poultry, in animal husbandry, birds raised commercially or domestically for meat, eggs, and feathers. Chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese are of primary commercial importance, while guinea fowl and squabs are chiefly of local interest. Based on the number of animals, poultry represent the largest domestic animal stock in the world, and poultry meat was the fastest growing component of global meat production in the early 21st century. Poultry meat and eggs provide affordable high-quality protein. Poultry farming, especially on a small scale, is renewable and efficient and can provide a ready source of income and nutrition. See also poultry farming and poultry processing.