Animal Resources

Animal resources are the products and services animals provide, including food (meat, milk, eggs, fish), non-food products (wool, leather), and their roles in the environment and economy. They are also crucial for food security, farm power, and scientific research, as well as contributing to natural ecosystems. 

Economic resources

• Food: Animals are a source of protein like meat, milk, and eggs, which are essential for human nutrition.

• Non-food products: They provide materials such as wool, cashmere, mohair, and leather.

• Income and employment: Animal-related industries create jobs and provide supplementary income.

• Farm power: Some animals are used as a source of power for farming tasks.

• Fertilizer: Animal waste is used to improve soil fertility.

• Fuel: In some regions, animal dung is used as a fuel source. 

Ecological and environmental resources

• Ecosystem support: Both domestic and wild animals are vital components of healthy ecosystems.

• Nutrient cycling: They contribute to soil fertility through their waste.

• Biotic resource: Animals are a biotic resource that originates from the biosphere. 

Health and scientific resources

• Scientific research: Animal research has been instrumental in developing modern medicines, vaccines, and surgical techniques.

• Disease control: Government agencies work to control animal and animal-human diseases to ensure food safety and public health. 

Management and conservation

• Animal welfare: Ensuring the well-being of animals involves providing them with good nutrition, environment, health, and opportunities for natural behaviors.

• Genetic resources: The genetic diversity of animals used in agriculture is an important resource to preserve. 

Animal resources refer to the diverse animal life and products that benefit humans, encompassing livestock for food and fiber, animals in research and teaching, and the management and conservation of animal genetic diversity. These resources are essential for food security, economic stability, and scientific advancements. 

Types and Uses of Animal Resources

Animals provide a wide variety of products and services:

• Food and Animal Products: Animals are a primary source of protein and other nutrients through products like meat, milk, cheese, and eggs.

• Fiber and By-products: Non-food products include wool, leather, and cashmere. By-products like dung are used for manure or fuel in some regions.

• Labor and Transport: In many parts of the world, animals are still used for farm power and transportation.

• Ecosystem Services: Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, such as pollination and seed dispersal.

• Research and Medicine: Laboratory animals are fundamental to biomedical research, leading to major medical advances for both human and animal health, including vaccinations and surgery techniques.

Management and Oversight

The management of animal resources involves several key aspects:

• Veterinary Services: Provision of clinical care, disease detection and control plans, and biosecurity measures to ensure animal health and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can pass from animals to humans).

• Genetic Diversity: Sustainable management of animal genetic resources is vital for livestock resilience and adaptability to challenges such as climate change and emerging diseases.

• Regulation and Ethics: Governmental and institutional bodies develop and enforce policies, legislation, and ethical standards for animal welfare and the responsible use of animals in research and agriculture.

• Training and Education: Providing education and training to livestock breeders, veterinarians, and researchers to ensure high standards of animal care and scientific practice. 

Organizations like the General Directorate of Animal Resources Services (part of the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture) and university offices such as the Johns Hopkins Research Animal Resources provide services and oversight for this sector.