The video begins with an image of an Alpaca. Next, the screen is divided into two halves. On the right side, it depicts an Alpaca. On the left side, the video title "Focus on Non-Traditional Animals" is introduced.
Again, the screen is divided into two halves. On the right side, it features an image of an elk. The left side defines "Non-Traditional Animals" as animals that are not generally considered livestock or companion animals. This is followed by a series of images showcasing Non-Traditional Animals like bees and alligators, along with the diverse products derived from them, such as cutlery, gloves, and honey.
Non-traditional animals are those which are not generally considered livestock or companion animals. And, the non-traditional animal industry is important to the United States economy accounting for six billion dollars in revenue annually. The non-traditional animal industry produces products from animals that are not considered livestock or companion animals.
Once more, the screen is divided into two halves. On the right side, there is an image of an alligator. On the left side, listing names of animals under "Non-Traditional Animal Industry" are the Bees, Llamas, Alpacas, Deer, Elk, and Alligators.
So, what is the non-traditional animal industry? Some of the most common in the United States are: bees, llamas and alpacas, deer and elk, and alligators.
This transitions to a series of images featuring bees, a group of trees with white flowers, followed by a bottle of Raw Local Honey.
While many may not think of bees as animals, all insects are classified in the animal kingdom. Bees are important for the pollination of crops, and honey production.
The imagery continues, showing beekeepers collecting honey, a bee resting on a pink flower, and various honey bottles available in different stores. The sequence progresses to display products crafted from beehive wax.
There are more than 2.5 million managed beehives which are responsible for the pollination of about 30% of food crops produced in North America. In addition to pollination, beehives produce more than 150 million pounds of honey annually worth over 700 million dollars. Another 375 million dollars is imported to meet the demand for honey. Beeswax is a by-product of the honey industry and is estimated at seven million dollars per year.
The video shifts to a series of visuals presenting Llama and Alpaca herds in fields, followed by images showcasing wool produced by these animals. Next, it shows a Llama in a cage and presents Llama fur, displaying products like scarves made from the fur. Subsequently, it displays an image of woolen clothes. Next, A man is depicted removing sheep wool using scissors.
Llamas and Alpacas traditionally were used as pack animals before making their way to North America where they are used for wool production and breeding animals. Although these animals look similar, they produce very different quality wool. Llamas have a hollow coarser wool, while Alpacas produce a finer textured wool which is softer and more desirable for clothing. Alpaca and Llama fleece does not contain lanolin like sheep’s wool, and therefore is less allergenic.
In subsequent scenes, a child is seen feeding grass to a Llama, and Llamas interact with sheep in a farm setting.
Llamas are also sometimes raised as companion animals, or as “protectors” for sheep flocks because they will bond with a flock and fiercely defend them.
A sequence unfolds, displaying deer in the farmland and elk across different geographies within the United States, such as farms and forests. The still images feature white-tail deer, mule deer, and Rocky Mountain Elk.
Deer and elk are most commonly considered wildlife, but these animals are also raised in captivity for meat, recreational hunting, and the production of antlers and velvet. The most common deer and elk raised in captivity in the United States are white-tail deer, mule deer, and Rocky Mountain Elk.
Herds of deer stand in a field. A man is sitting on the snow in the forest. This is followed by showing deer herds in private deer farms.
The production of these animals contributes over three billion dollars annually to the United States Economy. One of the largest uses for deer herds is private hunting. Private deer farms typically sell trophy hunts. Hunters will pay premium prices for an opportunity to hunt deer with superior antlers, and the deer farms raise animals with those traits.
The video portrays multiple Elk herds standing in fields, followed by visuals of elk meat on a plate. A still image of Elk velvet nutritional supplements is shown. Subsequently, decorative materials crafted from elk are displayed in different places.
Domestic elk kept on farms must be from private herds. Elk are efficient meat producing animals and are bred for selective traits and calm behavior. Elk meat is a low fat, low cholesterol alternative to beef. Elk velvet is a prized nutritional supplement, and the bony part of the antlers is sold for decorative purposes.
The sequence progresses to alligators in alligator farms.
Alligators are produced on farms and ranches in the United States. Alligator Farms are closed systems which include breeding of mature alligators to produce new animals.
Subsequently, a man holding an alligator egg from which a small alligator has emerged. Next, it depicts several alligators in alligator ranches.
Alligator ranches however harvest eggs from the wild and hatch them in captivity. These ranches are required to return some of the alligators to the wild if collected from harvested eggs to preserve the populations.
After, Alligator hide is shown, and various products derived from alligator hides, including handbags, shoes, boots, belts, luggage, upholstery, and jewelry.
The most valuable product from an alligator is the hide which may sell for more than 25 dollars per foot. Alligator hide is tanned like cow hide and can be used in the production of handbags, shoes, boots, belts, luggage, upholstery, and even jewelry.
The video features alligator meat on plates.
Alligator meat is also becoming more desirable in the U.S. because of its high protein and low-fat composition.
This is followed by a montage highlighting various non-traditional animals.
There are many other non-traditional animal industries contributing to our economy. Perhaps you will research potential careers in one of these interesting, productive, and non-traditional areas of agriculture.