For thousands of years, livestock animals have been raised to plow the fields, shed wool, provide meat and fresh milk and eggs. Chickens, goats, pigs and cattle may not be appropriate for many of today's households, but in many places worldwide, livestock and poultry are essential members of every home. While in modern times the animal industry has come to be dominated by huge commercial operations which raise highly productive, specialized breeds, the growing popularity of genetically diverse heritage and rare livestock and poultry breeds is an exciting new development.
For the small or hobby farm, or even suburban home, livestock and poultry may be raised and bred to sustain purebred lines or become show champions, or they may simply be kept as companion animals which can also produce food or fiber. Pigs are highly intelligent and can be house-trained and taught to learn tricks, perhaps even faster than our dogs. Ducks, geese and chickens will eat slugs, snails, bugs and weeds. Birds like peacocks, pheasants and swan are extraordinarily showy.
If you have had experience with livestock or poultry, at your farm or in your backyard, please take a few minutes to share your insights by rating the animals you have kept.