn MoreCattle
Dairy and beef systems use different breeds and management. Cattle are ruminants, meaning microbes in their digestive system help break down fibrous plant material.
Poultry
Poultry farms range from small outdoor flocks to large controlled-environment systems. Temperature, feed, ventilation, disease prevention, and cleanliness are important.
Pigs
Modern pig production may use barns designed to manage temperature, feeding, manure, and animal groups. Outdoor and pasture-based systems are also used.
Sheep and Goats
They are well suited to many landscapes and can use plants that humans cannot digest. Herd and flock management includes nutrition, fencing, parasite control, and breeding.
Feed
Rations differ by species, age, growth, milk production, climate, and available feed ingredients. Pasture, hay, silage, grains, and byproducts can all be used.
Animal Health
Vaccination, sanitation, nutrition, biosecurity, parasite control, hoof care, and early identification of illness help protect animal welfare and farm productivity.
Housing
Barns, shade, bedding, ventilation, drainage, temperature control, and access to outdoor areas differ by species and production system.
Animal Welfare
Standards can include access to food and water, appropriate housing, low-stress handling, veterinary care, and systems that reduce injury and distress.