Man has a long history of using animals for food, clothing and power. The domestication of animals dates back several thousand years. The first farm animals domesticated were sheep, goats and pigs. Later, horses and cattle also became domesticated. The hobby farmer has many choices when it comes to raising livestock. The following animals are the more common livestock seen on farms today.
Sheep and Goats
Sheep and goats are one of the best choices for the small-scale farmer. They are easy to keep (although goats are notorious for getting into trouble), and with good management you can expect to have at least 1.5 offspring per mother. The offspring grow quickly and can reach market weight in under 6 months. They don't have the large size of cattle and, as a result, they are easier to handle and require less elaborate facilities. They are also a favorite with children.
Swine
The pig is another popular choice for the hobby farmer because of its fast growth rate and widespread availability. Most hobby farmers buy weaner pigs (under 45 pounds in weight and weaned from their mother) and finish them to about 230 pounds. This can be accomplished in a few months. Pigs can be hard on facilities but will do fine in covered pens outside during the warm months.
Poultry
The farmer has two options when raising poultry: the production of eggs and the production of meat. Raising chickens for eggs is very common, as a chicken lays about 300 eggs per year. Thus, a small number can provide eggs for a family. Birds raised for meat can be chickens, turkeys or other specialty birds. These birds grow very fast, and a good-sized chicken can be produced in under two months.
Cattle
Cattle in North America are raised for one of two purposes, either for meat (beef) or milk (dairy). Producing milk is a specialized industry and is generally not done on hobby farms. Beef, however, adapts well to the small-scale farm. A few cattle are great for keeping the grass short. Cattle are not labor intensive and do well outside. A cow can weigh as much as a small car. You will therefore need good fences and specialized equipment to handle them, which can be dangerous. They take longer to grow to market weight compared to other animals, which makes them more of a long-term investment.
Livestock work well with a variety of farming situations. They also interest children more than the vegetable garden. If you would like to know more about farm livestock, Oklahoma State University has a large list of farm animals. It includes pictures and history of the various breeds within each category.
Sheep and Goats
Sheep and goats are one of the best choices for the small-scale farmer. They are easy to keep (although goats are notorious for getting into trouble), and with good management you can expect to have at least 1.5 offspring per mother. The offspring grow quickly and can reach market weight in under 6 months. They don't have the large size of cattle and, as a result, they are easier to handle and require less elaborate facilities. They are also a favorite with children.
Swine
The pig is another popular choice for the hobby farmer because of its fast growth rate and widespread availability. Most hobby farmers buy weaner pigs (under 45 pounds in weight and weaned from their mother) and finish them to about 230 pounds. This can be accomplished in a few months. Pigs can be hard on facilities but will do fine in covered pens outside during the warm months.
Poultry
The farmer has two options when raising poultry: the production of eggs and the production of meat. Raising chickens for eggs is very common, as a chicken lays about 300 eggs per year. Thus, a small number can provide eggs for a family. Birds raised for meat can be chickens, turkeys or other specialty birds. These birds grow very fast, and a good-sized chicken can be produced in under two months.
Cattle
Cattle in North America are raised for one of two purposes, either for meat (beef) or milk (dairy). Producing milk is a specialized industry and is generally not done on hobby farms. Beef, however, adapts well to the small-scale farm. A few cattle are great for keeping the grass short. Cattle are not labor intensive and do well outside. A cow can weigh as much as a small car. You will therefore need good fences and specialized equipment to handle them, which can be dangerous. They take longer to grow to market weight compared to other animals, which makes them more of a long-term investment.
Livestock work well with a variety of farming situations. They also interest children more than the vegetable garden. If you would like to know more about farm livestock, Oklahoma State University has a large list of farm animals. It includes pictures and history of the various breeds within each category.
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