Lecture 1a - Our animals

Question 1

Definition of domestication

Answer 1

To tame an animal and keep it as a pet or on a farm (Oxford dictionary)

Question 2

Phases of domestication (5 phases)

Answer 2

1) Loose association with man
2) Large numbers subjugated and isolated from wild form
3) Isolation of domesticate by extermination of the wild ancestor
4) Deliberate development of certain characteristics
5) Increased attention to more subtle characteristics

Question 3

Changes in animals following domestication?

Answer 3

Skeletal changes 
-domestic animals generally smaller than wild
Conformational changes
Organ size
Fat content
Behaviour

Question 4

What order are cattle-like animals?

Answer 4

Artiodactyla

Question 5

What family are cattle-like animals?

Answer 5

Bovidae

Question 6

What sub-family are cattle-like animals?

Answer 6

Bovinae

Question 7

How many years ago were cattle domesticated?

Answer 7

1000

Question 8

Bos Taurus (taurine cattle)
Domesticated where?
Gave rise to?

Answer 8

Domesticated in the middle East

Gave rise to European and African breeds

Question 9

Bos Indicus (Zebu)
Domesticated where?
Gave rise to?

Answer 9

Domesticated in India

Gave rise to Indian breeds

Question 10

How many breeds of Zebu and Taurine cattle are recognised?

Answer 10

800

Question 11

What is selection in cattle directed towards?

Answer 11

Appearance
Production
Docility
Local disease resistance

Question 12

How are sheep breeds classified?

Answer 12

Fleece characteristics

Tail/rump characteristics

Question 13

How are goat breeds classified?

Answer 13

Size 
-dwarf
-medium
-large
Ear shape and size

Question 14

How many pig breeds are there?

Answer 14

263 breeds

Question 15

What is the primary use of pigs?

Answer 15

Meat (religious taboo)