The main differences between poultry and livestock are in terms of zoological classification, physical characteristics, physiological characteristics, reproduction methods and breeding methods, uses, and product types
1.Taxonomic status: Poultry and livestock have different taxonomic status. Poultry belong to the class Ornithischia, and domestic animals classified in the class Mammals include terrestrial tetrapods such as pigs, cattle, and sheep.
2.Physical characteristics: Poultry usually have a pair of wings and can fly (e.g., chickens, ducks), while domestic animals usually walk on four legs and have no wings (e.g., pigs, cows). Poultry are mostly birds, while domestic animals are land four-legged mammals.
3.Physiological characteristics: Poultry and livestock also differ in their physiological characteristics and developmental processes. Poultry reproduce by laying eggs and hatching them, while domestic animals reproduce through the birth process of the reproductive tract.
4.Mode of reproduction: There are also significant differences in the way poultry and livestock reproduce. Poultry are oviparous animals and need to hatch to reproduce; In contrast, domestic animals are viviparous, and their offspring mature directly inside the mother's body.
5.Breeding methods: The breeding method of poultry is usually hatch breeding, that is, by hatching eggs to reproduce offspring; Livestock are bred in an auto-breed manner, and they breed through their own reproduction.
6.Uses and types of products: Poultry is mainly used to provide products such as eggs, meat and feathers, while livestock can provide services or products such as labor (e.g. farming), riding sports and competitions, and transportation in addition to the above-mentioned products.
7.Genetic laws: Poultry and livestock also have different genetic laws, which affect how they are bred and managed.
8.Nutritional requirements and management methods: Poultry and livestock also differ in their nutritional requirements and management methods, as they are grown in different environments and product requirements.
In summary, poultry and domestic animals have obvious differences in many aspects, and these differences reflect their different roles and living habits in nature.