Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
resistant
Bos indicus
cattle such as Brahman (Zebu) cattle from tropical zones
mated with
Bos taurus
cattle from temperate zones results in improved reproduc-
tion and lactation of crossbred native tropical cattle raised in tropical environments
(Herring, 2000).
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Many less-recognized domestic animals and birds are used for food, fiber, and hides
around the globe. Uses of these lesser-known animal resources have been described
(Ullrey and Bernard, 2000).
small Animals and birds
Small animals and birds include rabbits, turkeys, guinea pigs, quail, ducks, geese,
and fish. These animals provide food for poor families in many parts of the world
because of their small size, low feed and husbandry requirements, and ability to con-
vert waste resources (seeds, insects, weeds, and aquatic plants) into meat and eggs.
Commercial duck farms are prominent in Asia and in Central and South America.
Geese are found worldwide, but are particularly important in Asia and Central
Europe. They are able to digest high-fiber diets so that they can be raised on less
grain than other domestic fowl.
Aquatic Animals
Farming of fish, shrimp, and other aquatic animals (aquaculture) is one of the
fastest-growing food production enterprises (Lovell, 2000; Engle and Stone,
2005). Channel catfish farming in the United States has grown from obscurity
in 1970 to an annual production of more than 223,000 tons in 1996 and is still
growing. Farming marine shrimp, primarily in South and Central America and
Asia, is the fastest growing aquaculture industry in the world (43% of the global
consumption). Ocean-netted pen cultures of salmon are produced in Norway.
Other high-value marine species (e.g., sea basses, turbot, and yellow-tail tuna)
are cultured commercially in Western Europe and Japan. Aquaculture is now rec-
ognized as a flourishing food production enterprise worldwide and is expected to
supply a larger percentage of fishery products because of the continuing decline
in the supply of wild-caught fish from the oceans. The percentage of edible lean
tissue in fish is higher than in beef, pork, or poultry because fish contain less
bone, fat, and connective tissue. A primary reason for the success of aquaculture
is the research and technology base developed over the past few decades (Lovell,
2000).
large Animals and birds
Bison, Camels, and Llamas
The bison (American buffalo) was long the dominant ungulate (mammal with hoofs)
in North America. It has been estimated that in 1860 there were as many as 60 mil-
lion bison, having provided food and clothing to prehistoric human hunters for thou-
