Veterinary Science — Strand 2: Animal Science (Foundations for Husbandry, Health, and Production)

Taxonomy

The scientific system for naming and grouping organisms.

Ruminant

An animal that relies heavily on microbial fermentation in the foregut.

Castration

Removal of testes function, reducing reproduction and altering behavior.

Gestation

The period of pregnancy in animals.

Monogastric

Animals with a single-chambered stomach that rely mainly on enzymes.

Rumen

The largest compartment in ruminants' stomachs where fiber is fermented.

VFAs

Volatile fatty acids produced by microbial fermentation, a major energy source for ruminants.

Colostrum

The first milk rich in antibodies that provides passive immunity to neonates.

FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio)

A measure of feed efficiency; calculated as feed intake divided by weight gain.

Hindgut fermenter

Animals that ferment fiber primarily in the cecum and large intestine.

Dam

Mother of the offspring in animal husbandry.

Sire

Father of the offspring in animal husbandry.

Bovine

Relating to cattle.

Ewe

An adult female sheep.

Heifer

A young female cattle before her first calving.

Castrated male of sheep

Wether.

Boar

An intact male pig.

Lactation

The period of milk production in females.

Age class in swine before farrowing

Gilt.

Reproductive cycle

The periodic fertility linked to hormonal changes in most domestic mammals.

Estrus

The period when the female is receptive to breeding.

Ovulation

The release of an egg.

Dystocia

Difficult birth often influenced by fetal size or position.

Animal welfare

The animal's state of health, comfort, and ability to cope with its environment.

Flight zone

The personal space around an animal that triggers movement when breached.

Biosecurity

Practices aimed at preventing disease introduction and transmission.

Parasite resistance

The phenomenon where overuse of dewormers leads to ineffective treatment for parasites.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Phenotype

The observable trait of an organism, shaped by genotype and environment.

Macrominerals

Minerals needed in larger amounts, such as calcium and phosphorus.

Trace minerals

Minerals required in small amounts, like zinc and copper.

Carbohydrates

Nutrients that provide energy, classified as fiber or starch/sugars.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining a stable body temperature.

Colic

A common digestive disorder in horses related to feeding practices.

Weaning

The transition of young animals from milk to solid feed.

Normalization vs. Stress

The comparison between routine care and situations that induce physiological stress.

Culling

The process of removing animals from a breeding program for various reasons.

Selection objective

A prioritized list of traits chosen for improvement in breeding.

Heritability

The proportion of trait variation in a population attributed to genetic differences.

Artificial insemination (AI)

A breeding technique where semen is placed in the female reproductive tract without natural mating.

Estrus synchronization

Management of estrous cycles to breed multiple females at the same time.

Animal husbandry

The practice of breeding and raising livestock.

Sire selection

Choosing mating males based on desirable traits.

Nutrition and reproduction relationship

The connection between diet quality and reproductive performance in animals.

Flock health records

Documentation of health events to monitor and manage animal wellbeing.

Recordkeeping in animal science

The practice of maintaining detailed performance and health data for decision-making.

Ration formulation

Balancing nutrients in an animal's daily feed.

Lameness and management outcomes

The relationship between animal management practices and incidents of lameness.

Water as a nutrient

The most limiting nutrient in animal diets, essential for health.”},{