AVS 274 - Animal Growth

Cost of Gain

The expense incurred to increase the weight of livestock, typically measured in dollars per pound.

Average Daily Gain (ADG)

A measure of the average weight gain of livestock per day over a specific time period.

Growth Curves

Graphical representations of growth patterns over time, showcasing changes in body weight and composition.

Compensatory Growth

Accelerated growth that occurs following a period of nutrient restriction, allowing an animal to catch up to its expected growth trajectory.

Grading Percentage

The percentage of livestock that achieves a certain quality grade, indicating the value and marketability of the animal.

Physiological Maturity

The stage at which an animal's growth has completed, and it reaches its maximum development.

Nutrient Partitioning

The distribution of nutrients to various tissues and organs based on priority during animal growth.

Myogenesis

The process of muscle fiber formation and development, essential for muscle growth.

Marbling

The presence of intramuscular fat within meat that contributes to flavor and tenderness.

Hot Carcass Weight

The weight of a carcass after being dressed, often used as a standard for measuring meat quality.

Intramuscular Fat

Fat found within the muscle tissue, commonly referred to as marbling, which enhances the quality of the meat.

Yield Grade

A classification system used to evaluate the amount of yield product from a carcass, considered for meat quality.

Adipose Tissue

Fat tissue that serves as a storage reservoir for energy and can influence the overall body composition of livestock.

Live Weight

The weight of an animal prior to slaughter, essential for calculating growth rates and feed efficiency.

Feed Conversion Ratio (F:G)

The ratio of feed intake to weight gain in livestock, which indicates the efficiency of feed utilization.

Tissue Composition Changes

Variations in the proportion of different tissue types (muscle, fat, bone) as an animal grows.

Skeletal Muscle

The type of muscle that is attached to bones and enables voluntary movement in animals.

Adipogenesis

The process of fat cell development and accumulation in the body.

Lamb

A young sheep, especially one that is less than one year old, often referenced in growth and meat production.

Castration

The removal of male reproductive organs, which influences growth rates and carcass characteristics.