Livestocks are the domestic animals raised on a farm to make livestock and other products like milk, eggs, meat, fur, leather, and feathers. These animals include cows, hens, sheep, pigs, swine, poultry, horses, ostriches, buffalos, elk, deer, and moose. Most people consider raising farm animals because it is the most economical way to raise animals for food, but some vegans and vegetarians also raise them. The most common types of farm animals are forage gourmets, sows, chickens, bison, deer, elk, moose, and deer. Raising animals in this manner helps to conserve resources and increase food production and sales. Livestock can be classified into three main categories: free-range, organic, and confined.
Free-range livestock production systems include the following: farming in a set area of land with few or no human or animal intervention; using state-of-the art technology to improve quality of life; and using management practices that respect the land and surrounding environment. Organic livestock production systems are similar to free-range systems, but does not involve the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals. Cattle, sheep, fish, goats, turkeys, chicken, and others may be raised organically. In the United States, a small number of commercial livestock operations raise crossbred animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs.
Confined livestock production systems require intensive management to ensure maximum productivity and profitability of an animal. Livestock production systems used in the United States include confinement oop, feed troughs, pen and litter box, and cement pit. Livestock are usually confined to dry areas with controlled access for the purpose of eating, drinking, and producing urine and feces. Some of these production systems are designed to allow the animals to defecate and urinate in designated areas, but most of them have solid floors for the purpose of cleaning out excrement and manure. These industries are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which requires periodic inspections and tests of animal handling procedures as well as antibiotics to prevent illness and infection.