livestock

USAGE SUMMARY

'livestock' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to refer to domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs that are kept on a farm or ranch for their meat or milk. You could use it in a sentence like this: "The livestock at this farm are all free-range and healthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Verdict: FMNR is an inexpensive way for farmers to make improvements with the resources they already have, increasing millet harvests from 430kg to 750kg a hectare, and saving money on fertilisers, with restored trees producing leaf litter (forming humus) and giving shade to livestock (for manure).

The Guardian

Farmers had a vested interest in killing foxes, which preyed on their livestock; a hobby rider out for an enjoyable day's riding in the autumn sunshine doesn't really care what is being pursued, a fox or a scented rag.

The Guardian

A model farmer with crops and livestock, he has solar electricity and cable television, which are extremely rare in Katine.

The Guardian

Land is scarce here, with farmers, pastoralists (livestock herders) and hunters all vying to survive.

The Guardian

Seoul also raised quarantine measures on wheat for livestock feed, while Thailand put ports on alert.

The New York Times

Many experts believe that, to deal with the environmental impact of livestock, we will have to cut our fresh meat consumption by half.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The forests are gone, the villages are gone, the livestock is gone," says Cemalettin Gün, a farmer.

The Guardian

(In The Ten Commandments, though, Cecil B DeMille only managed four plagues: he couldn't work out how to do frogs, flies, lice, boils, locusts or the death of livestock with the special-effects technology of the 1950s).

The Guardian - Film

The future is only for more of the same, as a rising global population puts a premium on cereals and grains, too much of which are fed to livestock.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bran is meant for livestock and only eaten in the lean season if people are starving.

The Guardian

This Mr Dimmond then shows up in Florence, and Hannibal invites him over to dinner with him and Bedelia where he realizes they are eating acorns, oysters and masala, which he says the ancient Romans fed their livestock to make the meat taste better.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "livestock", consider your audience and the level of detail required. For a general audience, "farm animals" might be more accessible. In technical or agricultural contexts, "livestock" is precise and appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "livestock" to refer to wild animals. The term specifically denotes domesticated animals raised for agricultural purposes. For wild animals, use terms like "wildlife" or "fauna".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "livestock" is as a noun, denoting farm animals raised for commercial purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly identifies domesticated animals like cattle and sheep. Examples show it often acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "livestock" is a grammatically correct and very common noun used to refer to domesticated animals raised for agricultural purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent use across various contexts, primarily in news, business, and scientific domains. While synonyms like "farm animals" exist, "livestock" maintains a precise meaning, especially in professional settings. Remember to avoid using "livestock" to describe wildlife. Understanding its grammatical function and appropriate usage is crucial for effective communication in agriculture-related discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

farm animals

Replaces "livestock" with a more descriptive term, specifying the type of animals involved.

stock animals

Uses a synonym for "livestock", keeping the meaning very similar.

farm stock

Inverts the order of words emphasizing the role of animals as inventory on the farm.

domesticated animals

Focuses on the fact that these animals are tamed and raised by humans.

herded animals

Highlights the management aspect of livestock, focusing on animals raised in herds.

raised animals

Simple and direct alternative, emphasizing that animals are bred and cared for.

animal resources

Broadens the scope to include any animals used for human benefit, not just on farms.

food animals

Highlights the purpose of livestock as a source of human sustenance.

cattle

Narrows the focus to a specific type of livestock, bovine animals.

livestock farming

Focuses on the farming practice instead of the animals themselves.

FAQs

How to use "livestock" in a sentence?

You can use "livestock" in sentences such as, "The farmer tends to his "livestock" daily", or "Proper management of "livestock" is crucial for a successful farm".

What are some synonyms for "livestock"?

Synonyms for "livestock" include "farm animals", "domesticated animals", and "farm stock". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "livestock" a singular or plural noun?

"Livestock" is a collective noun, meaning it refers to a group of animals but is treated as singular in some contexts. For example, "The livestock is healthy" (referring to the group as a whole) is correct.

What's the difference between "livestock" and "cattle"?

"Cattle" refers specifically to bovine animals, while "livestock" is a broader term encompassing various domesticated animals raised for agricultural purposes, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry.