An animal product refers to any material or substance produced or derived from animals through various means. It encompasses a broad range of commodities obtained from animals, including their bodies, secretions, and other related materials. Animal products can be obtained from livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep, or poultry, as well as wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Common examples of animal products are meat, poultry, and seafood, which are the edible parts of animals from which humans obtain nourishment. Other animal products include eggs, milk, cheese, and other dairy products, which are produced by animals through their reproductive systems. Animal products may also consist of items such as honey, silk (extracted from silkworms), leather (obtained from animal skins), and wool (generally obtained from sheep).
Additionally, animal products can be processed to create diverse goods like gelatin (derived from animal tissues), lanolin (a wax-like substance collected from sheep's wool), bone meal (ground animal bones), or even medications made from animal glands or organs.
The utilization of animal products extends beyond food and encompasses numerous aspects of human life, including clothing, medicine, cosmetics, and even industrial applications. It is noteworthy to consider that the production and consumption of animal products can have ethical, environmental, and health implications, thus necessitating conscientious decision-making by individuals and society as a whole.
