Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
7.9.3 Dog (Canis familiaris)
Farmers have used domesticated dogs for thousands of years. Dogs are pack animals,
and this seems to blend very well with human group behavior. Dogs are used to
guard livestock, herd sheep and cattle, protect buildings, as a source of meat, and as
pets. In some countries they are used as food. In most countries, however, dogs are
kept as pets and serve little function other than protection.
7.9.4 Horse (Equus caballus) and Donkey (Equus asinus)
Both the horse and donkey are used by farmers to carry loads and pull carts or wagons.
Horses are more widespread than donkeys, perhaps because of their multiple uses.
Donkeys are useful for carrying or pulling heavy loads, while horses offer draft
functions as well as riding, milk, meat, and even racing. In general, donkeys live
longer than horses, are cheaper to maintain, and can carry loads longer distances
than horses. The hybrid of a male donkey with a female horse is a mule, usually sterile.
7.9.5 Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus)
Guinea pigs are not related to pigs nor do they originate in Guinea. They are small
rodents, frequently sold for pets in the United States but used for food through much
of the Andean region of South America. Large breeds have been developed weighing
up to 2 kg for meat purposes. They frequently are raised in large boxes outside rural
kitchens where they feed on vegetable scraps and grasses. In parts of Bolivia and
Peru, they are a major source of protein for subsistence farmers.
7.9.6 Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
The ostrich occurs in the wild in the Sahel region of Africa but has been distributed
throughout the world for meat purposes. Adults weigh from 90 to 130 kg and are up
to 2.5 m tall. Their primary uses are for meat and eggs with some industries utilizing
the feathers. Their eggs can weigh up to 1.3 kg. They are difficult to manage, being
classified as a dangerous animal in Australia.
7.9.7 Turkey (Melleagris gallopavo)
The turkey was probably domesticated from the wild North American wild turkey. In
contrast to the wild turkey, the domesticated turkey is often considered to be easily con-
fused and foolish. The primary use of domesticated turkey is for meat purposes. Many
industry-specific breeds have been developed with meat characteristics desired by com-
mercial markets, such as “double breasted.”
7.9.8 Yak (Bos grunniens)
Yaks are used by farmers in the high-altitude areas of Tibet and western China. They
are related to cattle but are larger, weighing up to 1000 kg. Yaks are multipurpose
animals for farmers in these areas. They serve as carriers of heavy loads and provide
