What does animal husbandry refer to?

Animal husbandry specifically refers to the care, cultivation, and breeding of animals, particularly for food production. This encompasses various practices aimed at improving the health, growth, and reproduction of livestock. It involves techniques for selective breeding, nutrition management, and general animal care to enhance productivity and ensure animal welfare. This field of study and practice is crucial for agricultural systems where animals play a significant role in food supply, including meat, milk, and eggs.

The other options, while related to agriculture, describe different aspects or practices. The first option focuses on plants, which is more aligned with horticulture or agronomy. The third option relates to the study of animal behavior in their natural habitats, a field more connected to wildlife biology or ethology rather than husbandry. The fourth option centers on land management, which is important for agricultural practices but does not directly relate to the breeding and care of animals themselves. Therefore, the definition of animal husbandry is specifically tied to the breeding and management of domesticated animals for food production.