Introduction to Animal Production

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on Animal Production, focusing on definitions, classifications, and important economic roles of livestock.

What is animal production?

The process of raising and managing farm animals for their various products such as meat, eggs, dairy, wool, hide, and skin.

What are the two main types of farm animals?

Poultry and livestock.

Define 'sow' in swine production.

A mature female pig that has given birth at least once.

What is the act of giving birth in sheep called?

Lambing.

What is a 'kid' in goat production?

A young or sexually immature goat of either sex.

What is 'weaning'?

The removal of the young one from milk feeding.

What does the term 'heat' refer to in livestock reproduction?

A regular period in female mammals when copulation is allowed.

Define 'concentrate' in animal feeding.

Feeds that are low in fiber but high in total digestible nutrients.

What are economic roles of farm animals?

Farm animals supply meat, milk, and eggs, which are primary sources of protein and generate income for farmers.

What is 'rumination'?

The process where ruminants regurgitate their food to chew it again.

What categorizes ruminant animals?

Animals that possess a specialized digestive system with a four-chambered stomach.

What is the key economic importance of livestock production?

It contributes to national economy through meat, milk, and eggs, as well as providing raw materials for industries.

What are 'cockerels'?

Sexually immature male fowls.

What factors contribute to livestock reproductive management?

Feeding, health care, monitoring heat periods, and managing mating.

Define 'Artificial Insemination'.

The artificial process of placing sperm into the reproductive tract of a female.

What is 'calving'?

The act of giving birth in cattle.

What does 'oevrdue' imply in livestock breeding?

When the cow has not returned to heat after being mated, suggesting pregnancy.

What is 'flushing' in female animal breeding?

Providing extra nutrition before mating to improve conception rates.

What is the gestation period of a cow?

Between 272 to 292 days, averaging 283 days.

What is the significance of the term 'lactation'?

The act of milk production.

What challenges face livestock production in Nigeria?

Feed supply, low nutrition leading to diseases, environmental misuse, and insufficient capital.

How are farm animals classified based on feeding habits?

Ruminants, non-ruminant herbivores, and non-ruminant omnivores.