How are animals classified as livestock?

Animals that are commercially raised for the purpose of providing humans with food, fiber, or other products are generally considered livestock. This classification is based on utility rather than scientific taxonomy. Some common types of livestock include:

- Cattle (cows, bulls, calves): raised for meat (beef, veal), dairy products (milk, cheese), or leather.

- Pigs (swine): raised for meat (pork) and some specialty products like bacon, ham, and sausage.

- Poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese): primarily raised for meat (chicken, turkey), eggs, or feathers.

- Sheep: raised for meat (lamb, mutton) and wool production.

- Goats: raised for meat (goat meat), milk, or fiber (mohair, cashmere).

- Horses, donkeys, mules: utilized for transportation, work, or recreation.

- Fish (farmed fish, shellfish): reared in aquaculture systems for human consumption.