History of Livestock in Timeline

Livestock refers to domesticated animals raised in agricultural settings. These animals primarily serve to provide labor and produce various animal products intended for human consumption. These products encompass a wide range, including meat, eggs, milk, fur, leather, and wool. While the definition can vary, the term often specifically denotes animals raised for food or farmed ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats.

1988: Disaster assistance legislation

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 provided energy for cultivation

In 1997, livestock provided energy for between an estimated 25 and 64% of cultivation energy in the world's irrigated systems, and that 300 million draft animals were used globally in small-scale agriculture.

1999: Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999

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

2005: Agriculture accounted for greenhouse gas emissions

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

2005: Constant Dollars and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In 2005, the value of global livestock production was constant and the IPCC estimated that agriculture accounted for about 10 to 12 percent of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.

2006: Constant Dollars

In 2006, the value of global livestock production was constant at 883 billion dollars

2010: Agriculture accounted for greenhouse gas emissions

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

2011: People relied on livestock for livelihood

As of 2011, some 400 million people relied on livestock in some way to secure their livelihood, with the commercial value of this sector estimated as close to $1 trillion.

2013: Global livestock production value in 2013

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

2019: Coronavirus disease 2019 Outbreak

In 2019, the Cargill slaughterhouse in High River, Alberta, Canada closed due to workers becoming infected with coronavirus disease 2019, impacting Canada's beef supply.