Livestock are animals raised by farmers and ranchers to produce food, clothing, or other useful products. Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens are all livestock.

Farmers raise livestock for milk, meat, eggs, wool, and leather. A dairy farmer's livestock might include dozens of cows that produce milk every day. A sheep rancher's livestock provide wool for sweaters and blankets. Throughout history, livestock have been so valuable that people measured wealth by counting how many animals someone owned.

Raising livestock requires serious responsibility. Animals need food, water, shelter, and medical care. A rancher with 200 head of cattle (meaning 200 cattle, since ranchers count animals in “head”) must ensure all 200 stay healthy and well-fed. During harsh winters or droughts, caring for livestock becomes even more challenging. The work is demanding, but livestock farming remains essential: these animals help feed billions of people worldwide.