Small Ruminant Nutrition & Systems

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to small ruminant nutrition and production systems as presented in the lecture notes.

Small Ruminants

A group of animals that includes sheep, goats, cervids, and new world camelids.

Nutrient Requirements

The essential nutrients needed by small ruminants for growth, reproduction, and maintenance.

Feed Costs

The average cost of feed, which can account for over 70% of the total costs associated with the production of sheep and other food production species.

Rumen

The largest chamber of the stomach in ruminants, where fermentation of feed occurs.

Anaerobic Bacteria

Bacteria that thrive in environments devoid of oxygen, playing a crucial role in the fermentation process in the rumen.

Rumen Papilla

Small, finger-like projections in the rumen that absorb volatile fatty acids (VFAs).

Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs)

Short-chain fatty acids produced by microbial fermentation in the rumen, used as an energy source.

Forages

Plant materials, primarily grasses and legumes, that are high in fiber and necessary for ruminant diets.

Scratch Factor

The physical stimulation of the rumen wall provided by long-stem hay, which promotes rumen health.

Pasture Types

Different varieties of pasture available for grazing, which can affect the nutritional intake of ruminants.

Overgrazing

A situation where livestock graze an area of land too intensively, preventing vegetation from regenerating.

Crop Residue

The leftover plant material remaining in the field post-harvest, which can be used for animal feed.

Grass Hays

Dried grass that is harvested for animal feed, varying in nutritional components based on maturity.

Alfalfa Hay

A high-quality forage known for its protein and calcium content, often fed to ruminants.

Creep Feed

Supplemental feed provided to young animals to ensure their growth and nutritional needs are met.

Calcium

An essential mineral required for bone formation and metabolic functions in animals.

Protein Content (CP)

Measures the protein level in feed; important for growth and lactation in ruminants.

Timothy Hay

A grass hay that is commonly fed to ruminants due to its palatability and nutritional value.

Mouthing

The practice of examining the teeth of sheep and goats to estimate their age.

Deficiencies (Se, Zn, I)

A lack of essential trace minerals such as selenium, zinc, and iodine, which can lead to health issues in ruminants.

Heritage Breeds

Traditional breeds of livestock that are maintained for their historical importance and adaptability.

Feed Availability

The accessibility of different types of feed for livestock, influenced by geography and farming practices.

Breeds of Sheep

Various types of sheep, each with distinct characteristics suited for different production systems.

Management Practices

Techniques used by farmers to raise livestock effectively, focusing on nutrition, health, and production.

Seasonal Grazing

The practice of allowing livestock to graze in specific areas during particular seasons to optimize pasture use.

Environmental Factors

Natural conditions such as climate and soil type that affect livestock production.

Ruminant Digestive System

A complex system comprising multiple stomach compartments designed for the digestion of fibrous plant materials.

Gleaning

The process of collecting leftover crops from fields after the main harvest, which can be utilized as animal feed.

Fencing in Grazing

The use of barriers to manage the grazing areas of livestock, ensuring sustainable land use.

Lambing Rate

The number of lambs born to ewes, an important metric for sheep production efficiency.

Water Access

The availability of clean and drinkable water for livestock, essential for their health and productivity.

Management Limitation

Constraints such as labor and resources that affect the efficiency of livestock production.