Glossary

American Bantam Association.

Bloating of the abomasal portion of the digestive tract, primarily in neonatal and weanling goats. Several species of bacteria have been implicated. Mortality is generally high.

Fourth stomach compartment of cattle that corresponds to the “true” stomach of monogastric animals.

The fourth and final stomach compartment in ruminants.

The abomasum is the fourth chamber of the deer stomach. This, along with the omasum, is considered the true stomach. It helps further digestion by producing acids to break down the food particles and the microorganisms from the rumen. This makes it easier to absorb nutrients.

The brand of Purina® products that contains Intake Modifying Technology®. Products are available for supplementing range cattle diets of cows, bulls, creep-fed calves, stockers and yearlings. Additionally, there are products for starting, growing and finishing cattle for harvest, as well as developing breeding stock.

The accumulation of lactic acid in the rumen and can be attributed to a shift from forage-based diet to concentrate-based diet in cattle; a metabolic disease of cattle.

Water volume equivalent to one surface acre with a depth of 1 foot; equal to 325,850 gallons of water.

Allowing cattle to eat all they want. Also called free choice eating.

Animals biologically or instinctively change their behavior, diets, or surroundings when necessary.

Average daily gain.

The mixing of air and water, critical for maintaining oxygen content of water.

The research branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Canaries and Gouldian finches are two types of birds that commonly suffer from air sac mites. These mites affect the respiratory tract, causing breathing problems and excessive salivation.

The white portion of an egg.

A biocide used for killing and preventing the growth of algae. Care must be taken not to cause a massive algae and plankton die-off that can result in oxygen loss due to decomposition of the algae/plankton.

A rapid excessive growth of algae, generally caused by high nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus. When the algae die, algal blooms can deplete oxygen to the point where fish cannot survive.

A production system in which animals are moved into and out of facilities in distinct groups. Preventing the commingling of groups is done to help reduce the spread of disease. Facilities are normally cleaned and disinfected thoroughly between groups of animals.

Fish excrete nitrogen as ammonia in two forms, ionized (NH4+) and non-ionized (NH3), that are quickly converted to nitrite, which under normal conditions is further converted to nitrate.

Fluid-filled membrane located next to the fetus.

Located on be underside of the fish, behind the anus.

Period of time when the female cow is not in estrus; the nonbreeding season.

A condition sometimes seen in ducklings wherein the wing droops.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture research service computing laboratory that calculates genetic evaluations of cows and sires using data collected through the DHI system.

Water that is depleted of oxygen. Temporary periods of anoxia are the major cause of fish kills.

Drugs used to treat parasitical (helminth) infestations.

Hindgut fermenters rely on the bacterial population in their cecum to proper gut health. While antibiotics are prescribed to kill a bacterial infection, antibiotics also may kill good intestinal bacteria. This can result in an overgrowth of potentially pathogenic gram-negative bacteria, which can produce toxins. This is particularly associated with guinea pigs and rabbits. Safer antibiotics are now used to minimize the risk of antibiotic use.

Bony growth on top of the head. Antlers are primarily used for gaining dominance and defense during the breeding season. They are unique to members of the deer family are the only type of appendage that grow, fall off and regrow again each year. The size of the the antlers depends on age, genetic potential but nutrition of the animal probably has the greatest influence.

American Poultry Association.

The farming of freshwater and saltwater organisms including molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. See also fish farming and mariculture.

The American Rabbit Breeders Association.

Feeds with.

A fungal respiratory disease.

Suffocation, or a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body, usually resulting in death. Asphyxia causes generalized hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), which primarily affects the tissues and organs. There are many circumstances that can induce asphyxia, all of which are characterized by an inability of an organism to acquire sufficient oxygen for an extended period of time.

Lack of voluntary control of muscle movements

The amount of weight gain divided by the number of days in the feeding period; abbreviated as ADG.

Traditional method of measuring the butterfat content of milk, which may be used for calibrating modem electronic testing devices.

Cattle put on a high-forage ration, increasing their bodyweight to between 800 and 900 before being placed on finisher rations.

Decomposition (or rotting) is the process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler forms of matter. The process is essential for recycling matter. Bodies of living organisms begin to decompose shortly after death. Although no two organisms decompose in the same way, they all undergo the same sequential stages of decomposition.

Birds are susceptible to various kinds of bacterial diseases, usually caused by a lack of hygiene or stress. Some birds have genetic immunity and instead become carriers of these diseases, able to infect other birds.

However, there are times carrier birds can become sick if they are faced with infection triggers such as age (very young or old birds), ill health due to other infections or diseases, environmental or emotional stress, or anything else that temporarily lowers a bird’s immunity to the pathogenic bacteria.

A common skin disease of freshwater fish caused by Aeromonas salmonicida. Characterized by skin lesions and ulcers.

Generally, clostridial bacteria infects the bird’s small intestines and produces a toxin. This toxin is responsible for many of the symptoms, including a rapid deterioration of health, loss of appetite, weight loss, listlessness, bloody feces or undigested food.

Even after the bird is cured of bacterial infection, the toxin will remain in the bird’s body, causing the symptoms to continue.

Some common bacterial infections in birds are avian tuberculosis (mycobacteriosis), psittacosis (chlamydiosis or parrot fever), and clostridial diseases. Common symptoms in most bacterial diseases include listlessness, weight loss and loss of appetite.

A ration containing all the dietary requirements to meet the purpose for which it is being fed.

Trichostrongylus colubriformis. More prevalent in fall and winter, these stomach worms cause diarrhea, rough coat, and thinness and inability to gain weight. Treatment of these worms depends on dewormer resistance. Better control is through good management and preventive practices.

A miniature version of a large size breed of chicken.

A tropical, red and white striped, gastrointestinal blood-sucking worm that can cause severe anemia, dehydration, loss of blood, diarrhea and internal fluid accumulation. It is especially prevalent in the South during the summer. Environmental factors contribute greatly to increased numbers of barber pole worms together with increased resistance to wormers as a result of extreme over-use and a very rapid life cycle. Barber pole worms can cause bottle jaw, a swelling below the lower jaw.

The trunk of the horse, between the fore and hind legs. The curve of the barrel is formed by the ribs, and the area contains the heart, lungs, stomach and intestines.

Alternate markings of two distinct colors on a feather.

A male pig castrated before puberty.

A series of buck bleats signalling the buck’s desire for company.

Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a virus affecting parrots, cockatoos, African gray parrots, Eclectus parrots, lorikeets, lovebirds and parrot species of Asian, Australian and African origin. Symptoms include sharp or clubbed feathers and/or abnormally short feathers,loss of pigment in colored feathers, loss of powder down and bloody shafts in the feathers.

The main branches of antlers from which the tines grow.

Areas where deer rest, ruminate and hide from hunters, predators, etc. Deer may have several bedding areas within their home range.

The ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water such as an ocean or a lake, including the sediment surface and some sub-surface layers. Organisms living in this zone are called benthos.

The variation of life forms within a given area. In the context of fisheries, the number and variety of organisms found within a fishery or pond.

Refers to strict isolation and santitation programs to help prevent the spread of diseases between herds.

A lung and airway disease caused by the influenza virus. This viral infection can also spread to humans, so if your bird is infected, seek immediate treatment and take all necessary precautions to prevent an outbreak of bird flu.

Because of its infectious potential to humans, any breakout of avian influenza has to be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. Recently, a ban has been placed on imported pet birds from countries where bird flu has been reported (i.e., certain African, Asian and European countries).

To make sure your new bird does not have avian influenza, get it examined by a veterinarian and inquire about the bird’s origin.

A subspecies of the mule deer, found solely in the western half of North America. This deer is distinguishable from a whitetail by it’s darker body, black tail and smaller frame.

An accumulation of an excessive amount of gas in the rumen. If bloat is not treated, discomfort and death can result. See Bloat Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention article

An excessive amount of gas in the rumen, the first compartment of the ruminant stomach. Left untreated it decreases feed intake and milk production, and causes great discomfort and even death in goats.

The overall body condition of a horse. Desired bloom is often referred to in conjunction with weight gain.

Uncastrated male swine suitable for breeding.

Boar exposure to gilts causes earlier onset of puberty with some synchronization.

Male pig of breeding age.

Boar use efficiency.

Body condition scoring is an objective method of determining the amount of fat cover on a horse. The system designed by Dr. Don Henneke assigns a numerical value to fat deposition as it occurs on various locations on the horse’s body.

A score on a scale of 1 to 9, reflecting the amount of fat reserves in a cow’s body, where 1 = very low and 9 = extremely high.

An egg that is cracked in the shell gland and then repaired before lay, leaving a ridge.

All deer are ruminants and as such digest their food in basically two steps. First they eat, quickly chew and swallow plant material. It remains in the reticulum which is the first stomach compartment. After they complete feeding they move to the bedding area where they then regurgitate it, chew it thouroughly and swallow it again. The thoroughly chewed “bolus” will then be passed into the deer’s other stomach chambers then through the intestinal tract for digestion completion.

This rabbit respiratory disease is transmitted via direct contact, aerosol, or contact with nasal secretions of infected animals. There is the possibility for human-to-rabbit transmission. It produces snuffles-like symptoms and is commonly a co-infectant with pasteurella multocida. Antibiotics will treat symptoms but will not remove the carrier state. This organism is fairly fragile in the environment and is easily killed with sanitizing compounds. Dogs and guinea pigs can be carriers. Once a rabbit contracts this pathogen, it will be a carrier forever.

See Somatotropin.

Includes boars and females in stages of gestation, breeding and farrowing.

The goal of a breeder’s selection program. For example, to produce high-quality, lean meat at the lowest cost. It may include a listing of the traits to be used as selection criteria to achieve the overall goal. Objectives may vary among breeders due to their genetic and physical resources and their markets.

Assessment of libido, mating ability and capacity to produce and ejaculate normal semen.

Inspection of a bull, including evaluation of physical conformation and soundness through genital palpation, scrotal circumference assessment, and testing of semen for motility and morphological abnormalities.

Transmissible genetic merit of an individual, or the value of that individual as a parent. In the United States and Canada, genetic predictions are expressed as progeny differences rather than as breeding values. Because any parent contributes only half the genes in any one offspring, the progeny difference of an individual is half its breeding value.

The genetic merit of an animal for a certain trait. (May also be expressed as twice the animal’s transmitting ability.)

A meat-type chicken.

A mature female bovine of breeding age.

A mare used for breeding purposes.

A heated enclosure for raising chicks.

Adult fish kept for spawning.

A hen’s behavior when sitting on eggs to incubate them.

The first tine of the antler on a deer. In antler scoring systems such as Boone & Crockett it is called the G1 point.

Telodorsagia circumcincta is common in fall and winter, causing diarrhea, rough coat, and thinness and inability to gain weight. Treatment of these worms depends on dewormer resistance. Better control is through good management and preventive practices.

An intact male goat.

A male deer. In deer species, only the males grow antlers. In reindeer and caribou, the females also have antlers.

An intact adult male rabbit.

The call male elks make during rut to attract females.

An intact, adult male bovine.

A male elk.

Rabbit urine may be cloudy at times and appear to contain granules. This is entirely normal. The granules are calcium precipitates. Unlike most animals, rabbits absorb the majority of dietary calcium and excrete the excess via the kidneys into the urine, causing the urine to appear cloudy and granular.

Young cattle of both sexes prior to weaning.

A mastitis screening test useful for determining the somatic cell content in milk. A reagent is required to react with nuclear material of cells present in milk to form a gel. (This is a cowside test and requires a subjective score based on the amount of gel formed when the milk is mixed with the reagent.)

Imitating the different sounds deer make to get their attention and attract them to an area.

Yeast overgrowth, also called “crop mold” or “thrush.”

Many diseases and infections are common between humans and birds. One particular digestive disorder in birds that is also seen in humans, especially babies, is yeast infection Candidiasis (or thrush).

Candidiasis can affect multiple organs. The most common sites of infection are the crop (the storage place for food prior to digestion), stomach and intestines. However, other organs like the skin, respiratory tract, mouth and nose, and central nervous system may be infected, too.

Using light to examine the interior of an egg without breaking it open.

The bone of the lower leg between the knee or hock and the fetlock.

A castrated male chicken.

Of or relating to goats, as goats are a member of the subfamily “Caprinae.”

Caused by a lentivirus that may lead to chronic disease of the joints and sometimes encephalitis in kids less than six months of age. Since some goats can be carriers without displaying symptoms, testing for CAE is recommended.

There are two types of carbohydrates, both of which are important parts of a goat feeding and nutrition program.

Structural Carbohydrates – fiber commonly referred to as fiber, these carbohydrates are primariy in the forage portion of a diet. Digestible fiber is fermented by the microbes in the goat’s rumen to produce sugars and volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are then absorbed. VFAs are a main source of energy for the goat.

Non-Structural Soluble Carbohydrates – starches and sugars are also key energy sources for the goat. Both can be digested two ways: like fiber, they can be fermented into VFAs in the rumen, or they can flow through the rumen and be digested by enzymes in the small intestine. When digested in the small intestine, they quickly convert to glucose, which can be used immediately or stored in the muscles as glycogen. Glucose is the only energy source utilized by the brain.

The supportable population of a species, given the food, habitat conditions and other resources available within a body of water.

One of a group of several phosphoproteins that comprise the principal proteins in milk.

A horse that rolls and gets stuck, either up against the wall of his stall or near a fence, etc. is said to be cast. Human intervention may be necessary to release the horse.

The tail fin of the fish.

Fermentation of feed within the cecum of the rabbit.

Hindgut fermenters do not receive the nutritional benefits from fiber sources like ruminants do as the forages are fermented by bacteria after the small intestine. Therefore, some of the nutrients from the fermentation process are lost in the feces. Rabbits and many rodent species are coprophageous, meaning they consume a particular portion of their feces to utilize the nutrients that would otherwise be lost. These specialized fecal pellets are produced in the cecum and are consumed by coprophageous animals. These feces are generally excreted during the night and early morning and resemble a cluster of grapes. Animals consume these directly from the anus and are an important part of the nutrition of these species as they receive protein and many vitamins.

The cecum is a large blind-end pouch located at the juncture of the small and large intestines.

The cecum is the site of fermentation for many rodent species and rabbits. It is a blind pouch that is located between the small and large intestine and contains an anaerobic bacteria population that can ferment complex carbohydrates (fiber). Rodents and rabbits rely on cecal fermentation of high fiber substrates for energy.

A twisted, white, cord-like structure at each end of the yolk of an egg. The chalazae support the yolk in the albumen.

The small disk-shaped protrusion on the inside of a horse’s legs which can be rubbery or tough. While they can be on all four legs, not every horse has chestnuts. Chestnut is also a color of horse.

A baby chicken, turkey or gamebird.

Repetitive circling in goats is a symptom of Listeriosis, though it can also occur as a result of other diesases or nuerological conditions.

A conformation appraisal program offered by a breed association to evaluate each animal’s resemblance to the breed’s ideal. A numerical score is assigned each animal.

The passage for fecal, urinary, and reproductive discharges in birds. All animals must get rid of waste associated with digestion. During the process of breaking down amino acids (from protein), ammonia is produced. Circulating ammonia can be toxic to animals, therefore they must find a way to detoxify it. Mammals convert ammonia into urea, which is less toxic and water souble that goes into urine. Birds convert ammonia to uric acid, which is excreted with less moisture and is white in color. This allows them to conserve water while still eliminating waste from the body. Because birds have only one opening for waste, bird excreta contains both the uric acid component and feces.

The opening through which chickens defecate and lay eggs

Responsible for many diseases, including Blackleg, red water, overeating disease, enterotoxemia and tetanus, clostridial bacteria are common in soil and the intestinal tract, and are usually harmless. Under the right conditions, however, the bacteria grow rapidly and release toxins, quickly destroying tissue and often causing death.

A group of chicks or eggs.

Cobalt deficiency in cattle is a result of grass/crops grown on soils deficient in cobalt, which is a dietary requirement for all cattle to manufacture vitamin B12. It only occurs in certain geographical areas.

Coccidia are single-celled organisms found in the environment and digestive tract of most animals. They can reproduce and overwhelm a goat that isn’t resistant to them. Kids under the age of six months are at highest risk of coccidiosis. The main sign of coccidiosis is diarrhea, although in some cases, an affected goat becomes constipated and dies. Fecal tests are often negative, even when coccidiosis is present, so repeat tests are recommended if coccidiosis is suspected.

Infection with an internal parasite (coccidia) in the digestive tract.

A highly contagious, common sporozoal infection in rabbits caused by a protozoal parasite. There are many different variants of coccidia, and they primarily infect the intestine or the liver.
The oocysts are shed in the feces and can contaminate the food, water and environment. This disease is especially prevalent in intensively managed animals. Cleanliness and moisture management are key tools in controlling the occurrence and manifestation of this parasite. Symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss and bloating. (Deleted references to drugs — these should not be on our website)

A male chicken or rooster that is at least 1 year old.

A male chicken that is less than 1 year old.

Small bone within the hoof. In severe cases of laminitis, this bone can detach and rotate, causing extreme lameness. See also Founder.

A blood test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). Horses which test positive may be required by the state of occupancy to be destroyed or permanently quarantined.

Those individuals of a stock born in the same spawning season. For annual spawners, a year’s recruitment of new individuals to a stock is a single cohort or year-class. See brood.

Fish that spawn in water less than 55 degrees F. Examples are trout and salmon.

A primary causative agent for diarrhea in young goats.

A generalized term for abdominal pain. The term is often used to encompass the wide variety of causes of and clinical signs associated with abdominal pain and disorders of the stomach, intestines and other abdominal organs.

The first milk produced by a freshly lactating mammal. Rich in critical antibodies, this thick milk is crucial to the health and well-being of the baby, who has only a few hours in which its digestive tract is primed to absorb these antibodies.

An immature male horse. Usually younger than five years of age.

Deer that live between California and British Columbia alongside the Pacific Coast.

A common and highly contagious disease of fish in ponds and raceways. Mortality is high, especially at temperatures above 75 degrees. Causative agent is Flavobacterium columnare. The gills become severely damaged and the fish slowly asphyxiate.

The red fleshy structure on top of a chicken’s head.

A texturized or pelleted feed with built-in forage or hay. A complete feed provides sufficient levels of fiber, protein, vitamin, and mineral components to meet the needs of an average horse’s diet.

Complete feeds offer a nutrient-rich diet required for cattle, not including pasture/forage/hay, while supplements are taken along with homegrown forage sources and are meant to enhance forage digestion and benefit more from farmer’s homegrown sources, thus reducing costs.

Milk samples collected for component testing. The DHI testing plan (APCS) indicates milk samples are collected in the morning for one month and in the evening the following month. Milk weights are collected at all milkings in the APCS testing plans and APCS programs are available for official and unofficial testing plans.

A mixture of grains, cereals, vitamins and minerals fed in conjunction with forage to provide essential nutrients to provide a balanced ration for horses.

Feeds low in fiber and high in total digestible nutrients and energy.

Fertilization of the ovum.

Total number of conceptions obtained divided by total number of services.

A way of learning from experiences. Bucks become conditioned to be active only at nighttime during hunting season, especially as they get more mature.

Indicates the accuracy in the estimation of a sire’s genetic merit in a sire proof by giving a probable range for future summaries.

The overall way in which a horse is put together and also the relationship of specific parts of the horse in regards to its proportions.

The form or structure and appearance of an animal compared to an ideal standard.

Infection of the mucous membrane covering the eyeball.

Inflammation of the inner portion of the eyelid.

See sore mouth.

Cows of the same breed that were born and raised, and initiated their lactations during similar periods. Usually separated into two lactation groups for comparison—first lactation and all other lactations.

Method for estimating the transmitting ability of bulls and cows using information on contemporaries.

Sows and gilts grouped in weekly batches, using all in/all out production. This is typically a practice used by larger operations (see periodic farrowing).

A tub of dietary supplements (typically molasses). The tub goes through a process that essentially cooks off the moisture of the substance so that it has a certain hardness for cattle to lick, allowing a limited amount of the supplement to be consumed.

Fish that spawn in water between 40 and 60 degrees F. Examples are walleye and perch.

The term for a building housing chickens.

The state, university and county educational outreach service of each state land-gant institution. This service extends the research results and educational programs of land-grant institutions to all the people in the state. CES is a cooperating member serving the educational function of National Cooperative Dairy Herd Improvement Program (NCDHIP).

Copper is needed for reproduction, immunity, growth, metabolism of iron, maintenance of connective tissue, pigmentation of skin and hair, maturation of hoof tissue and several other body functions in cattle. Copper deficiency is common in grazing cattle, and some symptoms include: pale coat, anemia, bone fractures, reduced fertility, decreased immune resistance and diarrhea.

Coprophagy is consumption of feces. Many species practice coprophagy in order to maximize nutrient uptake. Rabbits, being herbivores, possess a cecum, which comes after the small intestine, the major site of nutrient absorption. During night, the cecal contents move rapidly through the large bowel. These contents are excreted from the anus. These cecotrophes are known as soft feces or “night feces,” and consumed by the rabbit, usually directly from the anus, resulting in a second chance for the rabbit to derive nutrients from the cecal contents. Coprophagy in rabbits (also known as cecotrophy) begins from 2nd to 3rd week of age and is perfectly normal.

Coprophagy is consumption of feces by animals. Many species practice coprophagy as to meet their nutritional needs. Consuming this matter is important for adequate nutritional intake of vitamin B12.

Rabbits and guinea pigs are herbivorous animals and do well on higher fiber diets. They possess a cecum, which is involved in digestion. During night, the cecal contents move rapidly through the large bowel. These contents are excreted from the anus. These cecotrophes are known as soft feces and are then consumed directly from the anus. Coprophagy in rabbits begins from the second or third week of age.

Total of all feedlot-related costs (feed, yardage, processing, medicine and death loss) divided by total gain during the feeding period. Can be calculated on a “deads-in” or “deads-out” basis.

Female elk.

A measure of a cow’s genetic merit for a given trait by estimating her transmitting ability.

A pouch-like organ in the digestive tract that serves as a storage and moistening space for food.

A poultry feed that has been pelleted and then broken into small granules, commonly used for chick feeds.

A gland found in the epithelial lining of the small intestine and colon. Also called crypt of Lieberkühn and intestinal gland. The crypts and intestinal villi are covered by epithelium that contain two types of cells – goblet cells that secrete mucus and enterocytes that absorb water and electrolytes.

Flow rate equal to 449 gallons per minute.

Cud is food that goes through several steps to be broken down. The food is eaten, partly digested, regurgitated to be chewed more, and fully digested to finalize the process. Food that is fibrous requires this process to be repeated again. Food that is less fibrous and easily digestible may go through only one rotation of steps. The same thing as a food bolus.

The removal of cows from a herd as a result of low production or other factors that reduce the profitability of the cow.

More properly termed pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). An adenoma (tumor) in the pituitary gland in the brain of the horse results in excess production of certain peptides and hormones that have a direct effect on the adrenal glands. Clinical signs include an excessively long hair coat that fails to shed appropriately (hirsutism), poor hair coat, weight loss, lethargy, increased drinking and urination, and recurrent infections. Laminitis may occur in horses with this condition due to insulin resistance or high circulating insulin, which is also a feature of this disease. PPID can occur in horses ranging from 7 to 40 years in age.

The protective coating on freshly laid eggs that partially seals the pores of the shell to help prevent bacterial penetration.

Dairy breed cattle fed or raised for beef.

Group of dairy cattle having a common origin and identifiable traits (frequently color). The major U.S. breeds are Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn.

A bovine from which milk production is intended for use or sale for human consumption, or is kept for raising replacement dairy heifers.

Any goat from which milk production is intended for use or sale for human consumption, or is kept for raising replacement dairy kids.

Group of dairy goats having a common origin and identifiable traits (frequently color). The major U.S. breeds are Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Oberhasli, Saanen and Toggenberg.

DRPC Code 00. Official DHI type of testing plan that requires supervision and compliance with all Official DHI Rules (DHI abbreviation is used commonly to designate the testing plans).

The title given to local, regional, state or national dairy collecting and recordkeeping cooperatives and organizations.

DRPC Code 20. Abbreviation used to designate Official DHIR type of testing plan for registered cows. Record supervision and verification are required in compliance with official DHI and DHIR rules.

The female parent of any dairy animal.

A horse’s female parent.

A female rabbit that has produced offspring. A bunny’s mother is its dam.

Amount by which a daughter of a bull differs in yield or other traits from the average of cows of other bulls’ daughters of the same breed in the same herd during the same period.

The number of days during the present lactation that the cow has been milking, beginning with the last date of calving to the current test date.

The number of days the cattle are fed.

An area in an ocean or large lake where oxygen levels are extremely low, often due to eutrophication (excessive plant growth due to high nutrient levels). Dead zones have been increasing since the 1970s.

Small areas where large numbers of deer congregate during the winter. These areas are popular either for the shelter or warmth they provide, or for their abundance in food. Deer yards cause tension and aggression among deer due to the crowding and the fights over food.

Fish that live in the demersal zone. Examples are cod, flounder and snapper. Compared to pelagic fish, demersal fish contain little oil. See also bottom feeder.

The zone at or near the bottom of a sea or lake. Inhabitants of the demersal zone feed off the bottom or off other demersal fish. See also pelagic zone.

Reducing the abundance of a fish stock through fishing.

Generic term used to classify any records computed by the Dairy Record Processing Centers.

The condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It can be a symptom of several underlying problems including stress, disease, internal parasites and diet mismanagement.

The fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. High in silica.

Minute planktonic, unicellular or colonial algae.

The process of preventing horn growth by removing the horn “buds” on the top of the head of baby goats.

When fawns leave their mothers to establish their own home range.

The amount of oxygen dissolved in a body of water, usually expressed in milligrams per liter, parts per million or percent of saturation. It is an indication of the degree of health of the water and its ability to support a balanced aquatic ecosystem.

A female goat.

An adult female rabbit.

Female deer.

An adult female rabbit.

Dominant bucks compete and fight their way up the ranks of a group of bucks. This social hierarchy is followed by the other deer in the group by being submissive.

Older, large bucks that travel through different ranges while still maintaining their ranking. They associate with many groups of deer but do not form close associations.

Genetically superior cows from which embryos are collected and transferred to recipients to allow these cows to produce a greater number of offspring than possible in a normal reproduction scheme.

Relating to, or situated near or on the back, such as a dorsal fin.

A layer of soft feathers under the stiff exterior feathers.

A downward movement (sinking) of surface water caused by wind, converging currents or when a water mass becomes more dense than the surrounding water. Downwelling can cause transient oxygen deprivation, often resultig in a fish kill.

An adult male duck.

Any cow that has calved once and is not producing milk.

First calendar day the cow is not milked (See Dry period).

Feed that is adjusted to zero moisture to account for variation in moisture content.

Period of nonlactation following a period of lactation. This nonlactating time is generally a 5 to 8 week rest period before freshening.

Grain-processing method in which grain is rolled without steaming.

Feed supplement typically in pellets and fed in dry form in a mixed ration.

Abnormal or difficult labor, causing difficulty in delivering the fetus and/or placenta. Difficult births lead to increased calf and cow mortality and to more difficult rebreeding of the cow.

Abnormal or difficult birth.

Difficulty giving birth.

A tag that is attached to the ear of a dairy cow for easy and accurate identification.

A horse that can live on relatively little feed, also known as an easy doer or good doer.

Using, conserving and enhancing fishery resources so that the ecological processes, on which the fish depend, are not degraded.

Egg binding is a common reproductive problem that causes the bird to retain the egg in the reproductive tract, unable to expel it naturally. Female budgerigars, cockatiels, lovebirds, large parrots and overweight birds commonly suffer from egg binding.

Also known as chick tooth, a tiny projection on the beak of a new chick that is used to break the shell during hatching.

A technique used by fisheries scientists. After tissue samples are taken from fish, electrophoresis separates proteins such as enzymes, based on their different mobilities in an electric field. This information is used to differentiate between morphologically similar species and to distinguish subpopulations or stocks.

Any cow or heifer that serves as a surrogate mother and carries the embryo of another cow throughout the development of the embryo and birth of the calf.

Modern technology that allows dairy cows to be superovulated and bred. The fertilized eggs (ova) are flushed from the donor’s uterus and transferred to a recipient that serves as a surrogate mother. The fertilized ova may be frozen and stored indefinitely before they are thawed and transferred to recipients. DHI programs and rules assist dairy farmers in using this new technology.

Native to a certain region, often a small local area.

This generally refers to providing an environment that encourages appropriate specie-specific behaviors and/or discourages inappropriate behaviors.

Providing a means by which animals can exhibit appropriate species-specific behaviors or reduce inappropriate behaviors. Enrichment can be through treats, interaction with the pet owner, or through their environment. Providing enrichment may help alleviate or prevent stereotypical behaviors.

A catch-all term that means inflammation of the intestinal tract. There are many, many forms and causes. See mucoid enteritis.
Some antibiotics and other compounds can cause enteritis. Nitrates in the drinking water can also pose a problem. Antibiotics that should be avoided or used with great care under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Enteritis: This is a catch-all term that means inflammation of the intestinal tract. There are many forms and causes.
Mucoid enteritis: True mucoid enteritis is primarily a disease of young rabbits 7 to 14 weeks of age. It stems from a change in cecal pH that disrupts the developing microflora population. Recent research indicates that dysautonomia (malfunction of the autonomic nervous system) may play a role. This disease is often accompanied by pneumonia and has a high mortality rate.

Enterotoxemia, also known as “overeating disease,” is caused by the bacterium Clostridium perfringins, Type C and D. This bacterium is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of goats and other mammals. Under certain conditions, excessive bacterial growth results in large amounts of toxin being produced, resulting in illness or death.

Part of the male reproductive system and is present in all male amniotes. Can be divided into three main regions: dorsal/ head (receives spermatozoa); ventral/ body; tail (involved in absorbing fluid to make the sperm more concentrated).

This relatively new and highly contagious disease came to the United States from Europe. Symptoms include a rumbling noise, distended abdomen, mucous excretion, watery diarrhea and sometimes cecal impaction, along with decreased feed intake and high mortality. The causative agent is as yet unknown, though it is likely bacterial, not viral. Curiously, this disease does NOT involve inflammation of the intestines.

Cows are ruminant mammals, digesting plant-based food by softening it in the first stomach compartment. Domesticated cows belch often because they are fed foods like corn and soy, which their digestive systems cannot process properly. The gas expelled by ruminants is methane and CO2, produced through the animal’s digestive processes, which contributes substantially to the greenhouse effect.

An estimation of the amount of milk and/or components that a cow will yield above or below herdmates based on the cow’s pedigree information and performance, if available. (Also called Estimated Relative Producing Ability or ERPA.)

An estimation of an animal’s genetic transmitting ability based on pedigree information and the animal’s performance, if available. (Also called Estimated Average Transmitting Ability or EATA.)

Pertaining to the entire cycle of reproductive changes in the nonpregnant female animal.

Period of sexual receptivity in females. Also referred to as a heat period in dairy cattle.

Readiness to mate.

A two to four day period when a doe is capable of breeding. It is only during this time that a doe will allow a buck to approach her.

An increase in chemical nutrients—typically compounds containing nitrogen or phosphorus—in an ecosystem. Eutrophication in water often results in an increase in algae growth and decay, which can lead to decreased levels of oxygen and fish populations, even dead zones.

Cooling of the body by loss of the heat required to convert water liquid to vapor.

A commonly used method for producing fish feed of varying sizes that can float or sink.

Feed to gain ratio, also known as feed efficiency.

Fisheries where the fish are farmed using aquaculture techniques. They can be contrasted with wild fisheries.

A person who specializes in equine hoof care, combining blacksmith skills for creating and adjusting horse shoes and veterinarian skills for knowing the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb to care for horse’s feet.

Producers who farrow pigs from their own on-site breeding herd and raise them onsite until they reach market weight.

The most intensive breeding system. The producer has no grow/finish floor and sells feeder pigs.

Fats are excellent sources of energy. Fats contain more than twice the calories per pound than either carbohydrates or protein, so adding fat to the diet allows the goat to ingest more calories in a smaller quantity of feed. But fat is expensive, and ruminants have limited ability to use fat. Too much dietary fat can impair fiber digestion.

A baby deer, distinguished from adults by a white spotted coat. Newborn fawns are almost scentless, saving them from being noticed by predators. Fawns instinctively play by quickly running away from their mother and back again, sometimes bucking and zig-zagging. This gives them practice for eluding predators.

A common condition in pet birds. It occurs when a new feather fails to come out and instead curls up under the skin, within the feather follicle. As the feather grows, the lump—caused by the ingrown feather—also continues to grow until the feather cyst becomes an oval or long swelling. At times, it can involve one or more feather follicles at a time.

Birds usually pluck their feathers to preen and groom themselves. Feather plucking becomes a serious behavioral disorder when the birds moderately overpreen or even self-mutilate.

Normal rabbit feces should appear as small pellets.

The number of eggs a fish produces each reproductive cycle; the potential reproductive capacity of an organism or population. Fecundity changes with the age and size of the fish.

The road used by the feed trucks to deliver feed to the pen.

The ability of livestock to turn feed mass into body mass. A pig’s ratio is 2.4-4:1 and a cow’s is 7-10:1. Also called feed conversion ratio.

The amount of feed consumed by an animal per unit of body weight gain and expressed as pounds of feed per pounds of gain.

The amount that the feedlot marks up the feed charges. Charges vary with each lot. Feed markup can be charged as a percentage of the feed bill or as a flat fee per ton of feed.

A cooperative association formed to acquire livestock for growing or finishing.

Contains an embryo that has been fertilized by a rooster and can develop into a chick.

The joint on a horse’s front and hind legs just above the pastern.

Indigestible feedstuffs that cannot be broken down by mammalian enzymes. Therefore, fiber passes through the stomach and small intestine undigested in nonruminant animals. Fiber is comprised of cell wall components and other undigestible carbohydrates. Bacteria in the cecum or colon are able to utilize many fiber sources and ferment them. Fiber helps maintain a healthy microbial population, aids in laxation, and the fermentation products provide energy to the gut tissue.

An immature female horse, most commonly under five years of age.

Young fish from 2–3 cm to 6–15 cm long, generally up to 1 year old (rarely up to 2 years).

Pigs in the 50 to 270 lb body weight class being grown and fattened for slaughter.

Readying livestock for market by feeding a diet calculated to produce the desired weight.

Swine producers have several options for obtaining young pigs to finish for marketing. Some producers farrow pigs from their own on-site breeding herd. Some form cooperative sow centers from which each producer receives feeder pigs from the cooperative farrowing unit. Other producers may purchase pigs directly from a feeder-pig or weaned-pig producer to fill their grower/finisher unit.

A young female under three years of age that has had one calf.

A true fish is a vertebrate with gills that lives in water. However, in the context of fisheries, the term “fish” is generally used more broadly to include any harvestable animal living in water, including molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms.

The activities leading to and resulting in the harvesting of fish. It may involve capture of wild fish or raising of fish through aquaculture. A fishery is characterised by the species caught, the fishing gear used, and the area of operation.

Protein-rich animal feed product based on fish.

Inability to move.

A mill that steam flakes grain.

The area between the ribs and the hip.

A disease of young kids characterized by paralysis without diarrhea or increased rectal temperature but with decreased blood pH. Causative factors are not defined, but high milk intake is implicated.

Increasing energy intake 10 to 14 days prior to estrus to increase number of ova ovulated.

A foal is a very young horse (male or female), especially just after birth or under one year of age. Also means the act of giving birth by a mare.

A crop that is high in fiber and grown especially to feed ruminant animals.

Plant material eaten by grazing livestock, including horses, that supplies the animals with energy, protein and varying levels of vitamins and minerals. Primary forage sources for horses are hay and pasture grass.

Plant material (mainly plant leaves and stems) eaten by grazing or browsing animals such as livestock, deer and elk.

Small fish preyed on by larger predators. Typical ocean forage fish are small filter feeding, such as herring, anchovies and menhaden. They compensate for their small size by forming schools. See bait fish.

The upper portion of the front leg. Extends from elbow (just below shoulder) to knee. Forearms should be well muscled.

The horse’s head, neck, shoulder, withers and forelegs. Horses in lower levels of training, who have not yet learned to balance themselves in self carriage and are heavy in the bridle are said to be on the forehand.

Gland in the forehead of deer used to leave scent on branches and twigs rubbed by the deer.

The mane between the ears, which hangs forward over the forehead.

A contract obliging all parties to act according to legal standards that sets a determined price for presold cattle delivered to the buyer. The animals are paid for at a future date when they reach a specific weight. It is important that producers understand all the terms and conditions of the contract before signing.

Practice of taking piglets from mothers with too many piglets to feed adequately and placing them with mothers with extra udder space. This should occur in the first few days after birth.

Layman’s term for laminitis that results in rotation and/or sinking of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule.

Viral disease resulting in scab-like lesions on unfeathered areas and in the mouth and windpipe.

Free-choice feeding is a method that allows cattle access to the feed 24/7 because the feed is kept available constantly. Hand-fed is a method in which the diet is monitored because the feeder can manually control the delivery of minerals, supplements, proteins, etc.

A sterile heifer born twin with a bull.

A term typically used to indicate the bird is not caged in small cages.

Water containing less than 0.05% total dissolved salts by weight.

To give birth to a calf and simultaneously to begin a period of lactation. Also referred to as parturition.

A curly feather.

Triangular, rubber pad on the sole of the foot, which acts as a shock absorber.

The term for young fish from their first feeding to 2–3 cm long, up to maximum of 1 summer old.

A young meat-type bird.

Various fungi such as ringworm, Cryptococcus and Malassezia. They can occur anywhere on the body.

The various ways in which a horses moves its legs. Natural gaits include walk, trot and canter. Other ambling gaits in addition to the trot are often performed by gaited horses including breeds like Paso Fino, Saddlebred, Missouri Fox Trotter and Tennessee Walking Horses.

A male goose.

Birds can suffer from various lung and airway diseases, sometimes due to a parasitic infection. One such protozoan parasite is the gapeworm, which infests the respiratory tract of birds. The gapeworm is common in finches and canaries and in birds housed outdoors. It is rarely found in caged birds.

A defined area of damage in the stomach that penetrates through the internal surface to the tissue beneath. Because there are different causes, clinical signs and pathways to the formation of gastric ulcers, the broad term equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) was coined. Clinical signs of gastric ulcers include: poor appetite, failure to thrive, colic, teeth grinding and poor performance.

Birds suffer from various digestive disorders and diseases, including yeast infections. One such yeast infection is avian gastric yeast, or Macrorhabdus.

Macrorhabdus commonly infects birds with low immunity. It also occurs in birds already suffering from another disease, or those that are consuming a diet lacking essential nutrients.

Gastrointestinal parasites can cause many problems in a bird’s stomach and intestines, but they also affect the normal functions of other organs. Tapeworms are a type of parasite that affect the bird’s digestive tract.

Birds commonly affected by tapeworms are cockatoos, African Grey parrots and finches.

A castrated male horse.

Cows and sires are evaluated by researchers at the Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, ARS-USDA, to determine their genetic values. Cows are appraised according to milk and component transmitting abilities and assigned cow indexes. Sires are appraised and assigned predicted differences for milk and components.

The average genetic merit of a population (usually a breed) at a specified period, which is used as a reference point to express a genetic difference from a base population (genetic merit of cows and bulls).

The genetic value of the animal used in a breeding program. (See also Breeding value.)

The period of fetal development between fertilization of the ovum and birth of the offspring.

Pregnancy, typically 28 to 32 days in rabbits.

The 113 to 116-day period when the sow is pregnant from breeding until farrowing.

Length of time for pregnancy. It varies from species to species.

Young female pig that has not been pregnant (up to 6 months old in age and weighing up to 300 lbs.)

The circumference of the body measured from behind the withers around the barrel. Also the term used for the piece of tack that passes under the horse’s barrel and fastens to the saddle to keep it in place.

The muscular stomach that aids in the mechanical digestion of food. The gizzard or ventriculous is located immediately after the proventriculus. Because birds do not have teeth, they have limited ability to mechanically breakdown feed like other species. Therefore, in many bird species, their gizzard serves this purpose. The gizzard is comprised of a thick smoth muscle and thick cornified epithelium. The muscle grinds the feed against the epithelium to reduce the feed particle size. Some birds will consume grit, which will aid the gizzard in mechanical breakdown.

A muscular digestive organ that traps tiny stones and uses them plus muscle contractions to grind food.

Using binoculars to spot deer.

A baby goose.

A compound found in the cotton plant, typically in the cottonseed, that is toxic. It can be found in other parts of the cotton plant as well, such as the hulls, leaves and stems. The toxin primarily affects the heart and liver, but is also said to affect the productive tract, abomasum and kidneys. Cattle can tolerate higher levels of free gossypol, the toxic form that has not bound with proteins, because the free form will bind to proteins in the rumen; however, young calves are very susceptible to gossypol toxicity because their rumen is not fully functional, and the proteins in their rumen cannot bind as much to the free gossypol as in adults.

A musculoskeletal disorder. There are two types of gout: Visceral gout occurs in the tissues of the internal organs. Articular gout occurs when uric acid and urates are deposited in the ligaments and tendons, but more commonly in the legs or wing joints. The joints become swollen, red, tender and warm to touch.

A bird with articular gout prefers to sit on a flat surface instead of perching because of the pain. If forced to walk, the bird becomes noisy due to discomfort. It may also be depressed and dehydrated, with greenish diarrhea. In addition, the bird will look dull, its feathers ruffled and the vent moist. Male birds are susceptible to articular gout, and the common age for this affliction is 4 months and older.

Cattle that were grown on pasture before placement in the feedlot. See also Yearlings.

Cattle that are relatively thin with low body score numbers.

A method of pricing slaughter cattle that offers premiums and discounts for cattle. Depending on the situation, cattle that are leaner and have a higher-quality grade receive the premiums. Grids generally have other specifications for carcass weight and dark cutters as well.

Tiny pebbles eaten by birds to lodge in the gizzard and aid in grinding food.

A doe and her fawn lick each other, establishing bonds.

The various brushes, combs and other equipment used to clean the horse’s coat, mane, tail and hooves.

Pig being grown out to market weight, usually takes about 16 weeks.

A vocalization used by bucks.

Factors in the environment such as food, cover, water, shade, etc. that support deer and other animals.

Unit of measure used to describe a horse. One hand equals 4 inches, partial measurements being described as 15.1, 15.2, 15.3.

Boar is brought to individual female for servicing.

The opposite of an easy keeper, a horse that is prone to be thin and has difficulty gaining weight.

The process of cultivating and breeding a large number of juveniles in an enclosed environment. The juveniles are then released into lakes, rivers or fish farm enclosures.

Production unit where eggs are hatched to produce chicks.

Many avian diseases cause heart and blood vessel disorders. These are usually due to infections or old age. Just like humans in old age, some birds commonly suffer from heart and blood vessel disorders. If due to old age, symptoms may include difficulty walking and flying, difficulty breathing and a shortness of breath. If due to an infection, symptoms usually include general lethargy, diarrhea and appetite loss.

A young female under three years of age before she has had her first calf.

A female dairy animal that has yet to give birth to a calf.

Heifers placed on feed following the loss of a calf, or open heifers placed on feed following the breeding season. Typically these animals are a little older than those normally going into the feedyard.

A female chicken that is at least 1 year old.

Animals that subsist on vegetation exclusively.

Average milk and component production per cow for all cows in the herd unit for 12 months. Herd averages that are calculated include rolling herd average, lactation average and ME lactation average.

An exclusive reference number that identifies every DHI herd. The first two numbers identify the state, the next two the county or association, and the final numerical series identifies the herd within a county.

Method of estimating genetic transmitting ability in which a cow’s yield is compared to that of other cows in the same breed from different sires that calved in the same herd during the same season.

The fraction of variation in a trait that is genetically transmissible from parent to offspring.

Herpesvirus is not only a human virus; it can easily infect the birds, too. In birds, herpesvirus infections can cause a variety of diseases, including those that are fatal to the animal.
Pacheco’s disease is a deadly herpesvirus infection in birds. It causes multi-organ failure and usually is fatal. Birds can be treated with Acyclovir. But those that survive have lifelong problems due to massive organ damage. Symptoms may or may not appear in birds afflicted with Pacheco’s disease.

Papilloma is a warty growth on the legs of infected birds. This is another disease cause by a herpesvirus infection. It usually appears in Cacatua species of birds. Another type of the papilloma disease can cause a loss of color in macaws’ feet.
Another form of papilloma growth is seen in internal organs. It is seen in birds of the parrot family, notably the green-wing macaws and Amazon parrots. A less common herpesvirus infection is Amazon tracheitis, which results in an inflammation of the trachea. It is a respiratory tract infection, and the infected birds display severe difficulty breathing.

Animals, such as horses and rabbits, who have a feed fermentation organ (cecum) located after the small intestine.

These multiple, well-defined and often widespread raised areas of the skin are more properly called urticaria. Hives may or may not itch, and are commonly associated with allergic reactions.

Generic term usually applied to growing swine over 120 lbs of body weight and reared for slaughter.

The area a deer lives in throughout its life, containing everything a deer needs to survive such as food, concealment, mates, etc.

Hormonal disorders can occur in birds and cause a disturbance in the blood levels of different hormones. Diseases of the glands can either increase or decrease the hormone secretion ability of the gland. One such glandular disease in birds is diabetes mellitus. The usual symptoms of diabetes mellitus are increased amount of urine, increased thirst, increased levels of blood glucose or glucose in urine.

The farming practice of breeding and raising fish or animal stock.

The progeny of a cross between parents that are gentically dissimilar.

Animals from different species or related subspecies that mate. The resulting baby has a mixture of characteristics from both parents, sometimes becoming a less well-adapted animal.

This genetic disorder of muscle cells can be traced back to the Quarter Horse stallion, Impressive. Horses are intermittently affected in episodes. Clinical signs can be varied and inconsistent between horses and episodes. The first signs of an episode may be a protruding third eyelid or mild muscle spasms in the face. The episode may progress to whole-body sweating, muscle tremors, and buckling of the knees and/or hocks.

A situation in aquatic environments when dissolved oxygen becomes depleted to a level that is harmful to aquatic organisms.

When a fawn and its mother recognize and respond only to each other.

Applying required heat and humidity to eggs to allow chick development and hatching.

Equipment used to provide proper heat and humidity for incubating eggs.

A lactation that is artificially initiated by the use of hormones.

Behavior that is naturally ingrained in an animal.

The hormone insulin helps regulate glucose by causing it to be removed from the blood into the tissues where it is used or stored. When high levels of glucose are seen in blood, insulin may not be functioning properly to regulate glucose, and we call these horses “insulin resistant.” In these situations, it may be beneficial to feed rations lower in starch and sugars so that there will be less glucose provided by the diet.

See Sup-R-Lix, Sup-R-Block®, Accuration® — all programs that modify cattle intake.

Causes cattle to consume daily multiple small snacks of the supplement, which optimizes the flow of nutrients to the digestive system, thereby increasing forage intake, overall utilization and performance. The technology controls the amount consumed by cattle as well as how the animal ingests the nutrients, whether by licking with its tongue or chewing with its teeth.

Raising fish at densities greater than can be supported in the natural environment.

Gland on deer located between the toes. These glands serve the purpose of leaving scent as the deer walks.

Parasites can cause many problems in a bird’s stomach and intestines, but also affect the normal functions of other organs. One such parasite is Giardia, a singled-celled microbes.

Giardiasis generally affects cockatiels, budgerigars, lovebirds and other birds of the parrot family, such as macaws, parrots and cockatoos.

The amount of gain or loss in feed inventory because of storage, milling and processing feed.

Iodine is found primarily in the thyroid gland, and low iodine content in soil is the primary cause of iodine deficiency in cattle. The secondary deficiency is caused by the ingestion of goitrogen thiocyanate. Signs of iodine deficiency in cattle are enlarged thyroid (goiter), stillborn calves of iodine-deficient dams, or calves born with goiter and areas of alopecia and subcutaneous edema.

If pet birds are not given a proper diet, they can suffer from nutritional disorders. One such nutritional disorder is iodine deficiency, which is common in budgerigars. Iodine deficiency affects a bird’s thyroid gland, enlarging it from its usual size of 3 millimeters to about 1 centimeter or more. The swelling of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency is called goiter. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is one of the glands that maintains proper function for various bodily organs.

Feed additive that enhances feed efficiency in cattle by altering ruminal fermentation. These include: Rumensin® (monensin), Bovatec® (lasalocid) and Cattlyst® (laidlomycin propionate), which are the approved ionophores used in diets for finishing cattle.

High levels of iron in the drinking water of livestock can result in copper deficiency. Higher copper supplements are then required in the cattle’s feeding rations.

Any nutritional imbalance can result in a host of disorders and diseases in your pet. If there is excessive iron in the blood, it accumulates in the bird’s main organs and is generally referred to as iron storage disease.

Iron is needed by the body to manufacture hemoglobin for the blood to carry oxygen. But it important to have a balance. Too little iron in the diet, and the bird could suffer from anemia. Too much, and it can develop iron storage disease, a condition in which the iron is stored first in the liver, then the lungs, heart and other main organs. Damage to these organs can be fatal to the bird.

Birds that usually suffer from Iron storage disease are mynahs, toucans, bird of paradise and birds of the parrot family.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources is the world’s main authority on the conservation status of species. Their system divides threatened species into three categories: critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), and vulnerable (VU). They also list extinctions that have occurred since 1500 A.D. and taxa that are extinct in the wild.

A fish less than 1 year old (aka fingerling).

The breastbone of the bird.

Ketosis occurs when an animal’s energy needs are greater than the animal can consume, and therefore, the goat must rely on body reserves for fuel. This breakdown of body fats results in an excess of ketones that accumulate in the blood and body tissues and have a toxic effect.

A basin near the drain of a pond used for concentrating fish during harvest.

A baby goat.

The act of a doe giving birth.

Even birds can suffer from kidney and urinary tract disorders like humans and other animals. A bird can show different symptoms depending on the actual kidney and urinary tract disorder. Generally, one or more of the following symptoms are seen:

Increased urination

Change in color of urine

Blood in urine

Chemical imbalance in the blood

Increased or decreased thirst

Difficulty in walking or movement

Lethargy

Depression

The act of a rabbit giving birth.

A baby rabbit.

Joint on the front leg of a horse connecting the forearm and cannon bone (corresponding joint in hind legs is called the “hock”). A horse’s knee should be wide and flat and is made of several small bones and although it bends like a human knee, it has a different structural makeup. The bones in the horse’s knee are held together by small muscles, tendons and ligaments closer in similarity to the bone structure of the human wrist.

Sometimes referred to as DHIR Lactation Average. Actual 305-day average milk and component production for all cows in the herd that was completed during a 12-month period. It may or may not be a calendar year. (Since dry days are not included, lactation averages usually are 8 to 15 percent higher than rolling herd averages.)

The total milk and components produced by a cow beginning on the day of calving and ending on the day the cow goes dry. For purposes of genetic comparison, 10-month (305-day) lactation records are the standard of the industry. A 306 to 365-day lactation record may be used for promotion. Lactation records greater than 365 days will not be published.

The production totals for milk and components through the current test date.

See Milk lactose.

An alteration of a horse’s gait due to pain or injury in the legs, feet, hips, loin, back, shoulders, withers or neck. The identification of the source of the issue is key to treatment.

Inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof. This is a very complicated process that results in disturbance of the interdigitation between the insensitive and sensitive laminae of the hoof. Laminitis may be incited by many things, including endotoxin release from the digestive tract due to intestinal injury or disease, excess pounding of the hoof on hard or uneven surfaces, or disturbances of blood flow to and within the hoof (such as is the case with black walnut toxicity).

Rainfall, snow melt or irrigation water that runs off the land into streams and other surface water, and ultimately into the ocean. Land runoff can carry pollutants, such as petroleum, pesticides and fertilizers.

The wall of a pond, constructed to hold in water.

An external parasite that causes severe itching and feather loss.

During breeding season, whitetails lick or mark branches overhanging scrapes as a method of communication.

The production totals for milk and components for a cow since her first calving (or first time on DHI test). Totals will include production beyond 365 days in a lactation, production credits for an abnormally initiated record and any production from prepartum milking.

Feeding strategy in which pigs are fed a specific amount of feed in a time period.

Limiting energy intake to achieve a desired rate of gain during the growing period. Often used in growing and backgrounding situations to have cattle ready for market at a specific point in time.

Linear scores for somatic cell counts (SCCs) convert SCC logarithmically from cells per milliliter to a linear score from 0 to 9. The linear score has a straight line, inverse relationship with milk yield. An increase of one in the linear score is associated with a 400-pound decrease in lactation milk yield or a 1.5-pound drop in daily yield.

Supplement based on molasses that contains urea. Used to provide supplemental protein in a finishing diet. May also contain supplemental calcium, phosphorus, salt, ionophores and other feed additives.

Method of sale in which the cattle are sold to the packer “live” at the feedlot. The packer is responsible for transporting the animals to the slaughter facility.

Liver flukes invade the liver, causing internal bleeding and anemia. In severe cases, the goat will lose its appetite, lie down and ultimately die. Less severe cases can cause thinness, rough coat, rapid heart rate and edema.

Agent who buys or sells livestock on behalf of someone. For example, if a producer has a load of fat cattle for processing, a broker tries to get the best bid from different plants. If the seller agrees to sell the cattle at the bid price, the broker arranges details such as trucking, manifests, etc. The payment from the plant goes to the broker, who retains a fee (usually a dollar rate per head) and pays the producer the balance.

The weakest part of the horses back, lying either side of the vertebrae, just behind the saddle.

Yearlings that have had an extended period of grazing. Usually placed on feed in the fall following a full summer grazing season. Fed for 120 days or fewer. See also Short yearlings or Yearlings.

A training tool used primarily to teach horses how to correctly respond to aids, exercise a horse to remove excess energy, rehabilitate a horse who cannot be ridden, etc. Horses are hooked to a long line and then prompted to move in a forward motion along a controlled circle around the handler at a walk, trot or canter.

In order to ensure a healthy bird, you must give it a well-balanced diet. This will help prevent any nutritional disorder in your animal. However, if there is a calcium, vitamin D3 and phosphorus imbalance in your bird’s body, it can lead to acute hypocalcemia (or a presence of low serum calcium levels in the blood). The bird with acute hypocalcemia will show one or all of the following symptoms:

Weakness

Tremors (looks like shivering)

Seizures

Cool-weather parasites; hot or freezing weather will kill them. Lungworms can cause painful breathing, chronic cough, failure to gain weight and death.

The amount of feed energy required per day by an animal to maintain its body weight and support necessary metabolic functions.

A condition where the incisors do not meet properly, thus preventing the normal wear that keeps the teeth from becoming overly long.

Rodents and rabbits have open-rooted, continuously growting teeth. Malocclusion occurs when the teeth do not grow together properly. Malocclusion of the incisors is the most common form, but molars can also grow incorrectly and block the tongue. Signs of malocclusion include anorexia and excessive salivating.

One of several trace minerals that are essential to maintain animal health, production and reproduction. Newborn calves deficient in manganese may have impaired reproductive performance, skeletal deformities, contracted tendons, enlarged joints and reduced birth weight.

A mature female horse.

A widespread, highly contagious viral tumor-causing disease with high mortality. All chicks should be vaccinated against Marek’s either in the egg or right after hatching.

240 to 270 lbs.

Inflammation of the mammary gland.

Infection of the mammary gland.

Breeding a sow or gilt after the onset of estrus and before ovulation. May include repeated servicings and servicings by multiple boars and still be considered one mating.

Standardization of lactation records to the level of yield that would have been attained by each cow if she had been a mature cow and calved in the month of highest calving frequency for her breed.

ME average milk and component production per cow for all cows in the herd for the previous 365 days. ME lactation averages are updated with each new test. Since ME represents an estimate of mature production, an ME lactation average usually is 5 to 10 percent higher than the rolling herd average.

Larval form of the mealworm beetle. Poultry love to eat them!

Used in boar lines in cross-breeding schemes. Includes Hampshire, Duroc, Poland China and Pietrain (pronounced Peé-a-trin).

Feed containing a drug in a regulated concentration, designed to treat or aid in preventing certain pathological or parasitical conditions.

Common in the fall and winter, the meningeal worm causes neurological problems in goats, including partial paralysis, circling, blindness and difficulty walking. Treatment is usually ineffective, so prevention is critical. Deer are the host species; slugs and snails are intermediate hosts.

A series of measurements on a fish, such as scale counts, used to separate different populations or races of fish.

A gland in deer located on the outside of the hind feet.

An important protein source for ruminants (contributing about two thirds of the amino acids absorbed by them which is synthesized in the rumen).

Average composition of dairy cow milk includes the following constituents: 87 percent water, 3.5 percent protein (casein), 5 percent sugar (lactose), 3.7 percent fat and 0.8 percent minerals and vitamins.

A complex mixture of triglycerides containing numerous fatty acids. Milk fat is one of the components of milk, which provides the basis for differential pricing of milk. DHI laboratories use electronic photometry and infrared absorption for rapid milkfat tests. Milk fat also is referred to as butterfat or fat.

The sudden increase in calcium necessary for milk production after birth can drastically decrease blood calcium levels in a doe if she is unable to mobilize adequate stored calcium reserves from her bones at freshening. This condition is exacerbated by feeding a diet high in calcium prior to birth. Also known as periparturient hypocalcemia.

Average milk contains just under 5 percent lactose. Lactose is the sugar in milk. It is converted to lactic acid in sour milk and is used in the production of various cheeses and buttermilk. Little variation in lactose content exists among cows or breeds.

A compound used to stabilize and to prevent decomposition of milk samples sent to DHI laboratories for component analysis.

A complex chemical substance contained in milk, which upon hydrolysis breaks down to amino acids. Milk proteins are an excellent source of the necessary amino acids and are economically important because they increase cheese yield and enhance milk flavor. DHI laboratories test for total proteins with electronic, high-speed, automated equipment.

The solids portion of the milk minus the fat component represents about 8.5 to 9.2 percent of the total milk solids. SNF is of interest because of renewed use of component pricing for milk. (Also called PLM for protein, lactose and minerals.)

Cows are normally milked twice per day with records being labeled 2x; however, cows may be milked more frequently (3x, 4x, etc.).

Minerals are involved in the formation of structural components in the body, muscular contraction and energy transfer. Some minerals are also integral parts of amino acids, vitamins and hormones. Macrominerals, those needed in relatively large quantities, include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium and sulfur. Microminerals, those needed in only small amounts, include cobalt, copper, iodine, manganese, zinc, iron and selenium. All are critical for optimal health.

A type of irritating external parasite.

The replacement of all feathers in birds, which often follows breeding. Feather loss and regrowth generally follow the same pattern within each feather tract. Molting is triggered with the change in season resulting in shorter days. Molting places a large nutritional burden on the bird to regrow feathers; therefore, less energy is directed at producing eggs.

The period in which a hen ceases to lay and replaces all her feathers.

The seasonal process of shedding out the coat of fur and replacing it with new growth.

A respiratory pathogen commonly found in rabbits, this bacterium can also cause eye infections. It is commonly found in conjunction with other respiratory pathogens.

Refers to number of cattle in a group that develop a clinical disease following exposure to a disease-causing agent.

The physical characteristics on the outside of the body.

Refers to number of cattle in a group that die from a clinical disease following exposure to a disease-causing agent.

Death rate from various causes such as the proportion of a fish stock dying annually.

Used in maternal lines in cross-breeding schemes. Includes Yorkshire, English Large White, Landrace and Chester White.

A fish species in which either the male or female incubates fertilized eggs in its mouth. Most tilapia are maternal mouth brooders.

True mucoid enteritis is primarily a disease of young rabbits 7 to 14 weeks of age. It stems from a change in cecal pH that disrupts the developing microflora population. Recent research indicates that dysautonomia (malfunction of the autonomic nervous system) may play a role. This disease is often accompanied by pneumonia and has a high mortality rate. Mucoid enteritis in adult rabbits is more likely to be part of the enteritis complex of causative factors, and while it is definitely a serious condition, mortality is generally lower.

A species of deer, found solely in the western half of North America. Mule deer are distinguishable from a whitetail by its darker body, black tail and much larger ears.

The area of the horse’s head, including the mouth and nostrils.

Causes chronic respiratory disease.

There are a number of mycoplasma pathogens that cause everything from pneumonia to reproductive failure. M. pulmonis is common and often endemic in rodent colonies. Rabbitries with rodent problems often have a high incidence of infections with this pathogen.

Fungi or molds produce toxic secondary metabolites called mycotoxins. Mycotoxin production is related to weather extremes that can cause plant stress, along with improper storage practices, low feedstuff quality, and faulty feeding conditions. In cattle, mycotoxin contamination of feedstuffs may decrease milk production, reduce growth, and lower reproductions as well as immunity.

The national, industry-wide cooperative framework within which all DHI-related activities function.

Small bone within the hoof, fitting horizontally between the second phalanx, or short pastern, and the coffin bone.

A post-mortem (after death) examination of an animal, generally done to determine cause of death.

A structure inside the coop where hens may nest and lay eggs.

A highly contagious viral disease; can result in high mortality.

A water-soluble molecule made up of nitrogen and oxygen (NO3), commonly found in agricultural fertilizers and therefore in land runoff. Too much nitrate can be toxic to freshwater and saltwater life. Nitrate is a food source for algae; normal levels are not problematic.

NO2, a nitrogen and oxygen compound that is toxic to fish.

Nocturnal animals have highly developed senses of hearing and smell and specially adapted eyesight, enabling them to feed during the night rather than the day when they are more vulnerable to predators. A membrane at the back of the eye filters light, allowing them keen vision in low-lighted areas.

Causes can range from infection with any number of bacteria or parasites, a diet that is too high in starch/sugar and/or too low in fiber, lack of water, or a rapid diet change or consumption of feed the rabbit is not used to. Stress is another causative factor. The primary symptom of non-mucoid enteritis is watery diarrhea. When rabbits are alarmed, hormones are released that slow the movement of food through the digestive tract and block cecotrophy (consumption of night feces). This results in alkalinization of the cecum, which can lead to explosions of populations of “bad” bacteria like clostridia, corynebacteria, pasteurella or E. coli. This process can take 5 to 7 days, so sleuthing out the cause of an enteritis attack means considering everything that has happened in the last week. Given that rabbits are sensitive prey animals and have a high-alarm response to perceived threats, almost anything can be a stressor – other animals, noise, unfamiliar people, changes in routine, being transported somewhere, extreme temperature variations, etc.

Days a sow is not lactating or gestating.

NPN stands for nonprotein nitrogen. NPN can be used to raise crude protein values. Ruminants convert NPN to ammonia, which combines with keto acids to form amino acids.

Antlers that have points growing off the back of the main beam, or points that grow off other points.

The part of a fish or animal habitat where the young grow up.

Wellingup of deeper water that is usually richer in nutrients than surface water.

The genus of deer that includes whitetail, blacktail and mule deer.

The scientific name of the whitetail deer.

Preen gland, an oil gland on the back at the base of the tail, used for conditioning feathers.

The third compartment of the ruminant animal’s stomach located between the abomasum and the reticulum.

The third compartment of the ruminant stomach, between the reticulum and abomasum.

The omasum is the third chamber of the deer stomach. Along with the abomasum, it is considered the true stomach. Its main function is the absorption of water from the mass being passed through.

Also known as “mushy chick”; an infection of the naval area of newly hatched chicks.

Mating of unrelated individual animals of the same breed.

Occurs when fishing activities reduce fish stocks below an acceptable level. This can happen in any body of water from a pond to the oceans.

A condition, normally occurring at night, in which oxygen dissolved in pond water is depleted by decomposition of organic matter and respiration of organisms in the pond.

A naturally secreted hormone that is important in milk letdown and the contraction of smooth uterine muscles during parturition.

Crumbled or ground oyster shell is an excellent source of supplemental calcium for laying hens. It should never be fed to young chicks.

A small pasture or enclosure in which a horse is “turned out” to graze and move freely. Paddocks are typically smaller than pastures.

Acceptable to the taste or sufficiently agreeable in flavor to be eaten.

The act of detecting pregnancy in the doe by gently palpating the abdomen about 12 to 15 days post-mating. At this time, the developing kits are most easily detected.

Refers to random mating where all individuals within a population are potential partners.

Parameter in fisheries is a characteristic measure of some aspect of a fish stock. it is usually expressed as a numerical value, such as the “natural mortality rate.”

Parasites that can cause enteritis include trematodes (flukes), cestodes (tapeworms), nematodes (intestinal worms) and coccidia (protozoa). It is wise to establish a health care program with a veterinarian that includes regular checks for various parasites and a thorough prevention program. Coccidia are particularly ubiquitous in animal facilities and the environment in general, and outbreaks are common and can be very devastating, especially in young animals.

A skin problem that affects outside aviaries birds. If left untreated, it can lead to the bird’s death and be contagious to other birds. This parasitic infestation seldom occurs in the pet birds staying inside.

When a bird is infested with feather mites, it will be restless throughout the day—even more so at night. Due to blood loss, the bird will also suffer from anemia. Young birds infected with feather mites have a high fatality rate.

Includes roundworms, gapeworms, cecal worms, capillary worms, tapeworms.

The act of giving birth; calving.

The process of giving birth.

Giving birth. The specific term for swine is farrowing.

Birds belonging to the order Passeriformes, which includes over 5000 species that are generally perching song birds including finches, canaries and sparrows.

This rabbit respiratory disease, commonly known as “snuffles,” can become endemic in a rabbitry. The acquisition of infection in young rabbits is related directly to the prevalence in older rabbits. Transmission is mainly by direct contact with nasal secretions from infected rabbits and may be greatest when rhinitis induces sneezing and aerosolization of secretions. The bacteria can survive for days in moist secretions or water. P. multocida gains entry to the respiratory tract primarily through the nares, and once infection is established, may colonize also the paranasal sinuses, middle ears, lacrimal ducts, thoracic organs, and genitalia. Occasionally rabbits harbor chronic infections of internal tissues or organs, such as middle ears or lungs, without any signs of rhinitis and are negative for P. multocida by nasal culture. There are many strains of this bacterium that result in disease of varying severity. Standard treatment involves antibiotic therapy, sometimes for months if the bacteria have become well-entrenched in abscesses or other hard-to-access tissues. Abscesses often must be treated surgically. Rarely is the disease cured.

A condition in which droppings stick to the vent or cloacal opening.

A paunch is another word for the rumen, which is largest of the four stomach compartments.

Shrunk live weight of an animal at the time of sale. Usually four percent. See also Pencil shrink.

A social hierarchy established by a group of birds.

A bony growth protruding from the head of bucks. The antlers begin growing from the pedicle. Pedicles remain on the buck through its life.

A tabulation of names of an individual’s ancestors, usually only those of the three to five closest generations. Pedigree information is used to establish genetic relationships among individuals to use in genetic evaluations.

Cattle that are found dead in the pen. Cause of death is usually unknown.

A group of females is brought into the boar’s pen, and he services them all while they are in the pen.

An arithmetic deduction of weight from the live weight of an animal to account for fill—usually three percent for cattle off pasture and four percent for off-feed weights of fed cattle. See also Pay weight.

The percentage of cows and heifers exposed to breeding within a herd and year that produce calves.

Also called “roost”; an area above ground where chickens sit to sleep at night.

The record of the individual animal for reproduction, production or carcass merit. The most useful performance records for management, selection and promotion decisions will vary among purebred breeders and for purebred breeders compared with commercial cattle producers.

A pedigree that includes performance records of the individual, ancestors, relatives and progeny in addition to the usual pedigree information. Expected progeny differences may also be included.

Twice per year farrowing practiced by smaller operations (see continuous farrowing).

Identification that stays with the animal for its lifetime and cannot be lost. Examples are tattoo, color markings, and hot or freeze brand. (Also see Unique identification.)

Malformation of the hock joint of the bird.

Natural chemicals animals emit to communicate with one another.

A chemical compound containing phosphorus and oxygen, commonly found in agricultural fertilizers and land runoff. Excessive phosphate can lead to eutrophication.

“Sun-lit” zone extending downward from a lake or ocean surface to the euphotic depth where the light intensity falls to one percent of that at the surface. The photic zone is exposed to sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis to occur. The depth of the photic zone can be greatly affected by seasonal turbidity. Typical euphotic depths vary from only a few centimetres in highly turbid eutrophic lakes, to around 200 metres in the open ocean. About 90% of all marine life lives in this region.

Tiny, free-floating, photosynthetic organisms in aquatic systems. These are the base of the feeding scale in aquatic systems.

Massive reproduction of phytoplankton, usually due to an overabundance of nutrients; ofetn leads to hypoxia.

Deer with patches of brown or tan and white.

A young domesticated swine not yet sexually mature.

Hard stools and problems with excreting fecal matter in pigs.

A process by which the deer stays warmer in winter. The deer will contract tiny muscles all over its skin, to raise the hair on its body. Raised hairs trap air pockets to provide a layer of insulation for the deer.

Small lumps of calcified material on the eggshell.

Developing feathers.

Inflammation of the inside of the eyelid, also know as keratoconjunctivitis. It is highly contagious and if untreated, can result in weight loss, poor performance and permanent blindness.

The act of a chick breaking through the shell at hatch.

Known officially as posthitis, this disease results in a scabby or ulcerated prepuce and painful difficulty in urinating. It has been associated with caprine herpesvirus-1 and a cornybacterium species capable of hydrolyzing urea. The latter generally seems to be in accompaniment with a high-protein diet.

Consist of any drifting organisms (animals, plants, archaea or bacteria) that inhabit the pelagic zones, particularly the surface areas, of oceans or bodies of fresh water.

A bird’s covering of feathers.

A thiamine deficiency that occurs when thiamine production is decreased in the rumen. More frequently found in goats kept under intensive management conditions, it results from changes in microbes resulting from diets high in energy without sufficient levels of fiber. It is not indicative of a shortage of thiamin in the feed.

The highest point on the top of the horse’s head; the bony bump between a horse’s ears.

Having several estrous cycles during a single breeding season. Ovulating more than once a year.

Ponds are typically stratified into layers. When these layers “flip,” usually due to weather conditions or run-off, the pond is said to “turn over.”

A group of fish that occupy a defined area.

The study of fish populations and how fishing mortality, growth, recruitment and natural mortality affect them.

Integrated swine producer that raises pigs for meat.

A milk preservative in tablet or granular form. A DHI milk sample contains 41 milligrams or less of potassium dichromate. (See Milk preservative.)

Domesticated birds kept by humans for egg, meat and feather production.

Gland in deer located in front of the eye, used to rub on overhanging twigs and branches for social reasons.

Feed ingredients, often of limited digestibility themsleves, that stimulate the growth and/or activity of desirable microbial organisms in the digestive tract.

Nondigestible food ingredients that improve animal health by aiding in the growth of “good” bacteria in the gut, thereby improving gut health. All prebiotics are considered fiber, but not all fiber work as prebiotics. Prebiotics feed good bacteria to allow them to proliferate within the gastrointestinal tract. A common prebiotic included in human and pet diets is inulin (or chicory root).

Estimate of the genetic transmitting ability of dairy bulls for performance traits in the United States. PD is defined as the amount by which daughters of a bull will, on the average, differ in performance from the average breed performance in the genetic base period.

Pregnancy toxemia is a form of ketosis that occurs late in pregnancy when the doe is deficient in energy due to a higher energy demand, relative to calories being consumed. Body fat is broken down for use as energy, and toxic ketones are released.

The first milking of a three-milking verification test for herds milked twice daily. The purpose of the preliminary milking is to ensure complete milk out and to establish a 24-hour milking interval.

The period before the rut when deer are preparing for breeding. Deer become easily agitated and aggressive during this period. Bucks undergo a great change by shedding their velvet and engaging in sparring matches to establish dominance.

See Milk Preservatives.

Cattle from different producers are grouped in lots by sex, weight, type and condition. Cattle are weighed coming in, less an estimate or pencil shrink, depending on the distance to sale.

Weight gained between birth and weaning.

The “fingertip” feathers, long and narrow. These feathers may be clipped to keep birds from flying.

Vaccinating, treating for internal and external parasites, ear tagging and other procedures, such as implanting, dehorning and castratio,n that are done soon after cattle arrive at the feedlot.

Combines PDS and PD Type (PDT) on a 3 to 1 ratio, thus ranking sires on their ability to transmit a balance of these traits. The index is used on Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey and Jersey breeds.

An evaluation of the transmitting ability of an individual based on the performance of offspring.

A method of predicting a cow’s total yield in 305 days based on the information from a lactation in progress.

The hormone in does that regulates milk production.

Vent damage usually caused by laying a very large egg; also called “blowout.”

Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks for muscle, organs, hair, milk; basically every structure in the body relies to some extent on protein. Ruminants can obtain protein from two sources: dietary amino acids that are consumed, and microbial protein that is produced in the rumen.

See Milk Protein.

Glandular stomach of birds where gastric juices are released, starting the process of digestion. After feed is swallowed by the bird, it travels down the esophagus and into the crop of most avian species, where feed is metered into the proventriculus for the start of digestion. Feed then travels to the gizzard, where particle size may be reduced, and then into the small intestine. In the small intestine, pancreatic enzymes act on the feed, liberating nutrients for absorption. Digesta passage rate is rapid in birds, and intestinal chyme moves through the small intestine to the ceca, where limited fermentation takes place, or directly to the large intestine (colon).

The true stomach in birds.

Birds belonging to the order Psittacidae, which contains over 300 species, generally tropical birds, including parrots, macaws and cockatoos.

PSSM is a disorder of the skeletal muscle of horses in which the storage form of sugar (glycogen), which is made in the muscle, has an abnormal and unusable structure, or accumulates to an excessive amount that can’t be utilized. This disorder is caused by a genetic mutation that appears to be heritable (passed onto offspring). There are currently two known types of PSSM that affect different breeds and are characterized by the specific gene mutation found in these horses. The clinical signs of this disorder include stiffness and reluctance to move. Many people refer to this as “tying up.” There are actually several different causes for “tying up,” and there are several different types of muscle disorders that will result in “tying up.”

Time at which first estrus occurs in females. This usually occurs at 6 months of age but can vary based on breed, environment and season of the year. Puberty is more gradual in boars, progressing over 5 to 18 months of age from onset to full maturity.

A young female chicken that has not yet started laying.

Viral disease; chicks may die with no symptoms (though may have white diarrhea, be inactive); older birds cough, sneeze, decrease egg production.

An animal with two registered parents of the same breed.

An organization made up of members of the six purebred dairy cattle registry associations: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn. PDCA is administered by an executive secretary and elected officers and is a cooperating member of NCDHIP.

A place, usually a building, where rabbits are kept.

A rectangular channel with a water inlet and outlet used for raising fish.

Set of antlers.

This option is usually a private treaty sale. Cattle are slaughtered, and the carcasses are graded for quality and priced according to the different grades. The producer sells directly to the packer and is paid according to the weight and grade of the carcass.

The sound of abnormal breathing in birds.

A concentrated feed (usually in pelleted form) designed to be fed at a low feeding rate (~1–2 lbs./day) that supplies protein, vitamins and minerals at the correct level to balance a forage-based ration. Although a horse may maintain good body condition eating hay or pasture alone, oftentimes his nutrient requirements are not met. And for easy keepers, feeding a typical concentrate feed may not be an option due to total calorie content.

Equipment that circulates, aerates and recycles water to improve water quality and conservation.

Estimates how much the cow would have produced during the present lactation when milked twice daily in the first 305 days of her lactation if she had been a mature cow calving in an average month.

If the rabbit is otherwise healthy, the condition is likely the result of metabolism of pigments in something the rabbit has eaten and is not a cause for alarm.

An animal that is recorded in the Breed Registry Herdbook.

The degree of confidence or reliability the predicted difference (PD) or cow index (CI) for milk, fat, fat percentage, protein or physical type score.

A sample of milk obtained by thoroughly mixing or agitating the total quantity of milk produced by a cow. Milk meters are designed to collect automatically a representative sample from the total quantity of milk.

The second compartment of the ruminant animal’s stomach. It is considered the smaller half of the reticulorumen (including the reticulum and the rumen). The reticulum and the rumen comprise 84 percent of the volume of the total ruminant stomach.

The second chamber of the ruminant stomach.

The second chamber of the stomach that holds already chewed cud in a clump. Its main functions are the breakdown of plant materials into digestible molecules and filtering out foreign material.

A fungus that causes small circular hairless patches that often itch and predispose the animal to other skin conditions. Very serious if left untreated.

A meat-type bird raised to roasting size.

Actual average milk and component production per cow for all cows in the herd for the immediate past 365 days. RHAs are updated with each new test.

Also called a perch; a place for birds to get off the floor.

A male chicken at least 1 year old.

A feed that is high in fiber content and relatively low in rate of digestion. (Also see Forage.)

A type of parasite that affects the bird’s digestive tract. The usual symptoms of a roundworm infection are weakness and weight loss. If left untreated, roundworms can eventually obstruct the bird’s intestine.

The process of rubbing the velvet from the buck’s antlers. This occurs during the pre-rut.

The first part of the ruminant stomach. It acts like a fermentation vat to digest the feed that cattle have consumed. Inside the rumen are microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa and fungi. These microbes essentially ferment feed that cattle eat. The byproducts of this fermentation are used by cattle for growth.

The first and largest chamber of the ruminant stomach, the rumen is a large fermentation vat full of microbes that aid in digesting food, especially the fiber component.

The largest chamber of the four part stomach. It is also the main digestive chamber, containing billions of microorganisms designed to break down food into materials usable by the digestive system. Without these microorganisms, animals would not be able to digest forage.

Rumen fill indicates the feed intake of cattle along with the fermentation speed and digestion rate.

Microbes found in the reticulorumen, including bacteria, protozoa, fungi, archaea and viruses, all of which help with the digestive processes.

Any of various hoofed, even-toed, usually horned mammals of the suborder Ruminantia, characteristically having a stomach divided into four compartments and chewing a cud consisting of regurgitated, partially digested food.

Animals with four chambered stomachs, consisting of the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum. All the chambers are needed to process the large amount of low-nutrient food eaten. This type of stomach also minimizes exposure to predators, allowing these animals to eat quickly without chewing, then go back to concealment where they properly digest the food.

An unusually small and weak piglet. There’s often one in a litter.

The breeding season in wild ruminants such as deer, elk, antelope, etc. Shortening of day length triggers hormones in the pituitary gland. Bucks become aggressive with each other to compete for does, they scrape off the velvet, and their antlers harden. Does physically become ready when their sex organs prepare to help them get pregnant.

The part of the bird’s back between the wings and above the tail.

Pawed ground on which bucks urinate to attract females. Often other bucks are attracted to the scrape.

Mix of grains only, whole and cracked.

Horny tissue or rudimentary horns that are attached to the skin rather than the bony parts of the head.

A condition caused by a nutritional deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Humans, guinea pigs, and non-human primates all require vitamin C in their diets. Symptoms in guinea pigs include anorexia, weight loss, gingivitus, and a reluctance to move due to joint pain.

The gland that releases lipids (fats) to carry scents.

Flight feathers along the rear inner edge of the wing.

Producers whose primary goal is to produce breeding stock rather than animals for feeding and slaughter. Progressive seedstock breeders have comprehensive programs designed to produce animals with optimum genetic merit for the combination of traits that will increase downstream profit of commercial beef production.

The removal of piglets from the mother at 10 to 14 days of age to facilitate disease management.

Nets used to harvest fish from ponds.

The margin of true genetic superiority of those animals selected in comparison to all those from which the choices were made.

Selenium and Vitamin E both protect cells against damage, and selenium-deficient pastures may lead to selenium/vitamin E deficiency in cattle. The deficiency can result in stillbirth or the birth of a weak calf that cannot suckle without help and typically dies of starvation within days.

An infection of the bloodstream.

Deposition of semen into the cervix of a sow or gilt.

The sire to which a female currently is bred. Service sire information should be reported on DHI barnsheets.

The practice of separating chicks by gender.

The leg of the chicken between the hock and foot.

The structure where the shell is applied to the developing egg.

Unweaned young pig or any immature pig.

Cattle placed on feed after weaned. Usually placed on feed from March to July and fed for 120 to 160 days. See also Yearlings or Long yearlings.

Often refer to heavy feeders bought and placed on a high-energy ration; Weights and days on feed (often 100 days or fewer) are determined by end-market requirements.

See Pencil Shrink or Inventory Gain/Loss

Same as “rub-off” in which deer rub antlers against branches to clean away velvet and declare readiness for the competition of breeding season.

The male parent.

A male rabbit that has fathered offspring. A bunny’s father is its sire.

Process of identifying bulls to be used as service sires with the goal of increasing the genetic potential of the herd.

Cattle that are fleshy or overly conditioned from a backgrounding or growing operation.

See Milk solids not fat.

A measurement of the number of somatic cells present in a sample of milk. A high concentration of more than 500,000 somatic cells per milliliter of milk indicates an abnormal condition in the udder. (Electronic somatic cell counters are available in nearly all DHI laboratories to provide dairy farmers with an inexpensive screening test for subclinical mastitis.)

A measure of the number of white blood cells found in milk and a factor in determination of milk quality. A high number suggests a pathogenic condition in the animal.

The cell content of milk is composed of approximately 75 percent leukocytes (white blood cells) from the blood and 25 percent epithelial cells from the secretory tissue of the udder. Leukocytes are present in response to infection or injury, and epithelial cells are present as a result of infection or injury. Collectively, these cells are called somatic cells.

A protein hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which stimulates growth of muscle, bone and mammary development in young animals and increases milk production in lactating animals by making available nutrients for milk synthesis and secretion.

Also known as contagious ecthyma, orf, or contagious pustular dermatitis, sore-mouth is cause by an extremely hardy and very contagious pox virus. Most often seen on the lips and mouth, lesions can also be on the udder and between the toes. This disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be passed from animals to people.

Free from lameness or injury.

Adult female swine that has had a litter of pigs.

The method by which bucks establish their dominance heirarchy. Sparring occurs during the pre-rut when buck’s antlers are hard and strong. When sparring, two bucks will approach each other with their heads low and lock antlers. They then push each other until one breaks free and succumbs to the other. Sparring is also used for bucks to estimate the size of their antlers.

The production or depositing of large quantities of eggs in water.

A hen that is no longer laying eggs.

The round extension found at the end of a rose comb.

The sharp spike on the back of a rooster’s leg.

A term used to describe cattle that have been improperly castrated.

Male pig castrated later in life. An older boar after castration.

Period of milk production during a lactation, determined by the length of time since parturition.

Mature, intact male horse.

When a sow or gilt is ready to be bred, she will assume a rigid stance and maintain it throughout the servicing.

There are many different strains of this pathogen that range in virulence from low to extreme and can cause mastitis, pododermatitis (sore feet and hocks), endocarditis (inflammation of the endocardium of the heart), conjunctivitis (pink eye) and subcutaneous abscesses. Antibiotic treatment must be tailored to the specific strain. Transmission is via a variety of vectors.

Grain-processing method in which grain is subjected to steaming before rolling or flaking.

Castrated male bovine.

The rations used to acclimate cattle to high-energy grain diets. The length of time that cattle are fed these diets varies. Generally, the amount of concentrate is increased gradually. The first week in the feedlot, the cattle may be fed a 45 percent roughage diet, the second week a 35 percent roughage diet, etc., until the cattle are on the final finisher. The number of step-up rations varies from yard to yard. Many large commercial yards use 4 to 5 steps. Some smaller yards may use as many as 10.

Located on the upper hind leg, toward the front, equivalent to the human knee.

A group of fish of the same species (for example, snapper) that occupy a defined area of the ocean. Fish stocks are the basis of fisheries’ management. Not to be confused with stockfish.

The weaned calves of around 6 to 10 months old that are fed high-forage diets in order to bulk up in weight before being placed in a feedlot.

A term for a group of chicks that have not been sexed.

A pig between birth and weaning.

One of two glands (the other is the sebaceous gland) that is the building block of all other glands. The sudoriferous gland is a tubular sweat gland located just below the deer’s skin. This gland is responsible for most chemical communication.

Anything fed to a horse in addition to a feed concentrate and hay diet designed to provide additional vitamins, minerals or other feed additives in an effort to support aspects of a horse’s health and condition, such as joint health, hoof health, gut function, weight gain, haircoat shine and hydration (electrolytes and salts). Supplements are typically top dressed on feed or in individual water supply.

A Purina Mills Intake Modifying program that is a protein supplement block for cattle, rich in nutrients that enhances the digestion process. Cattle can then more readily use the nutritional needs from homegrown forage sources.

A Purina Mills Intake Modifying program that is a molasses-based protein supplement of essential nutrients such as energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. Also see Cooked-tub.

An additive used in grain processing.

Fishing activities that do not cause or lead to undesirable changes in biological and economic productivity, biological diversity, or ecosystem structure and functioning, from one human generation to the next.

The catch that can be removed over an indefinite period without causing the stock to be depleted. This could be either a constant yield from year to year, or a yield that is allowed to fluctuate in response to changes in abundance.

Equipment used in equestrian activities. Generally refers to saddles, bridles, girths, horse boots, etc.

Marking or attaching a tag to a fish so that it can be identified on recapture. Used for the study of fish growth, movement, migration size and stock structure.

Method used to warn other deer of danger. Upon sensing a possible dangerous situation, a deer will raise its tail halfway. If the danger is confirmed, the deer raises its tail straight up and flees. When fleeing, the tail flag helps the other deer of the herd spot each other and follow the head deer to escape.

A membrane on the back of a deer’s eye that reflects light, improving the deer’s vision. The tapetum is responsible for the phenomonen of shining.

Tapeworms are easy to identify without a microscope because they drop off white sections about the size of a grain of rice in the feces. They cause pot belly in young goats and delay development because they absorb nutrients the goat should receive. They can also cause diarrhea. A cold freeze can stop the tapeworm cycle in a pasture, but otherwise they can survive in the ground for a year.

A gland in deer located on the inside of the hind leg. The deer urinates on the gland, which mixes with oil produced by the gland. This creates scent and helps with marking behavior.

A method of permanent identification to be cross-referenced with visible identification. Permanent ink used with tattoo numbers creates a lifetime record of identification in the ears of dairy cattle. Tattoos are used primarily in the Jersey and Brown Swiss breeds.

A nipple of the mammary gland.

The process of adding water to dry grain to increase moisture content to facilitate rolling of grains. See Steam flaking.

When a buck stays close by a female in heat, not being aggressive, but waiting for signs that she is ready for breeding.

The period right before estrus when a buck and a doe are seen together. The buck will stand by the doe, waiting for her to enter estrus. He will stand alert and protect her from any other bucks who may wish to mate.

The interval, in days, between successive DHI tests. As a routine procedure, a test interval shall not consist of fewer than 15 or more than 45 days. For official DHI/DHIR records, the test interval shall not exceed 75 days.

The testicles, also called testes, are part of the male reproductive system.

A usually fatal neurological disease caused by Clostridium tetani. Almost impossible to treat but easily prevented with vaccination.

The upper curvature or musculature of a horse’s withers, back and loin.

Twisted or wry neck.

The sum of the digestible fiber, protein, lipid and carbohydrate components of the cattle’s diet. The TDN formula is: digestible protein + digestible carbohydrate + digestible fat (* 2.25) = TDN.

Method of ranking Holstein sires based on an index combining PD milk, PD percentage and PD type.

All of the solids in the water, including dissolved, suspended and settleable components.

A mobile coop that can be moved around to provide fresh pasture access.

2-3 weeks prior to calving and 3 weeks post calving. During this time, hormones and nutrient utilization coordinate in order to prepare the animal for calving and the nutritient demands placed on the cow to prodcue milk after calving.

Active ingredient in some implants approved for use in feedlot finishing cattle.

The position that a species occupies in a food chain. The species it eats are at a lower trophic level and the species that eats it are at a higher trophic level.

Presence of suspended or colloidal matter or planktonic organisms that reduces light penetration of water.

The practice of turning horses loose in a field or pasture for all or part of the day. (ii) The standard of dress and appearance of horse and rider, or horse and carriage.

Antlers with points growing only off the front side of the main beam.

The branch of the Federal government that is administered by the Secretary of Agriculture appointed by the president of the United States.

Any mammals with hooves.

The process by which water from deeper depths is mixed with water closer to the surface.

See urolithiasis.

Commonly referred to as urinary calculi, or water belly, occurs when stones form in the urinary tract and block the urethra, preventing urination. Formation of urinary calculi is more prominent in male goats because of the anatomy of the male urinary tract, making it susceptible to blockage.

Because she can have a litter of 8 or more piglets, a pig has a long, divided uterus (more “T” or “Y” shaped). This provides more room for the growth of multiple piglets.

The protective covering encasing the growing antler. It is a layer of soft skin that nourishes the growing bone by supplying blood to it.

The opening of the cloaca.

Cattle are sold by public auction via satellite television that broadcasts videotaped images of the animals on the producers’ farms. Producers pay an up-front fee for videotaping and the rest of the commission if the cattle are sold. Buyers participate in the sale by telephone or computer.

A small, finger-shaped outgrowth of the epithelial lining of the wall of the intestine. Clusters of projections are referred as Intestinal villi. They are lined with epithelial cells that absorb nutrients.

A reovirus that causes lameness and swollen hocks.

Birds with an exclusive diet of seeds and nuts—especially sunflower seeds and peanuts—tend to have a vitamin A deficiency. The deficiency usually goes undiagnosed in pet birds. Supplement the bird’s feed with fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals. However, be aware lorikeets and lories require less vitamin A in their diet, as they can store iron in their liver, leading to various disorders.

A nutritionally balanced diet for your bird can help it remain healthy for life. One such nutrient, vitamin D, is very beneficial for the bird. However, if the nutrient is found in excess in the body, it can result in vitamin D toxicosis. Vitamin D also converts into calcium in the body. Therefore, if a bird receives the required amount of calcium, plus extra vitamin D, it will end up with excessive calcium in the blood. Vitamin D works together with calcium and phosphorus to keep your bird healthy, though if there is any imbalance in their required proportions, the bird may suffer from a variety of medical problems. Parrot families are also more prone to vitamin D toxicosis, especially macaws.

Vitamins are another micronutrient required by the goat in small amounts to help use nutrients for growth, maintenance, reproduction and performance. The goat can synthesize many of the needed vitamins from ruminal microorganisms, including vitamin K and the B-complex vitamins. Vitamins are divided into two general categories: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and water-soluble vitamins (B-complex). High quality pasture and forages are rich sources of vitamins. However, mature forage and forage that has been stored for an extended time lose much of this vitamin activity. No forage contains the optimal concentrations of all the necessary vitamins. Therefore, vitamin supplementation of forage-based diets is recommended.

The membrane around the yolk of the egg.

The main energy source for ruminant mammals, fermented in the rumen and absorbed in the blood stream. Three main VFAs produced in ruminants include acetic acid, butyric acid and propionic acid.

A deer’s sixth sense, in addition to the other five senses common to mammals. It is a process by which a buck sucks a doe’s urine, analyzes it using the vomeronasal gland, and then discards it. This helps the buck determine if the doe is approaching breeding season.

Another name for elk.

Cattle that have been grown in a backgrounding yard before being placed on feed.

Fish that spawn in water above 60 degrees F. Examples are catfish and bass.

Birds for which water is an important part of their environment. Ducks, geese and swans are typical domesticated waterfowl.

The land area that channels rain runoff into a pond.

The fleshy part under a chicken’s beak.

From weaning up to about 50 lbs.

Weight of an individual divided by its age in days.

A by-product of the dry milling (ethanol) industry. Commonly used as an ingredient in feedlots near dry milling plants. Can be produced from a variety of grains (corn, milo, barley and wheat).

A castrated male goat.

A muscle condition characterized by weakness and white striations in the muscle. Seen primarily in newborn kids who are selenium and/or vitamin E deficient.

An inventory-based performance recording system in which the production of all animals in a breeding herd and the performance of all progeny are accounted for annually. In calf-based systems, by contrast, progeny performance data may be recorded selectively, and production information is not gathered on females who do not produce live calves. An inventory-based Whole Herd Reporting system is necessary to acquire the data for genetic evaluation of some reproductive traits.

The ridge between the shoulder blades of a horse, formed by the dorsal spinal processes of roughly the third through the 11th thoracic vertebrae. The height of a horse is measured from the ground to the highest point of the withers.

Charges incurred each day that the cattle are in the feedlot. These charges vary depending on the lot. Usually calculated on a cents per head per day basis.

A horse of either sex between 1 and 2 years of age. In some breeds, a horse is considered a yearling on January 1 following the year of birth.

Cattle that are placed on feed after one year of age. Usually fed for 80 to 150 days. See also Short yearlings or Long yearlings.

The central (usually yellow) structure of an egg; serves as a food reservoir for the deveoping chick.

A trace mineral that is essential to maintain animal health. A deficiency in cattle may manifest in reduced growth rate, reduced fertility, parakeratosis (scaling or thickening of skin cells), hair loss, dermatitis, and foot rot or other foot infections.

Minute animals in water, chiefly rotifers and crustaceans, that are important prey for young fish.