animal, domestic

In general, a tame animal. In agriculture, it is an animal brought under human control for exploitation of its labour; use of its feathers, hide, or skin; or consumption of its eggs, milk, or meat. Common domestic animals include poultry, cattle (including buffalo), sheep, goats, and pigs. Starting about 10,000 years ago, the domestication of animals has only since World War II led to intensive factory farming.

Increasing numbers of formerly wild species have been domesticated, with stress on scientific breeding for desired characteristics. At least 60% of the world's livestock is in developing countries, but the developing world consumes only 20% of all meat and milk produced. Most domestic animals graze plants that are not edible to humans, and 40% of the world's cereal production becomes animal feed; in the USA it is 90%.