Livestock and Backyard Poultry in Nutrition

Small livestock and backyard poultry play a critical role in household food security and nutrition. Meat, eggs and dairy are excellent sources of good quality protein and micronutrients, thus playing a fundamental role in preventing and controlling micronutrient malnutrition (hidden-hunger). The consumption of animal source foods in Bangladesh remains low, with young children, and pregnant and lactating women being particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficits and micronutrient deficiencies. Raising small livestock and poultry in a household context significantly increases the availability and accessibility of animal source foods, thereby enhancing opportunities for a diversified and nutritious diet.