ANSC 1001/SAAS 101 Midterm Exam Review
ANSC 1001/SAAS 101 Review Sheet – Midterm Exam
Exam Date: October 8, 2025
Time: 9:05 - 9:55 AM
Location: Monteith 104
Format:
Approximately 60% matching, multiple choice, identification
Approximately 40% short answer
Required Materials
Pencil: #2 pencil needed for the exam.
Review Topics from Lectures and Discussions
1. Animal Health and Disease (Lecture Period: 8/25 - 10/1)
Difference Between Infectious and Noninfectious Diseases:
Infectious Diseases: Caused by pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, parasites) that can be transmitted among animals.
Noninfectious Diseases: Caused by non-pathogenic factors such as genetics, nutrition, environment (e.g., nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders).
Examples:
Infectious: Canine distemper, tuberculosis.
Noninfectious: Osteoporosis, grass tetany.
Components of Native and Acquired Immunity:
Native Immunity: Immediate and non-specific defense mechanisms, including physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes) and innate immune cells (phagocytes).
Acquired Immunity: Specific defense developed after exposure to an antigen, involving T-cells and B-cells, responsible for memory of infections.
Passive vs Active Immunity:
Passive Immunity: Transfer of antibodies from one individual to another (e.g., maternal antibodies in colostrum).
Active Immunity: Immunity developed by the organism itself following exposure to pathogens or vaccination, resulting in the production of antibodies.
Effective Herd Health Management Plan Items Include:
Vaccination schedules, biosecurity measures, health monitoring, nutrition management, record-keeping, and veterinary care.
Signs for Assessing Animal Health:
Behavior changes, weight loss, abnormal feces, respiratory distress, and changes in feed/water intake.
2. Milk and Milk Products (Lecture Period: 9/8)
Change in Milk Production per Cow Over 50 Years:
Increased productivity due to genetic selection, improved nutrition, and management practices.
Change in Number of Farms Over 50 Years:
Decrease in number of dairy farms due to consolidation and industrialization of dairy production.
Total Milk Production Changes:
Increase in total production attributed to the rise in per-cow productivity despite fewer farms.
Most Consumed Cheese Type in the US:
Mozzarella, primarily due to pizza and pasta consumption.
3. Probiotics (Lecture Period: 9/10)
Definition of Probiotics:
Live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
Sources of Probiotics:
Fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, sauerkraut), dietary supplements, and certain animal feed.
Major Role of the Microbiome in Health:
Maintains gut health, aids digestion, supports immune function, and protects against pathogens.
Dysbiosis Definition:
An imbalance in the microbial community, affecting health and associated with various diseases.
Causes of Dysbiosis in Animals:
Antibiotic use, poor diet, stress, and infections.
Criteria for Choosing a Probiotic:
Specific strain efficacy, viability of microorganisms, dosage, and target health issue.
4. Equine Breeding (Lecture Period: 9/15)
Breeding Readiness of Mares:
Typically in the spring due to seasonal breeding patterns influenced by daylight length (photoperiod).
Teasing Definition:
A behavioral management technique to assess a mare’s readiness to breed.
Use of Ultrasound in Horse Breeding:
To monitor ovarian activity and detect pregnancy.
5. Reproduction (Lecture Period: 9/16)
Relevance of Reproductive Physiology:
Understanding reproductive biology is crucial for breeding and improving livestock production efficiency.
Main Areas of Reproductive Physiology:
Gametogenesis, fertilization, embryonic development, gestation, parturition, and postnatal care.
Key Concepts Related to Reproduction:
Estrous cycles, hormonal control, and assisted reproductive technologies.
6. Nutrition (Lecture Period: 9/23)
Six Nutrients in Feeds:
1. Water: Essential for hydration and physiological processes.
2. Carbohydrates: Main source of energy (e.g., grains, fibers).
3. Proteins: Necessary for growth and maintenance (e.g., soybean meal).
4. Fats: Concentrated energy source (e.g., vegetable oils).
5. Vitamins: Organic compounds essential for metabolism (e.g., Vitamin A, D).
6. Minerals: Inorganic elements vital for body functions (e.g., calcium, phosphorus).
Livestock Feed Analysis:
Methods include proximate analysis, nutrient profiling, and feed testing to ensure adequacy and safety for animals.
Definition of Digestibility:
The proportion of feed that is absorbed and utilized by the animal's body.
Factors Affecting Digestibility:
Feed type, processing methods, and animal species.
7. Genetics (Lecture Period: 9/24)
Animal Selection for Reproduction:
Based on traits such as growth rate, disease resistance, and reproductive performance.
Historical Selection Methods:
Traditional methods involved visual assessments and phenotypic characteristics.
Impact of New Genetic Techniques:
Advances such as DNA testing and genetic engineering have improved precision in breeding management.
8. Biotechnology (Lecture Period: 9/29)
Definition of Genetic Engineering:
The manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Applications of Genetically Engineered Organisms:
Crop improvement, disease resistance, and enhanced growth rates in livestock.
Benefits of Genetic Engineering:
Increased efficiency in food production, reduced need for pesticides, and improved nutritional content.
9. Growth (Lecture Period: 10/1)
Key Terms and Processes of Growth and Development:
Definitions of growth rate, development stages (e.g., embryonic, juvenile, adult).
Importance of Studying Growth:
Helps in understanding livestock production, welfare, and management practices.
Key Factors Affecting Growth:
Genetics, nutrition, environment, and health status.
Review Notes
Discussion Assignments:
Ensure familiarity with discussion topics (#1 - 6) covered throughout the course.