10. Farm animals

Why have humans raised animals for thousands of years?

At the same time as when humans learned to cultivate crops and settle down in one place, they also learned to take care of animals that they caught in the wild. These animals provided humans with meat, milk and leather.

Gradually, humans learned to breed these animals into more docile, trusting companions. The farmed animals we know today are the result of this breeding process.

Many animals produce food for humans when they live. For example, a cow produces milk, a chicken produces eggs and bees make honey. In addition, many animals, such as cattle and pigs, are raised for their meat.

Cow and cattle

Cattle are large mammals. 

Female cattle produce milk. They are called cows. Male cattle are called bulls. 

Young cattle are called calves.

Cattle primarily eat grasses and other plant, which is why they are often raised in fields, where they have good access to food. 

Humans have raised cattle for thousands of years, primarily because of their milk and meat.

Milk from cows can be used to make milk products, such as cheese, cream, ice cream and yoghurt. 

Cattle meat is known as beef. It can be used to make various food products, like steaks and ground meat. 

In the Hindu religion, cattle are sacred. This is why their meat is not eaten in places like India.

Poultry

Farmed birds, such as chicken and turkey, are called poultry. Chickens are raised for their meat and eggs, whereas turkeys are raised only for their meat.

Poultry meat is called white meat. It is a healthy source of protein and contains only a little fat. This is why the popularity of chicken and turkey meat has increased during the last few decades. 

Chicken can be used in various kinds of foods: it can be grilled, fried or boiled. 

Female chickens also lay eggs, which are a popular food for humans. An egg consists of a calcium-rich shell, which protects the egg white and egg yolk stored inside. 

Eggs are eaten everywhere in the world. They can be either boiled or fried, and they can also be used in cooking and baking. Eggs contain a lot of protein.

Sheep

Sheep were first tamed by humans over 10 000 years ago. Sheep are primarily raised for their wool and meat. Sheep also produce milk. 

A male sheep is called a ram, whereas a female sheep is called an ewe. A young sheep is called a lamb. There are many different breeds of sheep in the world, with their own qualities and uses.

Sheep are ruminants, like cattle. They primarily eat grasses and plants, but they also enjoy tree bark and young tree saplings. This is why sheep can be used to take care of weeds and other unwanted plants. However, if sheep are kept in the same place for too long, they will quickly eat the whole area empty of all plant life.

Sheep meat is a popular ingredient in various stews and traditional foods. Sheep also produce wool, which can be used to create various items of clothing.

Pig

Pigs are domesticated relatives of the wild boar. They are widely used to produce meat and leather. Pigs have been raised by humans for at least 7 000 years. 

Pigs are social animals that like to live in herds. They are omnivorous animals.

Pig meat is called pork. It can be used to make ham, bacon and cutlets. 

Pig meat is forbidden by some religions, such as Islam and Judaism.

Fish

Fish farming is a process where fish are raised in pools or inside restricted areas in natural waters. Fish meat is a healthy and relatively environmentally friendly source of protein

Fish farming can also damage the natural environment. The extra food given to farmed fish, as well as the excrement produced by them, can take its toll on the lake, river or sea in which the fish are raised. Nowadays, fish farming methods has been improved, and it has become more environmentally friendly. 

Fish farming in Finland.

Terminology

FARM ANIMALS
Term Explanation
cattle A large, domesticated, herbivorous mammal that produces milk and meat.
sheep A domesticated herbivorous mammal that produces wool and meat.