Value of Animals to Humanity

Chapter 2

FOOD USESValue of Animals to Humanity

Nutrients

The nutrients provided by meat are important for human survival.

Protein and energy are quantitative (in plenty) & qualitative (quality) and hold lots of vitamins and minerals.

Annual per capita

Per capita- per unit of population, by or for each person

Ranges: 300 lbs of meat (affluent countries) to very little (poor countries)

Meat production rises 2% each year

Meat Production Animal Order

Pig – 38%Chicken – 28%Beef- 23% Together equaling- 89%

Others (11%) include in order: Sheep, duck, turkey, goat, rabbit, equine, etc

EDIBLE SLAUGHTER BY-PRODUCTSValue of Animals to Humanity

By-Products

The substances and products of value remaining after the products of

greatest value have been removed

In Developed Countries

Considered specialty foods and are called Variety Meats

Most widely used: Liver, edible fat, blood, hides, and bones

Brain & Spinal cords are rarely used now due to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

Milk & Milk Products

Milk provides much needed protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins

Per capita ranges from 500lbs to none (worldwide)

Increases 2% each year

Amount of Milk By Species

Cattle- 83.3%Buffalo- 12.9%Goats- 2.2%Sheep-1.4%Camel- .2%

Dairying Impact

Dairying has been promoted in developing countries for several decodes by several major international agencies

WHY?

+ Provides year-long employment+ Year-long income+ Efficient in turning animal feed into people feed+ Improved nutrition

Miscellaneous Food Uses

World production of honey is estimated by the FAO at just over 1.5 million MT (metric tons) per year

Blood though vein puncture

Tibetan nomads and African tribes may use fat from tail of fat-tailed sheep

Hides and Skins

NONFOOD USES OF AGRICULTURAL ANIMALS

Value of Animals to Humanity

Social Context

Exploring contribution in greater detail and gives us all the opportunity to have an enhanced appreciation for human dependence on domestic animals.

Do not need to write this down. Just purpose of this section

Body Coverings

1. Wool- sheep, goats (mohair & cashmere), and alpacasMany sources! Why?

Renewable Resources2. Feathers- for pillows, bedding, clothing, jewelry,

adornments on clothing, fishing lures, and protein supplements

3. Silk – silk worms

Body Waste

Compost

Cooking Fuel

Heating Fuel

Construction

Wound healing

Urine

Enhance soil fertility in many parts of the world

Some systems of leathering making use urine

In Asia, cow urine is sprinkled on the dirt floor to control dust and pests

Rinse hair in medicinal and religious ceremonies

Storage of Capital and Food

Where banks are nonexistent

Cultural Uses

1. Exhibitions and Spectator Sports

2. Companionship and Services

3. Social Structure

INCOMEValue of Animals to Humanity

Developed Countries

Specialized animal income is nearly ½ of total agriculture income

Developing Countries

Animals are a major sources of income, extra income from animals are used to buy improved seed & fertilizer which improves family’s standard of living.

Economy is stimulated through increases availability, demand of jobs, & products.

CONSERVATIONValue of Animals in Humanity

How does it compliment Conservation Practices?

Controlling pests

Adding manure to land

Alley-cropping systems