Alexian Domestication

The Republic of Alexia has a large collection of plants and animals that have been domesticated for a variety of reasons.

Animals

Wool: Wool is a textile fibre (fabric) that is obtained from mammals. A vast majority of wool is sourced from goats (60 percent, 299 AGW Alexian Ministry of Agriculture Annual Report). Other species with breeds used for wool include: cattle, sheep, rabbits, alpaca, pigs, ferrets, dogs, foxes, deer, cats, wallabies, quolls, and chinchillas. Wool is taken harmlessly; it is often shorn off the animal, and the animal will grow the fur back in a few weeks to months.

Eggs: Eggs often refers to the unfertilised eggs of chickens (299 AGW Alexian Ministry of Agriculture Annual Report), but can often refer to the eggs of other birds. The eggs of fish are also consumed, and these are referred to as roe. Bird species with breeds used for egg production include: chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail, ostrich, pheasants, and turkeys. Fish (and other aquatic animal) species with breeds used for roe production include: salmon (the vast majority), tuna, sea urchin, carp, herring, and bream. Wild collection of eggs is strictly outlawed within the Republic of Alexia.

Meat: A vast majority of domesticated animals have breeds used for meat production. In the Republic of Alexia, the vast majority of meat is chicken or beef (299 AGW Alexian Ministry of Agriculture Annual Report). Species with breeds used for meat production include: chickens, cattle, goats, deer, pigs, sheep, pheasant, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail, ostrich, turkey, salmon, tuna, sea urchin, bream, herring, anchovies, eel, sardines, sea bass, sweetfish, various crabs, lobster, freshwater crayfish, carp, octopus, prawn, scallop, sea cucumber, and squid.

Leather: Leather is the treated skin of a mammal. Roughly 60% of leather is sourced from cattle (299 AGW Alexian Ministry of Agriculture Annual Report), and all leather originates from animals that were initially slaughtered for meat. Other species that have leather include: sheep, goats, deer, ostrich, and pigs. Many Alexian may opt for Enokinawun, a leather made from mushrooms, instead of animal sourced leather.

Milk: Milk is sourced from mammals, with the vast majority of animal-based milk in the Republic of Alexia being sourced from cattle (299 AGW Alexian Ministry of Agriculture Annual Report). Other species that have breeds used for milk production include; sheep, goats, horse, donkey, deer, and alpacas. Plant-based milks are also extremely popular.

Feathers: Feathers, similar to leather, are often removed from birds during the meat production process, however some species and breeds will naturally shed their feathers in large quantities once a year (often at the end of Spring). Species with breeds that shed their feathers include: chickens, ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, quails, ostriches, and pigeons. The harvesting of wild birds for feathers is strictly outlawed within the Republic of Alexia, however collecting the shed feathers off the ground is not.

Silk: As a member of the Silk Trade Federation, the Republic of Alexia has a fairly large silk industry. Silk is often sourced from the cocoons of metamorphosing insects, with 90% of Alexian Silk being sourced from silk-worms. The remaining sources of silk originate from various other invertebrate species, including bees, crickets, and various spiders. 

Companionship: Every species of domesticated animal has breeds that are used for companionship. Some species that only have breeds for companionship include: hedgehogs, sugar gliders, squirrels, cavy, raccoon, raccoon-dogs, hamsters, bear-ferrets, canaries, finches, snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises, frogs, salamanders, and kitsuneko. Kitsuneko (Vulpifelis sp.) is a cat-fox genetic hybrid that has existed within the ecologies of a vast majority of planets for thousands of years.

Transportation: A few large-bodied animals have been bred for use as beasts of burden and transport within the Republic of Alexia. Species with breeds used for transport include: horses, donkeys, dogs, cattle, goats, and deer.

Hunting and Fishing: Some animals are used to assist hunters and fishers in securing their catch. Although hunting has fallen out of favour in most of the Republic of Alexia, there are many breeds that were initially used for this purpose. Species with breeds used for hunting and fishing include: dogs, foxes, ferrets, otters, quoll, cheetah, crows, hawks, falcons, eagles, cormorants, and owls.

Other: Other uses include:

Bees are also used for their pollination services, as well as the harvesting of their wax and honey.

Plants

Fruit and Nuts: a large variety of plants are grown and cultivated for their fruits and nuts in the Republic of Alexia. As per the 299 AGW Alexian Ministry of Agriculture Annual Report, apples, avocadoes, grapes, olives, and cherries are the most common fruits. Other plants grown for their fruits and nuts include acorns, apricots, blueberries, capsicum, chestnut, cucumbers, dragon fruit, eggplant, gingko, honeymelon, kiwi fruit, lemon, lime, loquat, mango, muskmelon, orange, peach, pear, persimmon, pineapple, pistachio, plum, pomelo, pumpkin, raspberry, rockmelon, strawberries, tangerine, tomato, walnut, watermelon, yamamomo, and zucchini.

Grains and Legumes: grains often refer to the seeds of a plant. Barley, rice, soybeans, and wheat are the most common grains in the Republic of Alexia. Other grains and legumes include almond, azuki bean, buckwheat, corn, green beans, millet, oats, peanuts, peas, quinoa, sesame, sugar cane, and sunflower.

Leaves and Body: Many plants are grown and cultivated in the Republic of Alexia for their edible leaves, stems, or flowers, with seaweed and various mushrooms being the most common. Others include asparagus, artichoke, broccoli, burdock, cabbage, celery, chard, kale, leek, lettuce, marshmallow plant, and spinach. The leaves and flowers of pumpkins, taro, and sweet potato are also eaten.

Roots: Many plants are grown and cultivated for their edible roots and bulbs, with carrots, garlic, and potatoes being the most common. Other roots and bulbs include beets, onion, marshmallow plant, radish, sweet potato, taro, and yams.

Animal fodder: Alfalfa and clover are the most common plants grown for animal food, along with wheat, barley, oats, and millet.

Textiles: Cotton, flax, and bamboo are all grown and cultivated in the Republic of Alexia for their use in textile (fabric) manufacturing. 

Oils, Sauces, and Syrups: Various plants are grown and cultivated in the Republic of Alexia for their oils, used in cooking. Olive, canola, peanuts, sesame, soybean, corn, sunflower, and avocadoes are all used for cooking oils. Soybeans, sesame, tomatoes, and various chillis are used to make sauces. Maple and birch trees are grown and cultivated for their syrup.

Drinks: The juices of most fruits are used as a drink in the Republic of Alexia, mostly apple, grapes, and oranges. Coffee beans and tea leaves are only used in the production of various drinks. Plant-based milks are made from oats, almonds, or soy. Grapes, rice, apples, and wheat are all used to make alcoholic drinks through fermentation.

Herbs, Spices, and Flavourings: Pepper, wasabi, various chillies, mustard, mint, sesame, ginger, perilla, honeywort, garlic, chives, citrus peel/zest, cinnamon, vanilla, basil, thyme, rosemary, and lavender are all grown for seasoning, often for seeds, fresh leaves, ground seeds, dried and ground leaves, or dried and ground fruits. Wasabi, garlic, chilli, and mint are the most popular within the Republic of Alexia.

Other: Other uses of plants in the Republic of Alexia include