Food & Nutrition:
* Meat: Beef, pork, chicken, lamb, fish, seafood, etc.
* Dairy: Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream
* Eggs: Chicken, duck, goose, quail
* Honey: From bees
* Insects: Crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms (increasingly popular as a protein source)
* Animal fats: Lard, tallow, butterfat (used in cooking and manufacturing)
Materials & Products:
* Leather: Used for clothing, footwear, furniture, accessories
* Wool: For clothing, blankets, carpets
* Silk: From silkworms, used in clothing, bedding, upholstery
* Down feathers: Used in bedding, clothing, pillows
* Bones: Used for bone meal fertilizer, bone china, gelatin
* Fur: Used for clothing, hats, accessories (controversial due to animal welfare concerns)
* Beeswax: Used in candles, cosmetics, polishes
* Shells: Used in jewelry, decorations, and some crafts
* Pearl: A valuable gem produced by oysters
Other Uses:
* Animal testing: Used for medical and scientific research
* Companionship: Pets provide emotional support, companionship, and physical activity
* Assistance animals: Guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs
* Transportation: Horses, camels, oxen, used historically and sometimes still used for transportation
* Labor: Working animals like oxen, mules, used for farming and hauling
Ethical Considerations:
It's important to note that the use of animals for human needs raises ethical concerns. Factors like animal welfare, sustainability, and the impact on ecosystems need careful consideration. Many people choose to minimize or eliminate animal products from their lives for ethical reasons.
This list is not exhaustive but provides a comprehensive overview of the various ways we benefit from animals.