Cows!
What is the scientific name of the domestic cow, and what are its two main subspecies?
The scientific name is Bos taurus. The two main subspecies are Bos taurus taurus (European cattle) and Bos taurus indicus (zebu or humped cattle).
What is the scientific name of the domestic pig, and from which wild species is it primarily descended?
The scientific name is Sus scrofa domesticus, and it is primarily descended from the wild boar (Sus scrofa).
What is the primary difference between broiler chickens and layer chickens in terms of breeding and purpose?
Broiler chickens are selectively bred for rapid growth and meat production, while layer chickens are bred for high egg production and efficiency over a longer lifespan.
What is the scientific name of the domestic horse, and which wild species is it believed to have descended from?
The scientific name is Equus ferus caballus, and it is believed to have descended from the wild horse Equus ferus.
What are the scientific names of domestic goats and sheep, and how do their wild ancestors differ?
The domestic goat is Capra aegagrus hircus, descended from the wild goat (Capra aegagrus).
The domestic sheep is Ovis aries, descended from the wild mouflon (Ovis orientalis). Their ancestors differ in habitat and behavior—goats are more adapted to rugged, mountainous terrain, while sheep evolved in more open grasslands.
Explain the process of rumination in cows and name the four compartments of their stomach.
Rumination is the process where cows regurgitate partially digested food (cud), chew it again, and swallow it to aid digestion. The four stomach compartments are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.
Describe the digestive system of pigs and explain how it differs from ruminants like cows.
Pigs are monogastric animals, meaning they have a single-chambered stomach. Unlike ruminants, they cannot efficiently digest cellulose because they lack a rumen and the large microbial fermentation system found in cows.
Explain the function of the crop and gizzard in a chicken’s digestive system.
The crop stores and moistens food temporarily, while the gizzard is a muscular organ that grinds food, often with the help of ingested grit, to aid digestion.
Explain the difference between a “gait” and a “pace” in horses, and name four natural gaits.
A gait refers to the pattern of movement of a horse’s limbs, while “pace” can sometimes refer to speed or a specific lateral gait. Four natural gaits are walk, trot, canter (a.k.a cancer), and gallop.
What is the main difference in feeding behavior between goats and sheep?
Goats are browsers, meaning they prefer shrubs, leaves, and higher vegetation. Sheep are grazers, primarily feeding on grasses close to the ground.
What role do microorganisms play in a cow’s digestive system?
Microorganisms in the rumen break down cellulose from plant material into volatile fatty acids, which the cow uses as its primary energy source. They also help synthesize proteins and vitamins.
What is “farrowing,” and what are some key factors that affect piglet survival during this process?
Farrowing is the process of a sow giving birth. Key factors affecting piglet survival include temperature control, adequate colostrum intake, prevention of crushing by the sow, and proper hygiene.
What is the significance of photoperiod (light exposure) in egg production in poultry?
Photoperiod influences hormonal activity in hens; longer daylight hours stimulate the reproductive system, increasing egg production, while shorter days can reduce or توقف laying.
What is colic in horses, and why is it considered a serious condition?
Colic refers to abdominal pain, often caused by digestive issues such as gas buildup, impaction, or intestinal twisting. It is serious because it can quickly become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Explain the difference between wool and hair in sheep and goats.
Sheep produce wool, which is dense, curly, and continuously growing, requiring shearing. Goats typically produce hair, which is coarser and does not require regular shearing (except for specialty fibers like cashmere or mohair).
How does selective breeding impact milk production in dairy cows? (Not for showing)
Selective breeding increases milk yield, improves milk composition (fat/protein content), enhances disease resistance, and optimizes traits like udder structure and longevity.
How does selective breeding influence growth rate and feed efficiency in pigs? (Not for showing)
Selective breeding improves traits such as faster growth rate, better feed conversion ratio (less feed needed per unit of weight gain), leaner meat production, and disease resistance.
What is “biosecurity” in poultry farming, and why is it important?
Biosecurity refers to measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases (like avian influenza) in poultry flocks. It is crucial to protect flock health, ensure food safety, and prevent economic losses.
Describe the function of the hoof and why proper hoof care is essential.
The hoof supports the horse’s weight, absorbs shock, and provides traction. Proper hoof care (trimming, shoeing, cleaning) is essential to prevent lameness, infections, and structural problems.
What is “rumination,” and how is it similar in goats and sheep?
Rumination is the process of regurgitating and re-chewing cud to aid digestion. Both goats and sheep (and cows) are ruminants with four stomach compartments (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum) and rely on microbial fermentation to break down plant material.
What is methane emission in cows, and why is it environmentally significant?
Methane is a greenhouse gas produced during digestion (enteric fermentation) in the rumen. It is environmentally significant because it contributes to climate change due to its high heat-trapping ability.
Why are pigs considered important in biomedical research?
Pigs have physiological and anatomical similarities to humans, making them valuable for studying organ transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, and surgical techniques.
Describe the role of selective breeding in improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) in poultry.
Selective breeding enhances traits that allow birds to convert feed into body mass or eggs more efficiently, reducing feed costs and improving productivity.
How does selective breeding influence different horse breeds for specific tasks?
Selective breeding enhances traits like speed (e.g., racehorses), strength (draft horses), endurance (Arabians), or agility (quarter horses), making breeds suited for specific purposes such as racing, work, or sport.
What are some key factors affecting reproduction efficiency in sheep and goats?
Factors include nutrition, breed, seasonality (both are often seasonal breeders), health status, and management practices such as proper mating timing and care during pregnancy.