Animals With Hoofs

Many animals raised on farms or ranches have hooves. Commonly called livestock, they can provide a significant source of income to the farmer or rancher if they are properly cared for. An adequate water supply and grassland are essential for these animals to be in excellent health. The animals provide food, labor and in some cases a source of cloth.

  1. Cattle

    • Cattle are the world's only source of beef and a large supplier of milk. Many different breeds of cattle exist. Some breeds, such as Angus, are raised primarily for beef. Other breeds, such as Holstein, are primarily used for milk. Still other breeds, such as Brahmas, are used for the sports of rodeo and bull riding.

    Horses and Donkeys

    • Horses are used for labor or entertainment. The different breeds of horses will determine what kind of performance you receive from the horse. Quarter horses are excellent for herding cattle. Thoroughbreds are good for racing and equestrian riding. Clydesdales are good for pulling heavy equipment or carriages. Miniature horses, or ponies, and donkeys are primarily used for companionship or for giving little children rides. Donkeys can also be used for guarding other livestock from threats.

    Sheep

    • Sheep are used primarily for the wool the animals provide and meat. Sheep can also be used to graze pasture land. Unlike cattle and horses, when sheep eat grass, they bite the grass very close to the ground. Cattle and horses rip the grass and break it in the middle of the stalk. Unless a farmer has a large number of sheep, more than 500, he is not likely to make a lot of money and it would just be considered a hobby.

    Pigs

    • Pigs supply the world with pork. Two types of pigs exist on farms --- the meat production pigs and the lard production pigs. Meat production pigs provide bacon, ham and sausage, and are the most common types seen on farms. Lard production pigs are not frequently seen, as the use for pig lard has declined. In some cases, these animals are kept as pets, such as the pot-bellied pig.

    Goats

    • Goats were some of the first domesticated animals. These animals are used primarily for the milk they produce, which can also be made into other dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt. Some goat breeds, such as the Nubian, produce milk with a higher buttermilk content. Some goats can produce up to two gallons of milk each day.

    Less Common

    • Bison have increased in popularity on ranches, but due to the temperamental and dangerous nature of the creatures, special accommodations have to be maintained. Bison need a lot of grazing land, as well as very tall fences. Bison are raised primarily for the meat. Llamas are used for guarding other livestock, their wool, as pack animals and for pulling carts. These animals are more friendly and, if trained right, will eat grain from a person's hand and even give people rides.