Farm animals, also known as livestock, include species such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens that have been domesticated for agricultural purposes. They are raised for a variety of products, including meat, milk, eggs, wool, and leather. Originating from diverse wild ancestors, these animals have undergone selective breeding over thousands of years to enhance traits beneficial to humans, such as docility, productivity, and growth rates. They typically inhabit controlled environments like farms, ranches, and pastures designed to optimize their care and productivity. Their evolution and domestication have been deeply intertwined with human history, shaping civilizations through agricultural development.

Farm animals come in various shapes and sizes, adapted to their roles on the farm. Cows and goats have sturdy bodies and strong legs for grazing. Chickens have beaks for pecking and wings for short flights. Pigs have strong snouts for foraging. Most have four limbs, except for birds, which have two legs and two wings. Their senses are keen: cows communicate with moos, pigs with oinks, and chickens cluck. They move in ways suited to their environment, from the steady plod of cattle to the agile darting of chickens. Their senses, like sight and smell, are sharp to help them navigate their habitats.

Humans and farm animals have a symbiotic relationship dating back thousands of years, where animals provide food, labor, and companionship, and humans offer care and shelter. Iconic in pop culture, they appear in countless children's books, movies, and TV shows, often symbolizing pastoral life and simplicity. The image of Old MacDonald's farm is ingrained in many minds from a young age.

As concerns over animal welfare and sustainable farming grow, efforts to improve the lives of farm animals have increased. This includes organic farming practices, free-range movements, and stricter regulations on animal treatment, reflecting a more ethical and conscientious approach to farming.