Discover the complete list of 50 farm animals that start with the letter B, featuring species from around the world. These animals range from large, hardworking camels and cattle to tiny but vital pollinators like bees and bumblebees. Many of these animals play important roles on farms, whether for meat, milk, eggs, or helping crops grow through pollination. Some breeds are prized for their unique traits, such as heat tolerance or special wool, showing the diversity and value of farm animals beginning with B.
Explore the detailed table below to learn about each animal’s scientific name, typical uses, lifespan, and a brief description of its farm role and characteristics.
Scientific Name This column shows the official scientific or Latin name of each animal. It helps identify the exact species or breed, which is important for clear communication and research.
Typical Use See how each animal contributes to farm life—such as providing meat, milk, eggs, wool, draft power, or pollination. This information highlights the practical value of each animal.
Average Lifespan (years) Find out the typical lifespan of each animal on a farm. Lifespan affects management decisions and long-term planning for raising these animals.
Descripción This brief description explains the animals’ main features, origins, and roles on farms. It gives quick insights to understand what makes each farm animal unique and useful.
Farm animals that start with B
| Farm animals | Scientific Name | Typical Use | Average Lifespan (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bactrian Camel | Camelus bactrianus | Draft, transport, wool, milk, meat | 30 |
| Bagot Goat | Capra aegagrus hircus | Conservation, ornamental, brush clearance | 12 |
| Bali Duck | Anas platyrhynchos domesticus | Eggs, ornamental | 10 |
| Bantam Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus | Eggs (smaller), ornamental, pets | 7 |
| Barbados Blackbelly Sheep | Ovis aries | Meat, hair (no wool), heat tolerance | 11 |
| Barnevelder Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus | Eggs (dark brown), ornamental | 7 |
| Barred Rock Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus | Eggs (brown), meat, dual-purpose | 7 |
| Barrow | Sus scrofa domesticus | Meat production | 12 |
| Barzona Cattle | Bos taurus / Bos indicus | Beef | 18 |
| Bee | Apis mellifera | Honey, wax, pollination | 3 |
| Beef Cattle | Bos taurus / Bos indicus | Meat production | 18 |
| Beefmaster Cattle | Bos taurus / Bos indicus | Beef | 18 |
| Beetal Goat | Capra aegagrus hircus | Milk, meat, skin | 12 |
| Belgian Draft Horse | Equus caballus | Draft work, logging, farm labor | 25 |
| Beltsville Small White Turkey | Meleagris gallopavo | Meat (smaller carcass) | 7 |
| Belted Galloway | Bos taurus | Beef | 18 |
| Bentheim Black Pied Pig | Sus scrofa domesticus | Meat (heritage breed) | 12 |
| Berkshire Pig | Sus scrofa domesticus | Meat (premium pork) | 12 |
| Bison | Bison bison | Meat, conservation, eco-tourism | 20 |
| Black Turkey | Meleagris gallopavo | Meat, ornamental | 7 |
| Black Welsh Mountain Sheep | Ovis aries | Meat, wool, conservation grazing | 13 |
| Bleu du Maine Sheep | Ovis aries | Meat (terminal sire for prime lamb), wool | 11 |
| Blonde d’Aquitaine | Bos taurus | Beef | 18 |
| Bluefaced Leicester Sheep | Ovis aries | Crossing (mule ewes), wool, meat | 11 |
| Blue Hen of Delaware | Gallus gallus domesticus | State symbol, historical, ornamental | 7 |
| Boar | Sus scrofa domesticus | Breeding | 12 |
| Boer Goat | Capra aegagrus hircus | Meat | 12 |
| Bond Sheep | Ovis aries | Wool, meat | 11 |
| Booroola Merino Sheep | Ovis aries | Wool (fine), genetic improvement (prolificacy) | 11 |
| Border Leicester Sheep | Ovis aries | Crossing (mule ewes), wool, meat | 11 |
| Bourbon Red Turkey | Meleagris gallopavo | Meat (heritage breed), ornamental | 7 |
| Brabanter Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus | Eggs, ornamental | 7 |
| Brahma Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus | Meat, eggs (winter layers), ornamental | 7 |
| Brahman Cattle | Bos indicus | Beef, crossbreeding (heat tolerance, disease resistance) | 18 |
| Brangus Cattle | Bos taurus / Bos indicus | Beef | 18 |
| Bresse Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus | Premium meat, eggs | 7 |
| British Alpine Goat | Capra aegagrus hircus | Milk | 12 |
| British Lop Pig | Sus scrofa domesticus | Meat (heritage breed) | 12 |
| British Saddleback Pig | Sus scrofa domesticus | Meat (heritage breed), outdoor rearing | 12 |
| British White Cattle | Bos taurus | Beef, conservation, easy calving | 18 |
| Broiler | Gallus gallus domesticus | Meat production | 7 |
| Broody Hen | Gallus gallus domesticus | Incubation of eggs, raising chicks | 7 |
| Bronze Turkey | Meleagris gallopavo | Meat (heritage breed), ornamental | 7 |
| Brown Swiss Cattle | Bos taurus | Milk, beef (dual-purpose) | 18 |
| Buck | Capra aegagrus hircus / Ovis aries | Breeding | 12 |
| Buckeye Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus | Eggs (brown), meat, cold hardy | 7 |
| BueLingo Cattle | Bos taurus | Beef | 18 |
| Buffalo | Bubalus bubalis | Milk, meat, draft work | 20 |
| Bull | Bos taurus / Bos indicus | Breeding | 18 |
| Bumblebee | Bombus | Pollination | 1 |
Descriptions
Bactrian Camel
A large, two-humped camel from Central Asia, known for its incredible endurance and adaptability to harsh desert climates. Historically used for transport and draft work, it also provides wool, milk, and meat in its native regions.
Bagot Goat
A rare and ancient British goat breed, distinguished by its black and white markings and twisted horns. Primarily kept for conservation and ornamental purposes, it’s also effective for clearing overgrown land due to its browsing habits.
Bali Duck
A unique duck breed from Bali, known for its crest of feathers on its head. Valued primarily for its egg production and striking appearance, it adds both beauty and utility to a farm setting.
Bantam Chicken
A miniature variety of chicken, significantly smaller than standard breeds. Bantams are popular for their charming appearance, smaller egg production, and suitability as pets or for exhibition on farms.
Barbados Blackbelly Sheep
A hair sheep breed originating from Barbados, notable for its lack of wool and tolerance to heat and humidity. Primarily raised for lean meat, it’s a low-maintenance breed ideal for warmer climates and diverse farm systems.
Barnevelder Chicken
A Dutch chicken breed renowned for laying beautiful, large dark brown eggs. Known for its docile temperament and attractive feather patterns, it’s a popular dual-purpose bird for both eggs and exhibition on farms.
Barred Rock Chicken
A popular American chicken breed, recognized by its distinctive black and white barring. Valued for its excellent brown egg production, good meat quality, and hardy, calm nature, making it a farm favorite.
Barrow
A castrated male pig, primarily raised for meat production due to its rapid growth and tendency to put on weight efficiently. Barrows are a staple in commercial and small-scale pork farming.
Barzona Cattle
A composite beef cattle breed developed in Arizona, known for its adaptability to harsh rangeland conditions. It combines traits from African, Hereford, and Shorthorn breeds, producing hardy, efficient cattle primarily for beef production.
Bee
Essential pollinators, bees are kept on farms primarily for honey and beeswax production. Their vital role in pollinating crops contributes significantly to agricultural yields, making them indispensable members of the farm ecosystem.
Beef Cattle
Cattle specifically raised for their meat, distinguished from dairy cattle. Various breeds fall under this category, all selected for their ability to efficiently convert feed into high-quality muscle, providing a primary source of protein globally.
Beefmaster Cattle
An American beef cattle breed developed from Brahman, Hereford, and Shorthorn genetics. Valued for its robust growth, fertility, and efficiency, Beefmasters are renowned for their excellent beef production and adaptability to various environments.
Beetal Goat
A large goat breed from India and Pakistan, known for its high milk production and good meat quality. With long, pendulous ears, Beetal goats are a popular dual-purpose animal for many small farms.
Belgian Draft Horse
A powerfully built draft horse breed originating from Belgium, known for its strength, gentle nature, and docile temperament. Historically used for heavy farm work, Belgians remain popular for their immense power and quiet disposition.
Beltsville Small White Turkey
A heritage turkey breed developed by the USDA, bred specifically for a smaller carcass size suitable for smaller families. Known for its docile temperament and good meat quality, it represents a valuable part of poultry diversity on farms.
Belted Galloway
A distinctive Scottish beef cattle breed recognized by its black or red coat with a prominent white belt around its middle. Known for its hardiness, efficient feed conversion, and excellent lean meat, it’s well-suited for various climates.
Bentheim Black Pied Pig
A rare German heritage pig breed, characterized by its black and white pied markings. Valued for its robust health, good temperament, and high-quality meat, it’s part of conservation efforts to preserve traditional farm animal diversity.
Berkshire Pig
An old English pig breed, prized for its high-quality, flavorful, and marbled meat. Easily recognized by its black body with white points on its snout, feet, and tail, it’s a popular choice for gourmet pork production.
Bison
A large bovine species, often raised on ranches for lean, flavorful meat. Though primarily wild, bison are increasingly managed as farm animals for their economic value and contribution to grassland ecosystems.
Black Turkey
A heritage turkey breed with glossy black plumage, believed to be one of the oldest domesticated turkey varieties. Valued for its flavorful meat and striking appearance, it adds historical charm and utility to farm settings.
Black Welsh Mountain Sheep
A hardy, agile mountain sheep breed from Wales, known for its entirely black fleece and robust nature. Primarily raised for its lean meat and distinctive black wool, it’s well-suited for grazing rough terrain.
Bleu du Maine Sheep
A French sheep breed, popular as a terminal sire to produce fast-growing, high-quality lambs for meat. Known for its striking blue-grey face and legs, it’s valued for its excellent carcass conformation and prolificacy.
Blonde d’Aquitaine
A large, muscular beef cattle breed from France, renowned for its exceptional lean meat yield and rapid growth. Known for its distinctive golden-blonde coat, it’s a popular choice for producers aiming for high-quality beef.
Bluefaced Leicester Sheep
A British sheep breed celebrated for its role in producing the “mule” ewe, a highly prolific crossbred sheep. Valued for its fine, lustrous wool and ability to sire fast-growing lambs, it’s a cornerstone of many sheep farming systems.
Blue Hen of Delaware
The official state bird of Delaware, historically associated with Revolutionary War soldiers from the state. While not a commercial breed, its historical significance and unique blue plumage make it a notable, symbolic chicken on some farms.
Boar
An uncastrated male pig, primarily kept on farms for breeding purposes to sire piglets. Boars are vital for herd reproduction, chosen for their genetic traits and ability to pass on desirable characteristics to future generations.
Boer Goat
A South African goat breed, highly regarded worldwide for its exceptional meat production. Known for its fast growth rate, muscular build, and docile temperament, the Boer goat is a popular choice for commercial meat operations.
Bond Sheep
An Australian sheep breed developed for its fine, soft, and dense white wool, alongside good meat qualities. Bond sheep are hardy and adaptable, making them a dual-purpose asset for wool and lamb production.
Booroola Merino Sheep
A strain of Australian Merino sheep famous for its exceptionally high prolificacy, largely due to a specific gene increasing ovulation rates. Primarily used to introduce fertility traits into other sheep breeds, while also producing fine wool.
Border Leicester Sheep
A British sheep breed known for its distinctive bare, Roman-nosed face and long, lustrous wool. Primarily used as a crossing sire to produce prolific and hardy ewes for prime lamb production, also valued for its wool.
Bourbon Red Turkey
An American heritage turkey breed with beautiful deep reddish-brown plumage and white tail feathers. Valued for its flavorful meat and active foraging ability, it’s a popular choice for small farms and homesteaders.
Brabanter Chicken
A unique Dutch chicken breed characterized by its distinctive beard, muffs, and V-shaped comb. Kept primarily for its good egg production and striking ornamental appearance, it adds charm to any farm.
Brahma Chicken
A large, stately chicken breed known for its feathered legs and feet, and gentle temperament. Brahmas are excellent winter egg layers and produce good quality meat, making them a popular dual-purpose bird for various climates.
Brahman Cattle
A breed of Zebu cattle originating from India, known for its distinctive hump, loose skin, and heat/insect resistance. Widely used for beef production and crossbreeding in hot climates due to its hardiness and adaptability.
Brangus Cattle
A composite beef cattle breed developed from Brahman and Angus genetics, combining the Angus’s carcass quality with the Brahman’s heat tolerance and disease resistance. Popular for its robust performance and excellent beef yield in diverse environments.
Bresse Chicken
A French chicken breed renowned for its gourmet meat, often considered one of the finest in the world. Known for its distinct blue feet, white plumage, and red comb, it also lays many eggs.
British Alpine Goat
A large, elegant dairy goat breed originating from the UK, known for its excellent milk production and distinctive black and white “Swiss” markings. British Alpines are hardy and adaptable, making them a popular choice for milk on farms.
British Lop Pig
A rare British heritage pig breed characterized by its long, lop ears and white coat. Valued for its docile nature, good mothering abilities, and high-quality lean meat, it’s a focus of conservation efforts.
British Saddleback Pig
A hardy British heritage pig breed, easily identified by its black body with a distinctive white saddle across its shoulders and front legs. Known for its foraging ability, good mothering, and flavorful meat, ideal for outdoor systems.
British White Cattle
An ancient British beef cattle breed, known for its distinctive white coat with black or red points. Valued for its calm temperament, easy calving, and high-quality beef, making it a sustainable choice for farms.
Broiler
A type of chicken specifically bred and raised for rapid growth and efficient meat production. Broilers reach market weight quickly, making them the primary source of poultry meat in commercial and many small-scale farming operations.
Broody Hen
A hen that ceases laying eggs and focuses on incubating them and caring for her chicks. Broody hens are invaluable on a farm for naturally hatching eggs and raising young poultry, ensuring the continuity of the flock.
Bronze Turkey
A heritage turkey breed known for its distinctive iridescent bronze plumage that shimmers in the sunlight. Valued for its flavorful meat and robust constitution, it’s a popular choice for those seeking traditional turkey qualities.
Brown Swiss Cattle
A versatile dairy cattle breed originating from Switzerland, known for its calm temperament and high production of rich milk. Brown Swiss are also valued for their beef qualities and hardiness, making them a popular dual-purpose breed.
Buck
The term for a male goat, sheep, or rabbit, primarily kept on farms for breeding purposes to sire offspring. Bucks are crucial for maintaining and improving herd or flock genetics, ensuring future generations of farm animals.
Buckeye Chicken
An American chicken breed developed in Ohio, unique for having a pea comb and being cold hardy. Buckeyes are excellent dual-purpose birds, known for good brown egg production and flavorful meat.
BueLingo Cattle
A modern beef cattle breed originating in the US, notable for its distinctive white belt on a black or red body, similar to Belted Galloways. BueLingos are valued for their high-quality, lean beef and adaptability.
Buffalo
Refers primarily to domestic water buffalo, widely used on farms in many parts of the world for milk, meat, and draft power. Valued for their rich milk, sturdy build, and ability to thrive in wet conditions.
Bull
An uncastrated male bovine, kept on farms primarily for breeding purposes to sire calves. Bulls are essential for herd reproduction, selected for their genetic traits to improve future generations of cattle.
Bumblebee
A large, fuzzy bee known for its excellent pollination capabilities, especially in cooler weather and for certain crops. While not typically farmed for honey, bumblebees are increasingly utilized in controlled agricultural settings for crop pollination.