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.