Introduction to Domestication and Nutrition

These flashcards cover key concepts related to domestication, animal nutrition, and digestion from the lecture.

Domestication

The process of breeding and training animals to accept and need care from humans.

Feral

Animals that are wild and not domesticated.

Control over feeding

The ability to provide appropriate food for the survival of domesticated animals.

Control over housing

The ability to confine domesticated animals to prevent them from destroying property.

Control over breeding

The ability to select specific animals for reproduction to change their characteristics.

Promiscuous breeding

A breeding system in which animals are allowed to mate with any available partner.

Neoteny

The retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood.

Hypercarnivore

Animals that require at least 70% of their diet to consist of meat.

Mesocarnivore

Animals that derive their diet from both meat and other sources, but meat remains a significant part.

Taurine

An essential amino acid required by cats but not dogs, critical for heart function.

Essential amino acids

Amino acids that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot produce them.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates consisting of more than ten monosaccharides, some of which are digestible and others that are not.

GI tract

The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for digestion and absorption of food.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness that can influence coat color changes in animals.

Body condition score

A system used to assess the physical condition or fat levels of an animal.

Neutered

Surgical procedure to remove the reproductive organs of an animal to prevent breeding.

Obligate carnivores

Animals that primarily rely on a diet consisting mainly of meat, with specific dietary requirements.

Gastrodelectation and volvulus

A serious medical condition in dogs involving stomach dilation and twisting.

Bioavailability

The proportion of a nutrient that is absorbed and utilized by the body.