2. Draft animal selection

Farmers must be able to select the animal or animals most appropriate for their needs. The animals they choose must be culturally acceptable, trainable, maintainable, and profitable within the overall farm plan. It is also important that the animal be available locally, since these animals are already adapted to local feeds and climate and are likely to be resistant to diseases in the region. Of course, farmers should choose healthy animals from strong stock. In some areas, farmers must consider social or religious traditions which restrict the ownership or use of animals.

In this chapter the word "bovine" applies to cattle (or cows) and the word "equine'' refers to horses and horse-like animals (donkeys and mules).