🧫 LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION PRACTICES FLASHCARDS

What does VFD stand for?

Veterinary Feed Directive

How does a VFD work?

Requires veterinarian approval before using certain antibiotics in animal feed

What is the purpose of a VFD?

Prevents antibiotic overuse and helps fight resistance

What are the methods of castration?

Surgical, banding, chemical/hormonal

What is surgical castration? Pros and cons?

Fast and complete but painful without anesthesia

What is banding for castration? Pros and cons?

Cuts off blood flow; slower but less bleeding

What is chemical/hormonal castration? Pros and cons?

Less common, fewer wounds, slower results

Why are animals castrated?

Reduces aggression, makes handling easier, improves meat flavor and tenderness

How do growth promotants work?

Help animals grow faster and use feed more efficiently

Give an example of a growth promotant in cattle.

Small ear implant releasing tiny amounts of estrogen, adds ~25 lbs lean muscle

What species are growth promotants approved in?

Mainly cattle, sometimes sheep; not poultry or pigs

What are gestation crates?

Crates that limit sow movement during pregnancy

Why are gestation crates controversial?

Critics say they are cruel and prevent natural behavior; banned/restricted in some states like California

What are the three main challenges of cell-cultured meat?

1. Who will eat it 2. How to afford it 3. How to grow it

What is the main concern with cell-cultured meat cost?

It is currently expensive to produce and scal