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what is the meaning of cattle farming?
Livestock is the collective term for farm animals. Livestock is the term used to refer (singularly or plurally) to a domesticated animal intentionally reared in an agricultural setting to make produce such as food or fibre, or for its labour.

Livestock may be raised for subsistence or for profit. Raising animals (animal husbandry) is an important component of modern agriculture. It has been practiced in many societies, since the transition to farming from hunter-gather lifestyles.

 These domesticated animals include cattle, sheep, Pigs, chickens and other birds like Geese, Turkeys, quails, etc,  horses, goats, etc. Grass fields, known as pasture or meadows, provide most of the food for these animals. Some other crops, for instance maize, are grown specially to provide food for the livestock. Livestock farming is raising animals for food or to sell and is very well planned.
 Livestock animals play an important role in rural economic development. Some of these animals include cattle or dairy cows, chickens, goats, pigs, horses, sheep, etc. The other livestock animals include donkeys, mules, and rabbits. India is endowed with livestock resources of vast genetic diversity and accounts for about 11 percent of the world livestock population. The country boasts of 55 per cent of the world buffalo population, 20 per cent of the goat population and 16 per cent of the cattle population in the world. India has the largest cattle and buffalo population in the world and holds the second rank with respect to goat and sheep world population.
Dairying is an important source of subsidiary income to small/marginal farmers and agricultural labourers. The manure from animals provides a good source of organic matter for improving soil fertility and crop yields.
 
The gober gas from the dung is used as fuel for domestic purposes as also for running engines for drawing water from well. The surplus fodder and agricultural by-products are gainfully utilised for feeding the animals. Almost all draught power for farm operations and transportation is supplied by bullocks. Since agriculture is mostly seasonal, there is a possibility of finding employment throughout the year for many persons through dairy farming. Thus, dairy also provides employment throughout the year. The main beneficiaries of dairy programmes are small/marginal farmers and landless  labourers.


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