Principles of Animal Science (ASI 102) Glossary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions in Principles of Animal Science (ASI 102), including genetics, nutrition, anatomy, disease, and management.

Abattoir

Another term for a slaughterhouse, often used in Europe and other regions.

Absorption

The process of taking up nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream for distribution to cells and tissues throughout the body.

Actin

A protein that forms thin filaments in muscle fibers and interacts with myosin to produce muscle contraction.

Ad libitum

Feeding method where livestock have continuous access to feed, allowing them to consume as much as they want, commonly used in feedlots to promote high feed intake and rapid growth.

Adjuvant

A substance added to a vaccine to enhance the body’s immune response to the vaccine’s antigens.

Allele

Different versions of a gene found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes, or an alternative form of a gene resulting in different observable traits.

Animal Husbandry

The care, management, and breeding of domesticated animals, including feeding, housing, and health care practices.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

The ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, leading to treatment failure and increased risk of infections.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

The process of manually depositing sperm into the female reproductive tract to achieve fertilization, often used in assisted reproductive technologies.

Body Condition Score (BCS)

A numerical system used to evaluate the fat and muscle reserves of livestock, which helps assess their health and nutritional status.

Boer Goat

A breed of meat goat originating from South Africa, known for its fast growth rate and high fertility.

Broiler

A chicken raised for meat production, typically processed for meat consumption at a young age.

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE)

A viral disease affecting goats, characterized by chronic arthritis, mastitis, and encephalitis, transmitted through infected colostrum or milk.

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL)

A bacterial disease affecting goats, characterized by abscess formation in lymph nodes, transmitted through direct contact or contaminated environments.

Colostrum

The first milk produced by the mother after giving birth, rich in antibodies and essential nutrients, providing passive immunity to the newborn.

Concentrate

Feed with high energy density, usually consisting of grains, protein supplements, and other additives, used to supplement forage in the diet of animals.

Creep Feeding

Providing supplemental feed to nursing young animals in a designated area inaccessible to the dams, allowing the young animals to consume additional nutrients for growth.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that carries genetic instructions used in growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.

Dry Cow

A cow that is not currently lactating, typically during the period between the end of one lactation cycle and the start of another.

Ear Notching

A method of permanent identification for pigs, involving the removal of small sections of ear tissue to create unique patterns for individual identification.

Embryo Transfer (ET)

The process of transferring embryos from one female (donor) to another (recipient) for gestation and birth, used to multiply offspring from genetically valuable individuals.

Estrous Cycle

The recurring reproductive cycle in female mammals, including the stages of estrus, ovulation, and possible pregnancy or reproductive rest.

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)

The ratio of feed consumed by an animal to the weight gained, used to measure feed efficiency and performance in animal production.

Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

Also known as feline distemper, a severe and often fatal viral disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and bone marrow.

Follicle

A structure within the ovary that contains and nurtures the developing egg (oocyte) before ovulation.

Genomic Selection

A breeding strategy that uses information from DNA markers and genomic data to predict the genetic merit of individuals for complex traits.

Hematocrit

The proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

The protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen and carries it from the lungs to the tissues, and helps transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

The process of fertilizing eggs with sperm outside the body (in a laboratory setting) and transferring resulting embryos into the uterus for gestation.

Lactation

The production and secretion of milk by mammary glands in female mammals to nourish their young.

Mastitis

Inflammation of the mammary gland (udder), often caused by bacterial infection, leading to decreased milk production and quality.

Monogastric

A type of mammal, such as pigs, poultry, and humans, that has a simple, single-chambered stomach and relies primarily on enzymatic digestion.

Morbidity

The incidence or prevalence of disease or health conditions within a population of animals, encompassing the rate at which animals become ill.

Mortality

The rate of death within a population of animals, measuring how many animals die from various causes.

Myofibril

A long, cylindrical organelle found within muscle fibers that contains the contractile elements of the muscle.

Myoglobin

An oxygen-binding protein found in muscle tissues that helps store and supply oxygen during muscle activity.

Myosin

A protein that forms thick filaments in muscle fibers, binding to actin filaments to produce muscle contraction.

One Health

An interdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Oogenesis

The process of egg cell production in the ovaries through mitosis and meiosis.

Parvovirus

A highly contagious viral infection in dogs that causes severe gastrointestinal illness.

Prebiotic

Non-digestible fibers or compounds that selectively promote the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria in animals.

Probiotic

Beneficial microorganisms added to animal diets to improve gut health, digestion, and immune function.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Also known as erythrocytes, these cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs.

Ruminant

A type of mammal, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, that has a complex stomach with four compartments and is capable of digesting cellulose-rich plant material through fermentation.

Sarcomere

The basic functional unit of a muscle fiber, responsible for muscle contraction, defined by the boundaries of Z-discs.

Scrapie

A fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting goats and sheep, characterized by pruritus, behavioral changes, and wasting.

Somatic Cell Count (SCC)

The concentration of immune cells (white blood cells) in milk, used as an indicator of udder health and milk quality.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell production in the testes through mitosis and meiosis.

Total Mixed Ration (TMR)

A complete feed mixture containing all necessary nutrients in proper proportions, including forages, grains, protein supplements, vitamins, and minerals, thoroughly mixed and fed to livestock.

Withdrawal Period

The time required after administering medications or feed additives to livestock before milk can be used for consumption or animals can be slaughtered for meat.

Zoonosis

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing risks to both animal and human health.

Zygote

The single cell formed by the fusion of a sperm and egg during fertilization, which develops into a new individual through embryonic development.