Key livestock categories in Finland include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, and bees. Dairy production dominates the cattle sector, with several breeds such as the Finnish Ayrshire and Jerseys optimized for milk yield in temperate conditions. Aquaculture, particularly salmon farming, is a significant subset of animal husbandry, though it differs in species and production methods from terrestrial livestock. Poultry farming focuses largely on broilers and layers, while pig production is characterized by intensive indoor systems.
Sustainable practices within eläintalous involve rotational grazing, buffer zones along watercourses to reduce nutrient runoff, and integrated pest management. Feed composition is carefully monitored to ensure animal health and to minimize methane emissions, with emphasis on using crop residues and surplus agricultural products. In addition, genetic improvement programs using selective breeding and, where permitted, genomic selection have increased productivity while maintaining genetic diversity.
Regulatory frameworks such as the Finnish Food Safety Authority (FSVO) set stringent standards for slaughter, veterinary inspections, and traceability of animal products. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) also provides subsidies and implementation guidelines that influence Finnish animal husbandry practices. Environmental impact assessments and climate action plans have led to increased adoption of low-emission technologies, including anaerobic digestion of manure for biogas generation.
Educational institutions such as the University of Helsinki and various applied research centers contribute to the development of humane and efficient animal rearing techniques. Extension services and farmer cooperatives play a critical role in disseminating best practices, ensuring that Finnish eläintalous remains economically viable, environmentally responsible, and socially acceptable.