Definition of Common Animal Production and Husbandry Terms

acclimatization

adaptation to environment over a period of time

ad-libitum

as desired by the animal; self-fed

aquaculture

raising/production of fishes/marine products in selected or controlled environments.

biosecurity

planned system/measure to prevent entry and spread of diseases in the flock/herd.

broodiness

tendency of hen to nest; incubating behavior.

brooding

raising and caring for chicks in a protective environment (usually for the first 5-6 weeks).

cannibalism

tendency or vice of animals in herd/flock to bite/peck others causing injuries.

carcass

animal body less viscera,head, skin and lower legs after slaughter.

castration

removal of the testicles of male animals.

comfort zone (thermoneutral zone)

- range of temperatures at which animal performance is maximized.

conformation

structure/shape (or a cut) of animal carcass.

coprophagy

eating or consumption of feces

creep feed

feed provided to young animals within an enclosure that excludes larger animals.

cud

a bolus of previously eaten food which has been regurgitated for further chewing.

deglutition

swallowing.

erucation

a belching/burping;expulsion of accumulated gastric gases.

ethology

scientific study of animal behavior in natural or typical environment.

fattening

deposition of unused energy in the form of fat within body tissues.

finishing

to fatten a slaughter animal; also the degree of fatness of such animal.

flushing

practice of feeding higher amount of nutrients prior to and during breeding for ovulation.

gamebirds

refers to wild birds (eg. Pheasants) for hunting.

gamefowls

type of chicken of both sexes especially bred to produce fighting cocks.

homeostasis

maintenance of physiological stability even though environment may change.

homeotherm (warm-blooded animal)

animal that utilizes or dissipates energy to maintain body temperature ( 370C).

husbandry

refers to raising, production and proper care of livestock and poultry animals.

lard

pig fat produced from rendering process.

litter

a) bedding/flooring materials such as sawdust, rice hulls, wood shavings; b) a group of piglets/puppies born of a sow/bitch at the same parturition

marbling

the interspersion of fat particles in lean meat.

mastication

chewing

microflora

gross overall population of microorganisms (bacteria,protozoans, yeast, etc.)

mohair

animal fiber used for upholstery or clothing; of greater length and less crimp than wool.

palatability

property of being pleasing to taste.

pecking order

social order; the tendency of animals to behavior in order of social dominance.

photoperiod

the length of daylight or artificial light provided.

poikilotherm (cold-blooded animal)

animal with little or no ability to maintain an even body temperature, so temperature is influenced largely by the immediate environment.

regurgitation

act of voluntary vomiting of swallowed food.

roughage

feed low in digestible energy and high in fiber.

silage

succulent feed produced from anaerobic storage and fermentation of forages.

silo

a semi-airtight to airtight structure for use in the production and storage of silage.

soundness

health or physical integrity of an animal or some of its parts.

spay

to remove the ovaries or sever the oviducts leading to the uterus; neutering in females.

tallow

refers to the fat of cattle, buffalo or sheep.

zootechnics

subjects related to the science of livestock and poultry production/management,nutrition, breeding/genetics, with emphasis on the quality of production, animal health, safety (public health and animal welfare, usually taken as courses in veterinary medicine.