Farm Animal Classifications – Size, Habitat, Reproduction, Stomach type, Uses

Criteria for classifying farm animals and classes

1. Size
2. Habitat
3. Reproduction
4. Stomach type
5. Uses

Animal husbandry is the science of breeding and caring for farm animals. The farm animals being cared for are referred to as livestock. There are five categories of livestock based on some criteria. Animals can be classified according to their sizes, habitat, reproduction pattern, stomach type or digestive system and uses or purpose for which they are kept/reared.

Classification of animals based on their size

This criterion focuses on how big or small the animal is. There are two classes based on size

1. Large farm animals, e.g. horse, cattle, camel, donkey.
2. Small farm animals, e.g. rabbit, snail, goat, sheep, pig, chicken, etc.

 

Classification of animals based on their habitat

Animal habitat refers to the home or dwelling place of an animal. The place where animals is adapted to living is either in water or on land. Animals that live on land are referred to as terrestrial animals, e.g. goat, chicken, rabbit, etc. Animals that live in water are referred to as aquatic animals, e.g. fish

Classification of animals based on reproduction

This criterion focuses on the way they give birth to the young or give rise to offspring. Some animals give birth to their young in live form, they are called mammals, e.g. pig, rabbit, sheep, horse, etc. Some animals lay egg which later matures to give rise to their young, e.g. fish, poultry, snails, bees, etc.

 

Classification of animals based on stomach type

Some animals have a simple stomach and feed on concentrated feed stuff. They are called monogastric or non-ruminant animals, e.g. chicken, pig, etc. Some animals possess a complex stomach which has four compartments (rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum).

They are called ruminant or polygastric animals, e.g. cattle, sheep, goat, etc. These ruminant animals chew cud, i.e. regurgitate consumed forage and chew properly for a second swallow.

Note: it is important to know that some animals can maintain a constant body temperature; they are called warm-blooded animals, e.g. cattle, sheep, goat, etc., while some cannot maintain a constant body temperature; their body temperature is dictated by the temperature of their environment, e.g. fish.

Classification of animals based on their uses

Farm animals are classified into

Work/draught animals

These are animals which are used as a source of farm power or labour. For example, bulls are used to draw ploughs and carts, oxen and buffalo are used to pull wagons and ploughs, while horses, donkeys and camels are used as beasts of burden.

Characteristics of work animals

1. They are strong
2. They can withstand stress
3. They have a large frame
4. They are docile, i.e. easy to control

 

Dairy animals

They are livestock whose females are used for milk production. The types of livestock that are used for milk production are: cattle, sheep and goats.

Characteristics of dairy animals

1. They have a well-formed udder
2. Have well-developed milk veins
3. Have a narrow and deep belly
4. Have a placid disposition.

 

Guard animals

These are animals which are raised and trained to protect man and his property. E.g. dog and goose.

Characteristics of guard animals

1. They are smart
2. They react quickly to stimuli, e.g. smell, noise and movements.
3. They are aggressive.

 

Pet animals

These are animals which are kept as friends or companions of man. e.g. rabbit, guinea pig and dogs.

Characteristics of pet animals

1. They are attractive and good-looking
2. They are calm and easy to control
3. They are always close to the owner/keeper.

 

Meat Animals

These are animals kept for their flesh. Various delicacies can be derived from the flesh of different animals. Commonly consumed fish are beef (cattle meat), pork (pig meat), mutton (sheep meat), chevon (goat meat), chicken, fish, turkey, chicken, veal (calf meat), etc. Common delicacies gotten from these flesh include cow tail pepper soup, catfish pepper soup, isi ewu, bokoto, pomo pepper stew, fish sauce, etc.

Sport Animals

These are animals kept for sporting activities. Some sporting activities in which farm animals can be engaged in are cockfighting, ram fighting, polo, fishing, etc.

Characteristics of Sport Animals

1. They are strong.
2. They can withstand stress.
3. They have a large frame.
4. They are fast.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. What is a farm animal?
2. Define a Dairy animal?
3. Mention three characteristics of dairy animals.
4. What are guard animals?
5. List two examples of work animals
6. What do you understand by animal husbandry?
7. What are the criteria for classifying farm animals?
8. List the classes under each criterion and give examples.
9. Give three characteristics each of:
   1. Guard animals.
   2. Sport animals.
   3. Pet animals.

THEORY

1. List five uses of farm animals.
2. List five criteria used in classifying farm animals.
3. State five examples of poultry birds

 

See also

FARM ANIMALS

FORMS OF ENERGY

MEANING AND TYPES OF BUILDING

USES OF ICT GADGET