Animal Production and Science

Animal production system

The organized way in which animals are raised to produce useful products.

Broiler

Any chicken bred and raised specifically for meat production. They can reach slaughter weight in 4-6 weeks of age. Mostly grown in large sheds under intensive conditions.

Irish cows diet

Outdoor grass grazing 300 days per year. During harsher weather they are moved indoors to protect themselves and the fields. They are then fed silage (fermented grass). This is an extensive grazing system.

Number of broiler farms in Ireland vs. Taiwan

Ireland ~ 12.6 million chickens in 450 farms.

Taiwan ~ 400 million chickens in 1060 farms.

How are farm animals raised in Ireland?

Cows and sheep are raised in family-owned extensive grazing systems.
Pigs and poultry are raised in intensive, indoor, high-capacity systems.

Layer (leghorn)

Leghorn chickens are an egg-laying breed that lay up to 320 large eggs per year. They can start laying between 16-20 weeks of age.

FCR

Feed conversion rate

Fish and chicken are best

What is animal husbandry?

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What is the difference between animal science and zoology?

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Why are animals important to human civilization?

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What is an animal production system?

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If animal production increases, do we need more land?

Not always. If we can improve efficiency and prevent waste then we don’t need more land.