Animal Science Review Flashcards

Comprehensive flashcards covering animal science terminology, digestive systems, production practices, breeds, and scientific names.

Animal Science

The scientific study of animals raised for food, fiber, and labor.

Ruminant

An animal with a four-compartment stomach that ferments roughages, such as a cow, goat, or sheep.

Monogastric

Animals classified as having a single-compartment stomach, such as pigs, chickens, and horses.

Abomasum

The part of the ruminant stomach considered the “true stomach.”

Rumen

The compartment of the ruminant stomach responsible for fermenting roughages.

Reticulum

Also known as the "honeycomb," this part of the ruminant stomach traps foreign objects.

Omasum

The "book stomach" in ruminants that primarily functions to absorb water.

Broilers

Poultry raised specifically for meat production.

Layers

Chickens raised specifically for egg production.

Parturition

The general term for the act of giving birth in animals.

Calving

The term for giving birth in cattle.

Farrowing

The term for giving birth in swine.

Kidding

The act of giving birth in goats.

Lambing

The act of giving birth in sheep.

Foaling

The act of giving birth in horses.

Weaning

The process of separating young animals from their mother’s milk.

Castration

The practice of removing the testicles of male animals.

Culling

The process of removing unproductive animals from the herd to improve genetics.

Barrow

A male pig that has been castrated.

Gilt

A young female pig that has not yet given birth.

Sow

A mature female pig that has given birth.

Boar

A mature male pig used for breeding.

Steer

A castrated male cattle used for beef.

Heifer

A young female cattle that has not yet calved.

Wether

A castrated male goat or sheep.

Colostrum

The first milk produced by mammals after giving birth, which provides passive immunity to offspring.

Gestation Period of a Sow

Approximately $114$ days, commonly remembered as 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days.

Gestation Period of a Cow

Approximately $283$ days.

Gestation Period of a Goat

About $150$ days.

Incubation Period of Chicken Eggs

$21$ days.

Holstein Friesian

A cattle breed known for the highest milk production.

Angus

A breed of cattle known for meat quality and marbling.

Brahman

A cattle breed known for tropical heat tolerance.

Leghorn

A breed of chicken known for high egg production.

Cornish

A breed of chicken used for meat production with broad breasts.

Large White

A white breed of swine with erect ears known for good mothering and growth.

Landrace

A pig breed with a long body and drooping ears, ideal for mothering.

Duroc

A pig breed known for its red color, fast growth rate, and good meat quality.

Pietrain

A pig breed known for heavy muscling and leanness.

Carabao

The national draft animal of the Philippines; a water buffalo ($Bubalus\,bubalis$).

Bakang Kalabaw

Another name for Philippine native cattle.

Roughages

Feeds high in fiber, such as grass, hay, and rice straw, primarily used for ruminants.

Concentrate

Feed that is high in energy and protein but low in fiber, such as cereal grains.

Creep Feeding

The practice of providing supplemental feed to young suckling animals like calves or piglets.

Total Mixed Ration (TMR)

A balanced combination of forage and concentrates fed together to cattle.

Candling

A method used in poultry production to check egg fertility.

Crop

The poultry organ that stores and moistens food temporarily before digestion.

Gizzard

The organ in poultry responsible for grinding feed.

Newcastle Disease

A poultry disease characterized by a twisted neck, nervous symptoms, and respiratory distress.

Lactation

The process of milk production in mammals.

Marbling

The intramuscular fat in meat; breeds like Angus and Wagyu are known for this trait.

Lysine

The amino acid that is often the most limiting nutrient in swine diets.

Casein

The main protein found in milk.

Urea

An ingredient in cattle feed used to help improve fiber digestion.

Bos taurus

The scientific name for domestic cattle.

Sus scrofa domesticus

The scientific name for the domestic pig.

Capra hircus

The scientific name for the goat.

Ovis aries

The scientific name for the domestic sheep.

Gallus gallus domesticus

The scientific name for the domestic chicken.

Equus caballus

The scientific name for the domestic horse.