The Importance of Livestock

How important are livestock anyway? Aren't they just a bunch of useless animals that take up land which could be used to build subdivisions? Don’t they block our ability to continue growing as a country and build businesses? I’m just joking. Livestock are very important to our country and to those who own them. They provide a meat source, produce milk and wool, there manure that can be used as fertilizer, and produce money thought breading and shows. Livestock are the backbone of our clothing, food, and push our economy forward.

If I did not have horses in my life, I would be lost. Even though horses aren't a very beneficial form of livestock today, they are still used on farms as work animals. Horses provide a quick source of transportation and are often used in areas where vehicles are unable to go such as for mounted police in large congested cities. They are able to think fast and efficiently on their own, making decisions that keep both themselves and the rider safe. In rural areas horses are still used to move livestock and sort through them. The rider is also able to use the horse as a tool to keep themselves and other livestock safe.

Livestock also provides a constant security of food supply and product to our country. Some breeds of sheep, cattle, and goats are milked. Milk is then able to be turned into ice cream, butter, sour cream, yogurt, just plain drinking milk, and so much more. These products are produced by the thousands everyday to fit the high demand of people who wish to purchase and consume the product.

Beef animals such as sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and turkeys all provide meat products. These animals are raised in multiple different styles to help them gain weight fast and be ready for consumption in an efficient way in order to meet consumer demands. Some of the other parts of the animal such as coat and bones are sold off to other consumers who wish to make them into sell about products.

Chickens, ducks, and other birds are raised for their eggs. These eggs are a staple for cooking and baking in today's world. They provide a supply of protein that can be served at any part of the day. These animals are raised in many different ways on a family farm. Many have large closed runs that keep predators out. Others are free range and have the ability to forage through the lands.

Llamas, sheep, and alpacas produce wool that is shaved and sold. Wool from these animals can go for hundreds of dollars and be made into clothing, blankets, and other high-use items. These animals are well taken care of and are given a diet that lets them grow shiny, soft, and thick wool.

All of these different types of livestock have a purpose to our country. They are raised to give a product to the farmer that can be sold to everyday people. Each person in America uses a product made by livestock.

Livestock also produce manure that can be used as fertilizer are crop growing fields. Their manure holds both minerals and nutrients that helps fertilize the ground. Farms spread the waste over their crop fields before planting in spring.

Other things like the carcasses of livestock are reused and grinded down to make feed products for dogs, cats, and poultry. The bones of livestock, pig ears, hooves of cattle and pigs, esophagus and other parts are sold at pet stores as dog treats and chews. Even through the butchering process, livestock are providing a use for people around America.

PC: Alanna Szczech

Once we step away from the use of the animal we can look into what they do for rural areas. Goats are able to eat plants that are poisonous to horses there for they are able to graze the land together evenly eating away. Livestock are also able to rummage through places that would be tedious for humans to take care of, clean up, or maintain. Livestock are able to feast in harsh conditions like marsh, rocky, and forested terrain.

These animals do a lot and they do even more for those who take care of them. Many of livestock are shown and are able to win money. Stud animals are able to be bred and have a breeding fee to bring in more money for their owners. These animals are then able to be sold and auctioned off for sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. In early February this year a steer was sold for $240,000 dollars at an auction in Fort Worth Texas. The steer was a Grand champion European crossbred who was named Rocco shown by Mikala Grady. The large animal weighed in at an amazing 1,344 pounds and sold at a record setting price. Livestock raised for showing and raise right can earn outrageous amounts of money through showing and breeding.

This was just a quick look at what livestock do for everyday people who have never even stepped on a farm or understand livestock. Let me know in the comments if I missed anything. What do livestock do for you?

-Jaksen

Resources:

Sansoucy, R. (n.d.). Livestock - a driving force for food security and sustainable development. Retrieved May 23, 2017, from http://www.fao.org/docrep/v8180t/v8180t07.htm

Star-Telegram, P. S. (n.d.). Women's group pays record-tying $240,000 for top Stock Show steer. Retrieved May 23, 2017, from http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/fw-stock-show/article130803114.html