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ANSC42: Introduction to Animal Science

Unit 1: Introduction to Animal Science (Foundations of Animals, Agriculture, and Society)

Learning Goals

  • Explain the ecological role of animals within agroecosystems.

  • Describe the historical process of animal domestication and its consequences for civilization.

  • Evaluate the economic and social importance of livestock and poultry.

  • Interpret national data on Philippine livestock and poultry production trends.

  • Distinguish animal science (discipline) from the animal industry (enterprise) and explain their interdependence.

1.1 Introduction to Animal Science

  • Animals are integral to human life; they are part of nutrition, sociology, and daily activities.

  • Importance of animals:

    • Humans have a diverse relationship with animals: worship, consumption, admiration, fear, love, and companionship.

    • The branch of science focusing on domestic animals is called animal science.

  • Role of animals in food supply:

    • Agriculture combines science and art for cultivation of crops and livestock, directly impacting food security.

    • Humans have depended on agricultural systems for thousands of years.

    • In developed countries, urban industrial growth relies on agricultural food surpluses.

  • Other uses of domestic animals include:

    • Sports, recreation, manufacturing, scientific research, and companionship.

    • Animals' roles extend deeply into culture, landscape influence, and daily life.

  • Domestication's impact:

    • Domestication began when hunter-gatherers used the convenience of animal products beyond hunting.

    • Hunter-gatherers used animals for meat, bones, and skins for millions of years before domestication introduced uses like milk and textile resources.

    • Transition to agriculture marked a major cultural revolution leading to civilization.

  • Animal science encompasses the study of:

    • All aspects of animals from conception to death.

    • Areas such as behavior, management, physiology, nutrition, reproduction, and product distribution.

  • Growth of animal science as a discipline necessitated the division into specialties due to the complexity of accumulated knowledge.

Specialties in Animal Science

  1. Genetics:

    • Study of heredity and variation of inherited characteristics.

    • Heredity: Transmission of genetic characteristics from parent to offspring.

    • Animal breeding: Use of genetics and biometry to enhance animal production.

    • Biometry: Application of statistics to biological topics.

    • Genetic code: Rules governing the encoding of genetic material (DNA/RNA) for protein synthesis.

  2. Nutrition:

    • Study of animal nutrients and their utilization.

  3. Physiology:

    • Study of physical and chemical processes within animal systems or cells.

  4. Animal Health:

    • Practice of maintaining animal health.

  5. Animal Behavior:

    • Study of welfare assessment, optimizing production, behavior control, and genetics.

  6. Meat Science:

    • Science of handling and marketing meat products.

    • Definition: Meat refers to animal flesh used for food.

  7. Dairy Product Science:

    • Science of producing milk and dairy products for consumption.

  8. Biotechnology:

    • Application of living organisms for product development, agriculture, and other specific uses.

1.2 Domestication and Origin of Animal Husbandry

  • Domestication: Adapting animal behavior to human needs, beginning with wild animals hunted for food.

  • Initial domestication processes included confining animals for a steady supply of resources.

  • First domesticated animal: Dog.

  • Selective breeding emerged for desirable traits, leading to identifiable breeds.

  • Transition from hunting and gathering to settled agricultural lifestyles marked a major societal change.

  • Domesticated animals offered reliable sources of food, clothing, and facilitated population growth and labor division.

  • Common domesticated animals include:

    • Dog, horse, cow, sheep, buffalo, chicken, etc.

  • Animal Husbandry:

    • Study of domesticated animal breeds and their management for optimal product/service yield.

    • Historical roots trace back to the Neolithic Revolution (around 13,000 BC).

    • Early civilizations began with the domestication of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.

    • Traditional systems included practices that harvested animal products without killing the animals (e.g., milk, wool).

1.3 Domestication of Farm Animals

Cattle

  • Cattle were among the first domesticated animals, with domestication dating back to approximately 10,500 years ago in the Fertile Crescent.

  • Descendants include:

    • Bos taurus: Domestic cattle from Aurochs or Celtic Shorthorn.

    • Bos indicus: Humped cattle from tropical climates, known for disease resistance.

  • Uses include meat, milk, draft power, and wealth measurement.

  • Cattle remain crucial for labor and agricultural tasks.

  • Current statistics (as of January 1, 2024):

    • Population: 2.61 million, a 0.9% increase from the previous year.

    • Highest population in Central Visayas, with Cebu as the top province.

    • 2023 production: 234.42 thousand metric tons (decrease of 0.9% from 2022).

Sheep

  • Among the first domesticated species during the Neolithic Age; referenced in art and ancient texts.

  • Over 200 breeds exist today, originating from several wild species (e.g., Moufflons).

  • Tamed for meat, skins, milk, and wool.

Goat

  • First domesticated in the Neolithic Age, likely originated in the Fertile Crescent.

  • Descended from Wild Bezoar or Pasang (Capra aegagrus).

  • Features include adaptability and selective breeding for desirable characteristics.

  • Goat farming is seen as a growing industry, meeting demand for healthy meat options and halal markets.

  • Current statistics (as of January 1, 2024):

    • Inventory of 3.82 million heads (down 2.0% from 2023).

    • Central Visayas recorded the highest goat inventory.

    • Total production in 2023: 70.09 thousand metric tons (decrease of 0.4% from the previous year).

Differences between Sheep and Goats

  • Sheep are stockier and less intelligent than goats.

  • Goats have shorter tails, distinct horns, and beards.

  • Goats are more adaptable and independent than sheep.

1.4 The Role of Livestock

  • Livestock are crucial for the livelihoods of many globally, particularly in developing regions.

  • In Ethiopia, livestock are key for both farming communities and pastoralists.

  • Livestock provide several functions:

    1. Sources of Food and Clothing: Produce high-quality food from inedible materials.

    2. Sources of Power: Provide power for land cultivation (FAO, 1994 reports 320 million hectares cultivated with livestock).

    3. Natural Fertilizer and Fuel: Manure enhances soil fertility and can be used as fuel.

    4. Income Source: Essential for smallholder farmers, serving as a bank of capital.

    5. Employment: Supports jobs in dairy, meat sectors, and processing.

    6. Foreign Currency: Contributes to exports through hides, meat, and other products.

    7. Social Activity: Enhances social status and helps integrate different community members, allowing ownership for marginalized groups.

Economic Utility Derived from Animals

  • Food: Meat, milk, eggs, by-products.

  • Protection and Security: Dogs and other animals serve as guards.

  • Power and Work: Oxen, buffalo, and horses are used for labor.

  • Medicine: Some animals provide medical benefits or assist in research.

  • Pets: Companion animals and their contributions to human well-being.

  • Sports: Animals used in competitive contexts.

  • Research: Animals serve as subjects for scientific studies.

  • Clothing and Aesthetic Uses: Fiber, skins, and hides for clothing and art.

Commonly Used Farm Animal Names

  • Cattle:

    • Bull, Bull calf, Bullock, Calf, Cow (has given birth), Carabao bull (Carabull), Caracow, Caraheifer, Heifer, Ox, Stag, Steer.

  • Horse:

    • Broodmare, Colt, Equitation (horsemanship), Filly, Foal, Gelding, Mare, Ridgling, Stallion, Studhorse, Yeld mare.

  • Swine:

    • Boar, Barrow, Gilt, Litter, Litter size, Shote, Sow, Stag, Suckling, Weanling.

  • Sheep and Goat:

    • Billy goat (or buck), Doe, Ewe, Fleece, Kid, Lamb, Pelt, Ram, Shearling, Wether goat, Wether sheep.

  • Poultry:

    • Capon, Chick, Chicken, Cockerel, Drake, Duck, Duckling, Poult, Poultry, Plumage, Pullet, Rooster.

Unit 2: The Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals

Commonly Used Terms

  • Parturition: Act of giving birth.

    • Specific terms for different animals:

    • Calving (cows)

    • Farrowing (sows)

    • Foaling (mares)

    • Kidding (goats)

    • Lambing (ewes)

  • Conception: Act of fertilization.

  • Dam: Female parent.

  • Fecundity/Prolificacy: Ability to give birth frequently or numerous young at intervals.

  • Fertility: Ability to produce fertilizable ova and provide conditions for embryonic development.

  • Gestation: Pregnancy duration from conception to birth.

  • Impotency: Failure to copulate.

  • Puberty: Sexual maturity displayed by first heat/ovulation.

  • Sire: Male parent.

  • Sterility: Inability to produce offspring.

  • Transmitting Ability: Ability of an animal to pass traits to progeny.

  • Weaning: Process of separating young from their dam.

  • Anatomy: Study of form and structure.

Anatomy Overview
External Anatomy

  • Structures located outside the body, integral to organ systems.

    • Functions include:

    • Protection (feathers, skin, horns)

    • Digestion (mouth, bill, muzzle)

    • Sensation (skin, nostrils, eyes, ears)

    • Aesthetic features (comb, wattles, feathers)

Internal Anatomy

  • Organs and systems functioning cooperatively for survival, growth, and reproduction.

    • Located in:

    • Thoracic cavity (lungs, heart)

    • Abdominal cavity (stomach, intestines, liver)

    • Pelvic cavity (reproductive organs)

Physiology Overview

  • Physiology: Study of organ systems' functions; examines responses to environmental stimuli.

  • Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions within the body.