1, taxonomic status: Poultry belongs to the class of birds, which is a class of vertebrates. Domestic animals belong to the class Mammalia, which is a big category of mammals under the phylum Vertebrate.
2. Breeding mode: Poultry is an oviparous animal, which produces offspring by laying eggs and incubating. The breeding cycle is relatively short, and the larvae are relatively independent after hatching. Livestock are viviparous animals, and the embryos are born after they are mature in the mother's body. The reproductive cycle is long, and newborn cubs often need longer care and breastfeeding.
3. Appearance and anatomical structure: Poultry usually has a pair of wings. Although some poultry may have weak or lost flight ability, they still retain basic flying organs; Relatively small, the body is covered with feathers. Domestic animals generally do not have the ability to fly, walk on all fours, and are large in size. The skin surface is usually covered with hair instead of feathers.
4. Physiological characteristics: poultry has a fast metabolism, a relatively fast growth rate and a short production cycle, for example, the breeding cycle of broilers and laying hens is short. Large domestic animals such as cattle and sheep need a long time to reach adult weight and reproductive age.
5. Product use: Poultry is mainly used to provide eggs, meat, feathers, etc., and the meat quality is usually thin, which is suitable for healthy eating. In addition to providing meat, dairy products and fur, some domestic animals also have other functional values.