Strand 2 Animal Science — Comprehensive Learning Notes

Animal science

The study of how humans manage animals for food, fiber, work, companionship, and ecosystem services.

Production system

A set of choices that determine how animals are bred, fed, housed, and marketed.

Animal performance

Factors such as growth, milk yield, reproduction, and survival.

Health risks

Potential for disease exposure, stress, and injury in animals.

Product quality

Attributes of animal products such as meat tenderness, milk composition, and egg shell quality.

Costs and labor

Expenses associated with feed, facilities, veterinary care, and staffing.

Environmental footprint

Impact of animal production on resources like land use, water use, and manure management.

Extensive systems

Animal production systems that rely more on grazing or foraging and have lower stocking density.

Intensive systems

Animal production systems that rely more on housing and purchased feeds with higher stocking density.

Semi-intensive systems

Animal production systems that mix aspects of extensive and intensive systems.

Enterprise chain

The sequence from genetics to product in animal production: breeding, multiplier, commercial production, processing, and marketing.

Average daily gain (ADG)

The growth rate of an animal per day.

Feed conversion ratio (FCR)

A measure of how efficiently animals convert feed into weight gain.

Mortality rate

The rate at which animals die within a population.

Morbidity

The incidence of disease or health issues within a population.

Body condition score (BCS)

An estimate of an animal's fat reserves.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Monogastric

Animals with one main stomach, such as pigs and many poultry species.

Ruminant

Animals with multi-compartment stomachs that rely on microbial fermentation, like cattle and sheep.

Hindgut fermentation

Fermentation occurring in the large intestine or cecum of some animals, like horses and rabbits.

Respiration

The process of gas exchange that removes excess carbon dioxide and brings in oxygen.

Circulation

The movement of blood throughout the body to deliver nutrients and remove wastes.

Thermoregulation

The processes by which animals maintain their body temperature.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that produce hormones to regulate growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Artificial insemination (AI)

The process of introducing semen into a female animal to achieve pregnancy without natural mating.

Estrous cycle

The recurring hormonal and physical changes in female mammals that prepare for pregnancy.

Biosecurity

Practices designed to reduce the introduction and spread of diseases in animal populations.

Animal welfare

The state of an animal as it experiences its conditions, including health, comfort, and ability to express normal behavior.

Five Freedoms

A framework for animal welfare that emphasizes freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, distress, and the ability to express normal behavior.

Low-stress handling

Techniques focused on moving animals calmly to reduce stress and injury.

Precision livestock farming (PLF)

Use of sensors and technology to monitor animal health and performance.

Crude protein (CP)

An estimate of protein content in feed, calculated from nitrogen content. Defined as $\text{CP} = \text{N} \times 6.25$.

Dry matter (DM)

The portion of feed that remains when water is removed.

Ration

The daily feed allotment given to an animal.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual, including the alleles inherited from parents.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an animal, influenced by genotype and environment.

Heterosis (hybrid vigor)

Improved or increased function of a hybrid organism compared to its parents.

Inbreeding depression

Reduced biological fitness in a given population due to inbreeding.

Nutrients

Chemical components in food that animals need for growth, reproduction, and health.

Vitamins

Organic compounds required in small amounts for normal metabolism and health.

Minerals

Inorganic elements that are essential for a variety of physiological functions.

Animal products

Goods derived from animals that are processed for human consumption, such as meat, milk, and eggs.

Food safety

The assurance that food will not cause harm to the consumer when prepared and eaten.

Record-keeping

The practice of maintaining documentation of animal performance, health, and management for better decision-making.

Sustainability in animal systems

Meeting current agricultural needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Manure management

Practices aimed at handling animal waste to minimize environmental impact while optimizing nutrient recycling.

Grazing management

Strategies to manage livestock grazing patterns to maintain land health and productivity.