Intro to Animal Science: Key Concepts
1. What is Animal Science?
Animal Science: The study of biology, care, management, and production of animals for
food, fiber, work, and companionship.
Applications: Agriculture, veterinary science, animal welfare, biotechnology.
2. Importance of Animals
Food: Meat, milk, eggs.
Fiber and Materials: Wool, leather, silk.
Labor and Transportation: Horses, oxen, camels.
Companionship and Recreation: Pets, therapy animals, sports.
Scientific Research: Animal models in medicine and genetics.
3. Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Digestive Systems:
o Monogastric: Simple stomach (pigs, humans).
o Ruminant: Four-chambered stomach for fermenting plant material (cattle, sheep).
o Hindgut Fermenters: Enlarged cecum for fermentation (horses, rabbits).
Reproductive Systems:
o Male: Testes (sperm production), accessory glands.
o Female: Ovaries (egg production), uterus, estrous cycles.
Circulatory and Respiratory Systems:
o Transport nutrients, oxygen, and waste; regulate body temperature.
4. Animal Classification
Domesticated Animals:
o Livestock: Cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry.
o Companion Animals: Dogs, cats, rabbits.
Wild Animals: Managed in zoos, sanctuaries, or conservation programs.
Aquaculture: Fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms.
5. Animal Breeding and Genetics
Selective Breeding: Enhancing desirable traits (e.g., milk production, meat yield).
Genetics: Study of heredity; includes Punnett squares and quantitative traits.
Reproductive Technologies:
o Artificial Insemination (AI): Controlled breeding.
o Embryo Transfer: Transferring fertilized eggs to surrogate mothers.
o CRISPR: Gene editing for improved traits.
6. Nutrition and Feeding
Essential Nutrients:
o Proteins: Build muscle and tissue.
o Carbohydrates: Primary energy source.
o Fats: Energy storage, insulation.
o Vitamins & Minerals: Support growth, reproduction, immunity.
o Water: Most critical nutrient.
Types of Feed:
o Roughages: High-fiber (hay, silage).
o Concentrates: High-energy (grains, corn).
o Supplements: Provide specific nutrients.
7. Animal Health and Welfare
Common Diseases:
o Bacterial: Mastitis, anthrax.
o Viral: Foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza.
o Parasitic: Worm infestations, tick-borne diseases.
Preventive Measures:
o Vaccinations.
o Proper nutrition.
o Sanitation and biosecurity.
Animal Welfare:
o 5 Freedoms: Freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, fear, and freedom to express
normal behavior.
8. Livestock Production Systems
Extensive Systems: Large areas, minimal input (pastoral farming).
Intensive Systems: High input, controlled environment (feedlots, poultry farms).
Sustainable Practices:
o Rotational grazing.
o Waste management.
o Reducing carbon footprint.
9. Animal Behavior and Handling
Behavioral Science:
o Understanding instincts, social structure, and communication.
o Influences welfare and productivity.
Low-Stress Handling: Techniques for humane treatment during transport and care.
o Example: Temple Grandin’s principles for livestock facilities.
10. Products from Animals
Meat Science:
o Quality: Marbling, tenderness, flavor.
o Processing: Butchering, curing, packaging.
Dairy Science:
o Milk production, pasteurization, and value-added products (cheese, yogurt).
Egg Production:
o Layers vs. broilers (meat chickens).
o Factors affecting egg quality: Nutrition, housing, breed.
11. Animal Biotechnology
Cloning: Replicating animals with desirable traits.
Transgenic Animals: Genetically modified for disease resistance or production
efficiency.
Applications: Pharmaceuticals, disease modeling, environmental benefits (e.g., low-
methane cattle).
12. Career Opportunities in Animal Science
Veterinarian.
Livestock Manager.
Animal Nutritionist.
Geneticist.
Wildlife Biologist.
Research Scientist.
