Animal husbandry is an important aspect of agriculture that deals with the breeding, feeding, and management of domestic animals. It involves the care and management of livestock, including cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and other animals that are raised for food, fiber, and other products. Animal husbandry is a crucial part of the global food system, and it plays a vital role in ensuring food security and livelihoods for millions of people around the world.
Definitions
Animal husbandry can be defined as the scientific and practical management of domestic animals for the production of food, fiber, and other products. It involves the breeding, feeding, and care of animals, as well as the management of their health and well-being. Animal husbandry also includes the selection and improvement of animal breeds, the management of animal waste, and the use of technology to improve animal production.
Origin
The practice of animal husbandry dates back to the early days of human civilization, when people first domesticated animals for food, transportation, and other purposes. The earliest evidence of animal husbandry comes from the Middle East, where people began to domesticate sheep, goats, and cattle around 10,000 years ago. Over time, animal husbandry spread to other parts of the world, and today it is a global industry that employs millions of people.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, animal husbandry is “the science of breeding, feeding, and caring for domestic animals, especially farm animals.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the branch of agriculture concerned with the breeding and raising of livestock.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “the care and management of farm animals, especially those that are kept for their meat, milk, or eggs.”
Associations
Animal husbandry is closely associated with agriculture, as it is a key component of the agricultural sector. It is also linked to food security and nutrition, as the production of animal products such as meat, milk, and eggs is an important source of protein and other nutrients for many people around the world. Animal husbandry is also associated with environmental sustainability, as it can have significant impacts on land use, water resources, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of animal husbandry include livestock management, animal care, animal breeding, animal production, and animal farming.
Antonyms
There are no true antonyms of animal husbandry, as it is a specific and specialized field. However, some opposite concepts might include animal neglect, animal cruelty, or the absence of animal management.
The same root words
The root words of animal husbandry are “animal” and “husbandry.” “Animal” refers to any living creature that is not a plant, while “husbandry” refers to the management and care of something, often related to agriculture. Other words that share the same root as animal husbandry include animal welfare, animal health, and animal nutrition.
Example Sentences
- Animal husbandry is an essential part of agriculture and plays a vital role in ensuring food security and livelihoods for millions of people around the world.
- The farmer was well-versed in animal husbandry and knew how to care for his cattle and sheep.
- The government has invested in animal husbandry research to improve the productivity and health of livestock.
- The animal husbandry industry has come under scrutiny in recent years due to concerns about animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
- The course on animal husbandry covers topics such as breeding, nutrition, and disease prevention.