Which are the most important livestock species and what are the rough numbers of the respective

animals on the world?

Livestock are domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as food,
fiber and labor. The origin of livestock production dates back about 11,000 years ago when man started to
domesticate sheep. Animal-rearing has originated during the cultural transition to settled farming
communities rather than hunter-gatherer lifestyles.

Domestication involves more than simply taming. Animals are considered to be domesticated when:  they
are kept for a distinct purpose  humans control their breeding  their survival depends on humans  they
develop traits that are not found in the wild Taming and domestication (Mason, 1984) is also the story of a
successful symbiosis between animal and humans which presumably started simply by recognizing
advantages for both.

Cattle breeding  Pig breeding  Poultry breeding  Horse breeding  Sheep breeding

Here are some rough estimates for global livestock populations:

 Cattle Breeding: Approximately 1.57 billion heads worldwide.

 Pig Breeding: Around 430 million pigs, with China leading the count.
 Poultry Breeding: Over 33 billion chickens globally.
 Horse Breeding: Estimated at around 60 million horses.
 Sheep Breeding: Approximately 1 billion sheep worldwide

Which countries are the most important in animal production

Cattle.. India
Germany.. 12.7 Mio. cattle
4267000 dairy cows
673000 suckler cows
PIGS
Top.. China
Asia .. more production
Poultry.. china
Horse.. USA
Sheep.. China (According to google )

What are the most important animal products for human nutrition and human needs?

Animal products play a crucial role in human nutrition and other needs. Here are some of the most important
ones:

For Nutrition:

1. Meat: Provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, vitamins (B12, B6, niacin), and minerals
(iron, zinc).
2. Milk and Dairy Products: Excellent sources of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other essential
nutrients. Includes milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, etc.
3. Eggs: Rich in protein, vitamins (A, B12, D), minerals (selenium, iron), and healthy fats.
4. Fish and Seafood: High in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins (D, B12), and minerals (iodine,
selenium).

For Other Needs:

 1. Leather: Used in clothing, accessories, footwear, and upholstery.
2. Wool: Primarily from sheep, used in clothing and textiles.
3. Honey: Produced by bees, used as a natural sweetener and in various food products.
4. Beeswax: Used in cosmetics, candles, and as a food additive.
5. Gelatin: Derived from animal collagen, used in food products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
6. Lanolin: Extracted from sheep wool, used in skincare products and cosmetics.

Name at least three different breeds for the most important livestock species.

Certainly! Here are three different breeds for some of the most important livestock species:

Cattle:

1. Holstein: Known for high milk production.

2. Angus: Famous for high-quality beef.
3. Hereford: Popular for beef production and adaptability.

Pigs:

1. Yorkshire: Known for large litters and lean meat.

2. Duroc: Recognized for rapid growth and good meat quality.
3. Berkshire: Praised for flavorful meat and marbling.

Poultry (Chickens):

1. Leghorn: Famous for egg production.

2. Broiler (various hybrids): Bred specifically for meat production.
3. Rhode Island Red: Known for both egg-laying and meat.

Horses:

1. Thoroughbred: Renowned for racing and agility.

2. Arabian: Famous for endurance and beauty.
3. Clydesdale: Known for strength and used in draught work.

Sheep:

1. Merino: Known for fine wool.

2. Suffolk: Popular for meat production.
3. Dorset: Versatile breed, good for both meat and wool.

These breeds represent just a fraction of the diversity within each livestock species. If you want more
information about any specific breed or species, let me know!

Include horse too

I included horses in my previous response! Here it is again:

Horses:

1. Thoroughbred: Renowned for racing and agility.

2. Arabian: Famous for endurance and beauty.
3. Clydesdale: Known for strength and used in draught work.
Here are some breeds of livestock that are significant in Germany:

Cattle:

1. Holstein: Known for high milk production.

2. German Fleckvieh (Simmental): Popular for both milk and meat.
3. German Braunvieh (Brown Swiss): Known for dairy production.

Pigs:

1. German Landrace: Known for high meat quality.

2. German Large White: Popular for pork production.
3. Deutsches Edelschwein: Known for its lean meat.

Poultry (Chickens):

1. Lohmann Brown: Popular for egg production.

2. Hybrid Broilers: Bred for meat production.
3. Rhode Island Red: Known for both egg-laying and meat.

Horses:

1. Hanoverian: Renowned for dressage and sport horses.

2. Oldenburg: Known for versatility and performance.
3. Westphalian: Popular for both riding and driving.

Sheep:

1. Merinolandschaf: Known for fine wool.

2. German Blackhead: Popular for meat production.
3. Rambouillet: Known for both wool and meat.

How long ago has livestock been domesticated?

Refer livestock domestication timeline in slide no 6 in 1st pdf

Livestock domestication dates back thousands of years. Here are some key milestones:

 Cattle: Domestication began around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region (modern-day
Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan).
 Pigs: Domesticated approximately 9,000 years ago in multiple regions, including China and the
Near East.
 Sheep and Goats: Domesticated around 8,000-9,000 years ago in the Middle East.
 Horses: Domesticated around 5,500 years ago in the steppes of Ukraine, southwest Russia, and west
Kazakhstan.
 Chickens: Domesticated around 3,500 years ago in Southeast Asia.

What is selective breeding?

At the core of animal breeding lies SELECTIVE BREEDING which is defined as: The aimed selection of
parent animals to produce a new generation which can produce more efficiently than their parents in the
given production conditions and economic, ecological and social-cultural context.
Selection strategies used:
Between breeds – this type of cross is referred to as upgrading. For ex.: the displacement of the Dutch
Friesian breed by more productive Holstein Friesian breed.
Within breeds – best animals are mated in the assumption that their progeny will be superior to their parents.
Used when there is enough genetic variability (to avoid inbreeding).
Crossbreeding – common practice in pig and poultry cross breeding of pure lines is common practice.
Heterosis is the phenomenon that cross-bred animals perform better than would be expected from the mean
of both parents

Describe a life cycle of a cow.

Refrer slide 16 in 1st pdf

Describe major steps in the life of a progeny tested bull

The life of a progeny-tested bull involves several key steps aimed at evaluating and improving genetic traits
for future breeding. Here's an overview: {from google}

1. Selection: Young bulls are selected based on their pedigree and potential genetic traits.
2. Breeding: These bulls are bred with high-quality females to produce offspring.
3. Distribution: Semen doses from these bulls are distributed to selected herds or villages.
4. Monitoring: The performance of the offspring (daughters) is closely monitored, particularly their
milk production and other relevant traits.
5. Data Collection: Detailed records of the daughters' performance are collected over their first
lactation period.
6. Evaluation: Breeding values (BVs) of the bulls are estimated based on the performance data of their
daughters.
7. Ranking: Bulls are ranked according to their estimated breeding values.
8. Selection for Breeding: Top-ranked bulls are used for further breeding to produce the next
generation of bulls.
9. Re-testing: The new generation of bulls is put through progeny testing to evaluate their genetic
potential.
10. Distribution: The top-performing bulls are distributed to semen stations for producing disease-free
semen.

This cycle continues, ensuring continuous genetic improvement in livestock. It's a long-term and complex
process but crucial for achieving genetic advancements in cattle breeding

Some facts about artificial insemination.

first great biotechology applied to improve reproduction and genetics of farm animals

• introduced in the 50s

• improve productivity and profitability; control of venereal disease

• lead to development of other techonlogies: cryopreservation, sexing of sperm, estrous cycle regulation,
embryo harvesting, freezing, culture and transfer, and cloning

• used also in swine, horses, sheep, goat, poultry, dog, rabbit and endangered species.

• a single ejaculation can yield as many as 500 straws

Refer timeline in slide 20 1st PDF

Characteristics of pig reproduction

Puberty: 6 - 8 months 
Gestation: 115 days 
Lactation: 25 days 
Total cycle 145 days 
Maximum possible: 2.5 litters per year 
Pigs per sow per year: 18 to 27

Year 1: 1 sow produces 20 pigs

Year 2: 10 sows produce 200 pigs
Year 3: 100 sows produce 2,000 pigs
Year 4: 1,000 sows produce 20,000 pigs
Year 5: 10,000 sows produce 200,000 pigs
Year 6: 100,000 sows produce 2,000,000 pigs

Traits of interest in pigs

Numerical productivity – Number of piglets produced per sow per unit of time
Growth rate - Related to the duration of the period from 25 kg to slaughter
Feed efficiency – Food conversion ratio = amount of feed (kg) necessary for 1 kg live weight gain
Carcass traits
Backfat depth, intra muscular fat, tenderness, leanness

Describe a breeding pyramid. (From google )

A breeding pyramid is a structured system used in livestock breeding to ensure genetic improvement and
maintain a high-quality gene pool. It consists of three main tiers:

1. Nucleus Herd:

 Purpose: This top tier contains the elite breeding animals with the best genetic traits.
 Activities: Intensive genetic selection and breeding to produce superior offspring.
 Selection: Only the top-performing animals are used for breeding, based on strict criteria like
productivity, health, and genetic markers.

2. Multiplier Herd:

 Purpose: This middle tier serves to multiply the superior genetics from the nucleus herd.
 Activities: Breeding using males from the nucleus herd with females from the multiplier herd.
 Selection: Animals with desirable traits are selected, but the criteria are slightly less stringent than
the nucleus herd.

3. Commercial Herd:

 Purpose: This bottom tier includes animals used for production, such as meat, milk, or eggs.
 Activities: Breeding animals from the commercial herd with genetics from the multiplier herd.
 Selection: Focuses on production traits and overall performance, ensuring the herd meets the
demands of the market.

Flow of Genetics:

1. From Nucleus to Multiplier: High-quality males from the nucleus herd are used to improve the
genetic quality of the multiplier herd.
2. From Multiplier to Commercial: Improved genetics from the multiplier herd are then used to
enhance the commercial herd.

Benefits:
  Genetic Improvement: Continuous enhancement of desirable traits.
 Disease Resistance: Focus on breeding animals with better resistance to diseases.
 Productivity: Increased productivity and efficiency in commercial herds.

The breeding pyramid ensures a systematic and sustainable approach to livestock breeding, enabling
consistent genetic advancements over time.

Traits relevant for broilers.

Breeding traits relevant for broilers  Growth Rate  Feed Conversion  Livability  Ascites Resistance 
Heat Resistance  Eviscerated Yield Meat quality traits: lightness, redness, yelowness, drip loss, thawing
cooking loss, sheer force.  Part and Meat Yield  Carcass Fat  Leg and Skeletal Strength  Breast
Conformation  Degree of Feathering  Feather and Skin Color

Breeding traits relevant for layers  Age at sexual maturity  age of the bird at which it lays the first egg 
Rate of lay  the number of eggs produced in a given period of time  Broodiness  wishing to sit on or
hatch eggs. Selection for non-broodiness in commercial egg laying chickens  Persistency  Measure of the
length of lying cycle  Components of the egg production: egg weight, egg quality, shell color, shell
texture, etc  Body size, feed efficiency, fertility and hatchability, etc.

Poultry breeding – concept.

Refer slide 43 flow chart pdf1 also 45, 46, 47 slides
In Germany  the poultry industry currently consists
around 34 million laying hens
60 million broilers
11 million turkeys for meat production
crossbreds are of relevance for commercial egg and poultry meat production
parent stock are kept and improved by only a few specialized breeding enterprises
breeders have greatly accelerated the growth rate of broilers
• in 1950, it took broilers 12 weeks to acquire a body mass of 2 kg
• now reach the slaughter weight of 1.5 kg in ~ 40 days
• early 20th century, a free ranging hen produced about 60 eggs per year
• then breeding of lying hen started
• now - an average production of 310 eggs per hen per laying period

Pure breeding – crossbreeding in livestock (Google )

Pure Breeding:

Definition: Pure breeding involves mating animals of the same breed to maintain or enhance specific
desired traits within that breed. Objectives:

 Preservation: Maintain the breed's genetic identity.

 Trait Improvement: Enhance particular traits such as milk production, growth rate, or disease
resistance.
 Consistency: Produce offspring with predictable and uniform characteristics. Advantages:
 Predictability: Offspring have known characteristics.
 Breed Purity: Maintains the breed's distinct characteristics and lineage.
 Health: Reduced risk of introducing undesirable traits. Disadvantages:
 Limited Genetic Diversity: May lead to inbreeding and associated health issues.
 Slower Genetic Improvement: May take longer to achieve significant genetic advancements.

Crossbreeding:
Definition: Crossbreeding involves mating animals from different breeds to combine desirable traits from
both parent breeds, resulting in hybrid vigor (heterosis). Objectives:

 Hybrid Vigor: Improve overall performance, health, and productivity of offspring.

 Trait Combination: Combine the best traits of two or more breeds.
 Adaptability: Enhance adaptability to different environments and management practices.
Advantages:
 Increased Productivity: Often results in faster growth, higher fertility, and improved overall
performance.
 Genetic Diversity: Reduces the risk of inbreeding and associated health problems.
 Resilience: Often more resilient to diseases and environmental stressors. Disadvantages:
 Unpredictability: Offspring characteristics may vary widely.
 Management Complexity: Requires careful selection and management to achieve desired outcomes.
 Loss of Breed Identity: Purebred characteristics may be diluted over generations.

Examples:

 Pure Breeding: Breeding Holstein cows with other Holstein cows to enhance milk production traits.
 Crossbreeding: Breeding Angus bulls with Hereford cows to produce hybrid calves with better
growth rates and meat quality.

Both pure breeding and crossbreeding have their own merits and can be strategically used to achieve specific
breeding goals. The choice between them depends on the objectives, resources, and management practices
of the livestock operation.

Horse breeding – breeding objective/goal. Example.

Breeding objective
Following the process aligning breeding with our modern-day riding horse, in 1975 breeding associations
decided to establish a standardized breeding objective for the German riding horse
"A noble, long-lined and correct, healthy and fertile horse with swinging, expansive and elastic movements
and which, thanks to its temperament, character and rideability, is suitable for all forms of riding."
Breed diversity in Germany :
German riding horse breeding includes the following breeds: 
German Sporthorse, Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Mecklenburg, Oldenburg, Oldenburg International (OS),
Rhineland, Trakehner, Westphalian, German Horse, German Edelblut ("noble blood", a relatively new breed
of part-bred Arabians with at least 12.5% Arab blood).
The field of pony and small horse breeding in Germany is characterized by a large diversity of breeds and a
variety of organizations. In total, more than 130 breeds are cared for in Germany.
Holsteiner
The breeding goal  an athletic and expressive riding horse, with long lines and an aptitude for show
jumping, as well as for dressage and eventing, a powerful jumper with lots of ability and quality 
uncomplicated, eager to perform, level-headed and reliable, not least because of their stable temperament
and excellent character.
Holsteiner Selective breeding 
Bloodline  Evaluation of conformation (type, topline, forehand, body, hindquarter) 
Movement (walk, trot, canter) 
Jumping (free jumping or jumping under saddle, evaluation of technique and ability) 
Interior qualities (performance attitude, character, temperament and soundness) 
Performance testing and breeding value evaluation results

Sheep breeding – breeding objective/goal. Example.

Breeding objectives – examples 
Reproduction: weaning rate, mothering ability 
Growth traits: weaning, post weaning, yearling or adult weight 
Fleece traits: fiber diameter, fleece weight, staple strength, staple length 
Carcass traits: fat and eye muscle depth, yield 
Disease resistance: worms, footrot 
Milk yield and related traits (e.g. fat, protein)
German Ostfrisian Milk Sheep Breed characteristics: 
well growing, adaptable triple-purpose-breed with sound constitution  high fertility  twins are common 
suitable for single keeping or paddocking  milk yield over 600 kg by 6 % butterfat and 5 % protein
German Merinoland Sheep Breed characteristics 
production of purebred lambs with best fattening and carcass results by high food conversion  ideal dam
for crossing with mutton rams for slaughter lamb production  out of season breeding with good mothering
 high fertility, heavy milkers  best suitable for shepherding and paddocking  robust and of a great
resisting power  high-quality merino wool

Describe the steps of a breeding program.

Refer slide 69 pdf 1

Organizational structure in livestock breeding(Google )

The organizational structure in livestock breeding can vary depending on the scale and type of operation.
However, here's a general overview of the key components and roles typically involved:

1. Breeding Organizations:

Roles:

 Breed Associations: Organizations that manage breed standards, registration, and promotion.
 Research Institutions: Conduct research on genetic improvement, animal health, and breeding
techniques.
 Government Agencies: Regulate breeding practices, provide support and funding, and ensure
compliance with animal welfare standards.

2. Breeding Farms:

Roles:

 Nucleus Farms: Focus on elite breeding and genetic improvement.

 Multiplier Farms: Multiply superior genetics from nucleus farms.
 Commercial Farms: Produce livestock for market based on genetics from multiplier farms.

3. Management and Operations:

Roles:

 Farm Managers: Oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure animal welfare.
 Breeding Specialists: Develop and implement breeding programs, select animals, and monitor
genetic progress.
 Veterinarians: Provide animal health care, disease prevention, and treatment.
 Nutritionists: Develop feeding programs to optimize animal health and productivity.
 Animal Handlers: Manage the care and handling of livestock.

4. Support Services:

Roles:

 Genetic Testing Labs: Conduct DNA testing and genetic evaluations.

  AI (Artificial Insemination) Centers: Provide high-quality semen for breeding.
 Data Management Systems: Track and analyze performance data, breeding records, and genetic
information.

5. Supply Chain:

Roles:

 Feed Suppliers: Provide balanced and nutritious feed for livestock.

 Equipment Suppliers: Supply breeding and farm equipment.
 Marketing and Sales: Handle the sale and distribution of livestock and animal products.

6. Education and Training:

Roles:

 Extension Services: Offer education and training to farmers and breeders.

 Universities and Colleges: Provide formal education in animal science, breeding, and management.

Challenges and new goals

challenges Dependant on a wide range of factors. For example: 
Determined by the needs and priorities of the owners of the animals 
The consumers of animal products 
The food industry 
General public Challenge: to foresee future conditions and careful plan to set up effective breeding programs
The following four overarching goals for animal production
Goal 1: Providing Nutritious Food for a Growing Human Population
Goal 2: Improving Sustainability of Animal Agriculture
Goal 3: Increasing Animal Fitness and Improving Animal Welfare
Goal 4: Meeting Consumer Needs and Choices

Goal 1: Providing Nutritious Food for a Growing Human Population Feed the growing human population,
encompassing global food security, improving rural economies and development, increasing productivity of
agricultural enterprise and exports of agricultural products, and reducing trade deficits
Goal 2: Improving Sustainability of Animal Agriculture Improve environmental sustainability (reduce land
and water usage, balance the use of antibiotics for animal health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions),
economic sustainability (consumer affordability and farmer profitability), and preserve germplasm and
genetic diversity
Goal 3: Increasing Animal Fitness and Improving Animal Welfare Improve animal fitness through
adaptation to local and regional conditions (e.g., altitude), biotic and abiotic stresses such as climate change,
diseases and pests, and optimizing the microbiome.
Goal 4: Meeting Consumer Needs and Choices Enable consumer choices such as cultural or traditional
foods, healthy choices (lean and tender meat products), nutritional enhancements, and food raised through
desired farming practices (i.e., organic, no antibiotics ever).

Recommandations for reaching the goals

1. Enable better disease detection and management using a data-driven approach through the development
and use of sensing technologies and predictive algorithms.
2. Accelerate genetic improvement in sustainability traits (such as fertility, improved feed efficiency,
welfare, and disease resistance) in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture populations using big genotypic and
sequence data sets linked to field phenotypes and combined with genomics, advanced reproductive
technologies, and precision breeding techniques.
3. Determine objective measures of sustainability and animal welfare, how those can be incorporated into
precision livestock systems, and how the social sciences can inform and translate these scientific findings to
promote consumer understanding of tradeoffs and enable them to make informed purchasing decisions.
Impact of climate change on livestock (Google )
Impact of climate change on livestock

Climate change has significant impacts on livestock, affecting both the animals and the industry as a whole.
Here are some key points:

Heat Stress

 Increased Heat Stress: Rising temperatures lead to heat stress in livestock, which can reduce
productivity, reproductive performance, and overall health.
 Mortality Rates: Extreme heat events can cause mass mortality in livestock.

Feed and Water Availability

 Reduced Feed Quality: Climate change can affect the growth and quality of feed crops, leading to
reduced nutritional value.
 Water Scarcity: Droughts and changing precipitation patterns can limit water availability, impacting
both livestock and feed crops.

Disease and Parasites

 Spread of Diseases: Warmer temperatures and changing ecosystems can lead to the spread of
diseases and parasites that affect livestock.
 Vector-Borne Diseases: Increased prevalence of vector-borne diseases like ticks and mosquitoes can
pose new health risks.

Environmental Impact

 Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Livestock farming is a significant source of greenhouse gases like
methane and nitrous oxide, contributing to climate change.
 Resource Use: Livestock farming demands substantial natural resources, including land, water, and
feed, which can be strained by climate change.

Adaptation Strategies

 Improved Cooling Systems: Implementing cooling systems in animal shelters to mitigate heat
stress.
 Breeding for Resilience: Developing breeds that are more resilient to heat and disease.
 Sustainable Practices: Adopting sustainable farming practices to reduce environmental impact and
improve resource efficiency.

Climate change poses a complex challenge for livestock farming, but with proactive measures and
adaptation strategies, the industry can work towards mitigating these impacts.