Background

Human civilization became established as a result of the domestication of plants and animals; their propagation to provide food and clothing enabled a more settled existence in fertile areas and the need to manage them and improve production was the incentive for skills and technology development that ultimately led to industrialization with only a small percentage of the population involved in food production. Domestic animals are kept for a variety of reasons. In developed countries farm animals are mainly produced for food and clothing, while there are also important animal industries that revolve around sport and recreation, companionship and security. In less developed countries livestock are also an important source of fertilizer, fuel and traction, contribute to social standing and may play a vital role in ceremonies.

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