Animal science-reproductive
These reproductive terms are used in any animal industry, and it is important to know what they mean and how to use them. These are terms that people in the production field or small animal field use on a regular basis. This includes the veterinary industry.
1. Castration (neutering) — removal of testicles. In large animals it is called castration. In small animals it is called neutering.
2. Colostrum — first milk produced after a Mammal gives birth that contains s needed for the offspring’s immunity. If the offspring, or baby, does not get these antibodies from the mother, they are very likely to stay sick or even not survive.
3. Fertilization — union of the sperm and egg cells.
4. Gestation - length of time during which the female is pregnant. This
depends on the species. For example, cattle are pregnant for about 9 months, or 283 days. Swine are pregnant for about 114 days, or 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. Cats are pregnant for about 65 days.
5. Lactation— period of time that milk is secreted by the mammary glands. This is the time that the offspring, or baby, is nursing.
6. Ovulation—release of the egg cell from the ovary
7. Parturition—act of giving birth. Parturition for each species is called something different.
a. Cattle — calving
b. Goats—kidding
c. Rabbits — kindling
d. Sheep—lambing
e. Swine — farrowing
f. Cat — queening
g. Dogs—whelping
8. Puberty—age at which animals reach sexual maturity and are able to reproduce. In livestock or food production, animals are usually bred once they reach puberty. In companion animals such as cats and dogs, breeders often wait for their animals to mature a couple more years.
9. Spaying—removal of reproductive organs. Spaying is more commonly seen in companion animals. It is rarely done in livestock because of costs and risks. Instead, livestock are usually managed by separating male and female animals.
A healthy delivery typically follows this sequence:
Front feet appear first, slightly staggered
Nose is positioned between the front legs
Shoulders pass through the birth canal
Followed by the midsection
Then the hips
Finally, the back legs and feet