Animal husbandry is an important branch of agriculture, which involves the activity of breeding, feeding, reproduction and protection of livestock. This Law regulates the aforesaid activities by animal breeders related to the following livestock species: cattle, buffaloes, horses, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, fur animals, canines, cats, poultry, fish, bees and silkworms. Animal breeders shall be considered natural and legal persons that are owners of the aforesaid animal species and are inserted in the Register of agricultural records. Animal breeding shall be performed in zootechnical farms by associations and individual breeders. In the process of animal husbandry, the breeders must prevent pollution, damage to the environment and to comply with animal protection rules and apply animal health protection measures. Animal breeders who are members of professional associations shall have the right of pre-emption in obtaining licenses for export of livestock and animal products. Animal feed category shall include all vegetable, animal, mineral and synthetic products which, by use in animal feedstuffs, ensures the normal development of vital functions and capitalization of their production and reproduction potential. Manufacturing of animal feedstuffs shall be subject to mandatory inspection at all stages of production process. The lands classified as meadows, belonging to the local communal councils, municipalities or breeders' associations, shall be used exclusively for grazing, haymaking, the cultivation of fodder plants, in order to obtain green mass, hay or seeds, meadow protection fencing, pastoral constructions, landscaping works and land improvement with a view of increasing the production potential of meadows. In order to protect and develop the national genetic heritage from animal husbandry, in accordance with the national programs for the improvement of livestock species, all import and export of breeding animals, semen, embryos and hatching eggs shall be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests. Breeders are prohibited from knowingly causing pain, suffering, anxiety or disability to animals.