Back to: Jss1 Agricultural Science (PVS)

Introduction

Classification of farm animals is the systematic grouping of animals based on their characteristics and traits. This grouping helps in understanding the relationships between different species and breeds of animals, which in turn can help in the management, breeding, and selection of these animals for different purposes.

Farm animals are a diverse group of creatures that can be classified into different classes using various criteria. One unique way to classify farm animals is by considering their size, habitat, reproduction and parenting styles, and digestive system

Classification Based On Their Habitat

Farm animals can also be classified based on their habitat, which refers to the type of environment in which they are naturally found or where they are kept. Here are some examples of farm animals classified based on their habitat:

1. Terrestrial animals: Terrestrial animals are those that live on land, such as cattle, horses, pigs, and chickens. These animals are usually kept on farms and are raised in various housing systems, such as barns, pastures, or feedlots.
2. Aquatic animals: Aquatic animals are those that live in water, such as fish, shrimp, and prawns. These animals are usually raised in aquaculture systems, which include ponds, tanks, and cages in freshwater or saltwater environments.
3. Semi-aquatic animals: Semi-aquatic animals are those that live in both water and land, such as ducks, geese, and crocodiles. These animals are usually raised in wetlands or ponds and are often used for meat, eggs, or leather production.
4. Arboreal animals: Arboreal animals are those that live in trees, such as monkeys and some birds. While these animals are not typically considered farm animals, some species, such as silk-producing worms, are raised for commercial purposes.
5. Underground animals: Underground animals are those that live in burrows or tunnels, such as rabbits and some rodents. These animals are raised for meat and fur production and are often kept in cages or hutches.

Classification Based on The Mode of Reproduction

Another way to classify farm animals is based on their mode of reproduction. Animals can reproduce either sexually or asexually, and each mode of reproduction has its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Sexual reproduction: This involves the union of a male and female gamete, resulting in offspring that have a combination of traits from both parents. This mode of reproduction allows for genetic diversity and adaptability, which is important for the survival of the species. Animals that reproduce sexually include cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and turkeys.
2. Asexual reproduction: Asexual reproduction involves the production of offspring without the need for a mate or fertilization. Asexual reproduction can occur through various methods such as budding, fragmentation, and parthenogenesis. This mode of reproduction allows for rapid population growth and can be advantageous in certain situations, such as in environments where mates are scarce. However, a lack of genetic diversity can also be a disadvantage in the long-term survival of the species. Examples of farm animals that reproduce asexually include some types of fish and crustaceans, as well as some species of reptiles and birds.

It is important to note that some farm animals, such as bees, can also reproduce both sexually and asexually, depending on the situation. Additionally, some animals, such as horses, can reproduce both naturally and through assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination or embryo transfer.

Classification Based on Mammals and Non-Mammals

Classification of farm animals can also be based on whether the animals are mammals or non-mammals.

1. Mammals: These are warm-blooded vertebrates that have hair or fur, produce milk for their young, and give birth to live young. Mammals are the most commonly raised animals on farms for dairy and meat production. Examples of farm mammals include cows, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and donkeys.
2. Non-mammals: These are animals that do not have mammary glands and do not produce milk. They may be warm-blooded or cold-blooded and can be classified based on their characteristics such as feathered or non-feathered, scaled or non-scaled, and shell-bearing or non-shell-bearing. Examples of non-mammal farm animals include chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, fish, and crustaceans.

Farm animals can also be classified based on their species and breed, as well as their production traits such as growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and disease resistance. Understanding the classification of farm animals is important for farmers and livestock producers to effectively manage and breed their animals for optimal production and profitability.

Classifications of Farm Animals Based on Types of Stomach

Farm animals can also be classified based on the type of stomach they possess. There are four main types of stomachs found in farm animals: monogastric, ruminant, pseudo-ruminant, and hindgut fermenters.

1. Monogastric: Animals with a monogastric stomach have a simple stomach with a single chamber. This type of stomach is found in non-ruminant animals like pigs, horses, dogs, and cats. Monogastric animals have a limited ability to digest fibrous feed materials and rely on high-quality feed that is easy to digest.
2. Ruminant: Ruminants have a complex stomach with four compartments, which allows them to digest fibrous plant materials efficiently. The four compartments are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. Ruminant animals include cattle, sheep, goats, and deer.
3. Pseudoruminant: Pseudoruminants are similar to ruminants in that they have a three-compartment stomach, but they lack a true rumen. Instead, they have a reticulorumen, which serves as a fermentation chamber. Pseudoruminant animals include llamas, alpacas, and camels.
4. Hindgut fermenters: Hindgut fermenters have a simple stomach like monogastric, but they have a large cecum and colon where bacteria break down fibrous feed materials. Hindgut fermenters include horses and rabbits.

Characteristics of  Farm  Animals

1. Domestication: Farm animals are domesticated animals that have been bred and raised by humans for various purposes like meat, milk, wool, and transportation.
2. Social Animals: Most farm animals are social animals and prefer to live in groups or herds. They have a social hierarchy within the group and display various social behaviours such as grooming, playing, and bonding with others in the group.
3. Herbivorous: Most farm animals are herbivorous, meaning that they feed mainly on plants and plant-based products. This makes them important for grazing and foraging in pastures and fields.
4. Polygamous: Some farm animals are polygamous and have multiple mates, such as roosters or bulls, while others are monogamous, such as many birds and some mammals.
5. Large Body Size: Many farm animals are large in size and have strong, muscular bodies, which helps them in performing farm tasks like pulling ploughs or carrying loads.
6. High Reproductive Rate: Farm animals usually have a high reproductive rate, which is important for maintaining a sustainable supply of meat, milk, and other animal products.
7. Short Lifespan: Most farm animals have a relatively short lifespan compared to humans and other domesticated animals. This is due to the fact that they are raised for food production and are typically slaughtered at a young age.
8. Docile Behavior: Many farm animals have docile behaviour, which makes them easier to handle and manage humans. This is important for tasks such as milking, shearing, and transportation.
9. Adaptable: Farm animals are adaptable to various environmental conditions and can thrive in different climates and terrains.
10. Utility: Farm animals serve a variety of purposes and are valuable assets for farmers and their communities. They provide food, milk, wool, transportation, and other essential resources that are important for human survival and well-being.