Animal Science Population Management: Reproduction, Selection, and Ethical Control

Reproductive maturity

The point at which an animal can produce viable gametes and support mating, pregnancy, and birth.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis

A hormone communication loop that regulates reproductive maturity.

Body Condition Score (BCS)

A scoring system that assesses an animal’s body fat and overall condition important for reproductive success.

Long-day breeders

Species, like horses, that cycle with increasing day length in spring.

Libido

The sexual drive of an animal, particularly important in males for breeding.

Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE)

An evaluation of a male's reproductive potential including semen quality and testicular evaluation.

Phenotype

The observable expression of an animal’s traits, including conformation and performance.

Heritability (h²)

The proportion of phenotypic variation that is due to additive genetics.

Estimated Breeding Value (EBV)

An estimate of an individual’s additive genetic merit for a trait.

Natural service

Mating that occurs through live cover without artificial techniques.

Artificial insemination (AI)

The process of depositing semen artificially without live mating.

Embryo transfer (ET)

A technique involving the transfer of embryos from a donor to recipient females.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

A reproductive technology that involves fertilizing eggs outside the body before transferring embryos.

Gestation stages

The phases of pregnancy: early, mid, and late gestation, each with unique management needs.

Agonistic behavior

Animal behavior characterized by aggression or threats, which can affect reproductive decision-making.

Dystocia

Difficult birth, which may require veterinary intervention to prevent risks to the dam or offspring.

Nutritional flushing

Increasing energy intake before breeding to improve ovulation rates.

Sex-sorted semen

Semen processed to increase the likelihood of producing offspring of a specific sex.

Heat synchronization

A management practice to align the estrous cycles of females for breeding.

Colostrum

The first milk produced by a mother after giving birth, rich in antibodies crucial for neonate health.

Culling

The practice of removing animals from a breeding population based on specific criteria.

Euthanasia

The humane termination of an animal’s life to prevent suffering when quality of life is poor.

Relocation

Moving animals to reduce conflict or improve population dynamics.

Phenotypic selection

Choosing breeding stock based on observable traits and performance.

Sheltering effects

The influence of environmental factors that affect fetal development and overall reproductive success.

Disease control

Management practices aimed at preventing and controlling infectious diseases impacting population health.

Behavioral signs of parturition

Indicators that an animal is about to give birth, which can include restlessness and nesting behaviors.

Social environment

The influence of the presence of other animals on individual reproductive behaviors and success.