Feeds and Feeding Note Study

Gestation

The period of development during which an embryo or fetus is carried in the womb.

Lactation

The process of producing and secreting milk in mammals.

Breeding

The mating of animals to produce offspring.

Boar

An intact male pig used for breeding.

Colostrum

The first milk produced immediately after giving birth, rich in antibodies.

Creep Feed

A special feed for young animals that can be consumed before weaning.

Weaning

The process of transitioning young animals from milk to solid food.

Finishing

The final phase of growth before market in livestock production.

Phytase

An enzyme that helps break down phosphorus in grains.

By-pass Protein

Protein that escapes degradation in the rumen and is absorbed in the intestine.

PICA

A disorder where animals eat non-food items due to salt deficiency.

Grass Tetany

A condition caused by magnesium deficiency, often occurring in early lactation.

DOD (Developmental Orthopaedic Disease)

A range of conditions affecting the joints and bones of young horses.

Non-ruminant

Animals, like horses, that do not have a ruminating digestive system.

Lysine

An essential amino acid critical for protein synthesis.

Transition Cow Disorder

A complex of metabolic diseases in dairy cows around parturition.

Feedlot

A type of animal feeding operation that specializes in large-scale feeding of animals.

Ruminant

A type of mammal that digests food in a specialized stomach with multiple compartments.

Dry Period

The period during which a lactating animal is not producing milk before the next lactation cycle.

Selective Grazers

Animals that choose specific plants or parts of plants to eat.

Microbial Fermentation

A biological process where microbes break down food components, primarily in ruminants.

Calcium and Phosphorus Ratio

The dietary balance of these minerals, which is important for animal health.

Colic

Abdominal pain in horses that can be caused by various digestive issues.

Nutritive Density

The amount of essential nutrients provided per unit of energy in feed.

Silage

Fermented, high-moisture stored fodder used to feed ruminants.