History of Livestock in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 5, 2026

Livestock encompasses domesticated animals raised in agricultural settings. These animals provide various products for human use, including meat, eggs, milk, fur, leather, and wool. The term's scope can vary, sometimes referring broadly to all animals raised for consumption, or more specifically to farmed ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats, playing a crucial role in agriculture and supplying essential resources.

1988: Disaster assistance legislation definition

In 1988, disaster assistance legislation defined livestock as cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry (including egg-producing poultry), equine animals used for food or in the production of food, fish used for food, and other animals designated by the Secretary.

1997: Livestock energy provision

In 1997, livestock provided energy for between an estimated 25 and 64% of cultivation energy in the world's irrigated systems.

1999: Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act

In 1999, the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act (P.L. 106–78, Title IX) defined livestock only as cattle, swine, and sheep for the purpose of United States federal legislation.

2005: IPCC report on agriculture greenhouse gas emissions

In 2005, the IPCC estimated that agriculture (including livestock) accounted for about 10 to 12 percent of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.

2005: Global livestock production value

In 2013, the estimated value of global livestock production was 883 billion dollars (constant 2005–2006 dollars). The constant dollars are for 2005-2006

2006: Global livestock production value

In 2013, the estimated value of global livestock production was 883 billion dollars (constant 2005–2006 dollars). The constant dollars are for 2005-2006

2010: IPCC report on agriculture greenhouse gas emissions

In 2010, the IPCC estimated that agriculture (including livestock) accounted for about 10 to 12 percent of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.

2011: Reliance on livestock for livelihood

As of 2011, approximately 400 million people relied on livestock in some way to secure their livelihood.

2013: Global livestock production value

In 2013, the estimated value of global livestock production was 883 billion dollars (constant 2005–2006 dollars).

2019: Cargill slaughterhouse closure

In 2019, the Cargill slaughterhouse in High River, Alberta, Canada, closed due to some of its workers becoming infected with coronavirus disease 2019.