Animal Agriculture and Meat Production - Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering nutrients, meat production, by-products, dairy, animal fibers, draft animals, farming practices, and animal science concepts from the lecture notes.

What is a nutrient and what makes a nutrient essential?

A chemical substance that provides nourishment to the body; essential nutrients are necessary for normal maintenance, growth, and functions.

What does per capita mean?

Per unit of population.

What are by-products in meat processing?

Substances remaining after processing a carcass; some are edible, some not.

What is a metric ton (MT)?

About 1,000 kilograms (1,000,000 grams); roughly 1.1 US tons per the notes.

What are essential fatty acids?

Fatty acids required in the diet.

What is ghee?

Clarified butter.

What is the FAO and its purpose?

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; promotes agricultural development to alleviate poverty and hunger.

What is nutrient density?

A measure of essential nutrients in a food relative to its caloric content.

What is a draft animal?

An animal used to move loads by drawing or pulling.

What is compost?

Decayed organic matter used for fertilizing and conditioning land.

What is a poultice?

A soft moist mass held between layers of cloth, usually warm, applied to the body.

What are pesticides?

Any agent or poison used to destroy pests (fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides).

What is recombinant DNA?

DNA molecules that have had new genetic material inserted; a product and tool of genetic engineering.

What is xenotransplantation?

The transplanting of animal organs into humans.

What does meat contribute to the diet in terms of nutrients?

Meat provides substantial shares of protein and energy, and also vitamins and minerals.

What is the range of annual meat supply per capita in affluent versus poor countries?

Approximately 280 pounds per person per year in some affluent countries; very little in poor countries.

Which animal is the most important meat source and what share does it produce?

The pig, producing about 36.4% of the world's meat.

Which animals together produce most of the world's meat?

Pigs, poultry, and beef/buffalo.

What is the trend in poultry meat's share of world meat production?

Poultry meat is increasing faster than the average meat, becoming a larger part of total world meat production.

Which meat is considered the most cost-effective?

Poultry.

What is BSE (Mad Cow Disease)?

A brain disease in cows (spongiform) that can be fatal; concerns about transmission to humans.

Why are brains and spinal cords no longer consumed?

Because of concerns about transmission of BSE.

What nutrients does milk provide?

Protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins.

What is the annual per capita consumption of whole milk in some countries?

About 750 pounds per year.

What has been the milk production trend over the last two decades?

Milk production has increased slowly for two decades.

What is the growth rate of total milk production?

About 2.5% per year.

Which species account for the majority of milk production worldwide?

Cattle ~83%, buffalo ~13%; remainder from sheep, camels, and goats.

What is the approximate global milk usage in metric tons per year?

About 770 million metric tons per year.

What role does dairy play in human fat intake?

Dairy is a major source of fat in human diets.

Why is poultry attractive to small producers?

Low initial investment and minimal feed, equipment, and housing; can provide food for owners.

What nutrients are eggs a good source of?

Protein and fat; provides essential calories and fatty acids.

Beyond nutrition, what value do animal products add to bland foods?

They supplement the taste of bland, starchy foods that form the bulk of such diets.

What are common renewable body coverings from animals?

Sheep wool and skins, goats cashmere and mohair, and alpacas.

What is the annual mohair yield per Angora goat?

About 6 pounds per animal per year.

What is cashmere and how is it obtained?

Cashmere is the fine underfur of Kashmir goats; small amounts per animal and requires removal from coarse guard hair.

Where are Kashmir goats raised?

In the high plateaus of Tibet, China, and northern India.

What fiber do yaks produce?

A coarse fiber used for clothing and the best horse blankets.

What is camel hair used for?

Woven into cloth, blankets, or tent fabric.

Which animal produces higher-quality wool than most sheep?

Alpaca.

What are karakul and ruche?

Fur-bearing breeds of sheep.

What is special about lamb pelts?

Lambs are slaughtered within a few days of birth and pelts are removed.

Where does karakul thrive?

Dry environments such as Afghanistan and Namibia.

What is the use of pelt of Kuche?

Used for fur hats, collars, and coats (northern Asia).

Where is silk produced and in what quantity?

Silk from silkworms is important for agriculture in China, India, Uzbekistan; around 1000 MT.

What are major draft animals?

Oxen, donkeys, horses, buffaloes, mules, and camels.

What are some species used for draft animals in specific regions?

Yaks, llamas, goats, reindeer.

Which draft animals are among the most powerful and fastest?

Oxen and buffalo are among the most powerful; horses and mules are the fastest.

What is compost used for?

Decayed organic matter used for fertilizing and conditioning land.

What is a poultice used for?

A warm, soft, moist mass applied to the body between layers of cloth (used in wound healing in some cultures).

What is notable about building with manure and soil blocks?

In some cultures houses are built from blocks made of 50% manure, soil and straw.

Why is manure preferred by small farmers?

It improves soil texture more effectively than chemicals.

What nutrients in urine help soil fertility?

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

How can grazing animals and ducks be used in pest control?

They can help control pests and weeds on land.

What are pesticides?

Any agent or poison used to destroy pests (fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides).

How is livestock used as capital?

Livestock can be stored as capital or used in barter or sale.

What is the purpose of livestock exhibitions?

To promote breeds to potential buyers.

What are spectator sports involving animals?

Racing camels, horses, buffalo; dogs, fowl, turtles, frogs.

What are fighting animals?

Bulls, buffalo, sheep, and chickens.

What are service animals and drug-search dogs?

Service animals; dogs used to detect drugs or search.

What is a marriage contract involving animals?

A marriage contract that involves animal exchanges.

What are non-food slaughter by-products?

By-products from slaughter that are not used for food.

How has human lifespan changed due to animal research?

The average human lifespan has increased by about 30 years due to health research conducted on animals.

What are common animals used in laboratory research?

Rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits; more recently dogs and cats.

Why are animals genetically engineered?

To mimic human disease conditions for research and to find cures and treatments.

What was the value of cash receipts in animal agriculture?

Approximately $175 billion.

What nutrient is found in fish that is notable?

Omega-3 fatty acids.