Cultural Perceptions of Animals

1. Key Point: The use of animals for companionship or production is often based on cultural traditions. C.5.1 Cultural Perceptions of Animals

2. Companion Animals  Companion animals: domestic animals that are kept as pets  Common companion animals include the following:  Dogs  Cats  Horses  Rabbits  Hamsters  Gerbils  Guinea pigs  Ferrets  Pot-bellied pigs  Reptiles C.5.1 PowerPoint: Cultural Perceptions of Animals

3. Production Animals  Agriculture has two main divisions: Plant/Crop production and Animal/Livestock production.  Most animals produced are raised for food. •  Traditional agricultural animals include:  Cattle •  Sheep •  Goats •  Poultry •  Swine •  Horses C.5.1 PowerPoint: Cultural Perceptions of Animals

4. Alternative Animal Agriculture  This refers to production of animals other than traditional production animals.  May be profitable by capitalizing in a different market. •  Common alternative production animals include: • Rabbits • Llamas • Fish • Bison • Game animals C.5.1 PowerPoint: Cultural Perceptions of Animals

5. Animal By-Products  Products other than food include the following:  Leather  Medications  Gelatin  Glue C.5.1 PowerPoint: Cultural Perceptions of Animals

6. Cultural Influences  Cultural traditions vary around the world.  Animals that are consumed are based upon availability and production needs.  Some areas in the world cannot produce feed/energy to raise large livestock. •  Animals are viewed differently.  Some European countries commonly eat horse meat. •  Some animals are • considered religious icons and may not be consumed.  Muslims do not consume pork.  Hindus do not consume beef. C.5.1 PowerPoint: Cultural Perceptions of Animals