boskap

Boskap is a general term used in Swedish and other Germanic languages to denote domesticated farm animals kept for agricultural purposes. It encompasses several species, most notably cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, as well as poultry such as chickens and turkeys. These animals are raised for meat, milk and eggs, fiber, leather, work, and other products.

Historically, boskap management emerged with the domestication of animals in ancient times, enabling settled farming and surplus production. Breeding programs have since sought to improve productivity, health, and adaptability. In modern agriculture, boskap production is organized into breed populations and commercial herds or flocks, with specialized sectors for dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep and goat meat, pig production, and poultry.

Management practices include housing, feeding, reproduction control, health care, and welfare monitoring. Nutrition is tailored to species, life stage, and production goals. Breeding uses artificial insemination and meticulous record-keeping; genetics focus on growth rate, milk yield, carcass quality, and disease resistance. Welfare concerns include space, enrichment, handling, transport, and preventive medicine.

Environmental and economic considerations influence boskap systems, including manure management, feed efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants. Regulations in many countries govern animal welfare, housing standards, transport, and disease control, while market forces shape farm size and specialization.