repro management Flashcards
castration definition
removal of the testicles
how does castration relate to meat quality
improves meat quality but decreases feed efficiency and growth rate
definition of controlled/limited breeding season
limiting the time interval animals are allowed to mate
natural ways of limiting breeding
sheep are short day breeders (fall)
horses are long day breeders (spring)
artificial control of limiting breeding
limiting of breeding season by man
advantages of estrus synchronization
more efficient use of labor and facilities
greater supervision of animals at partuition
facilitate use of AI or embryo transfer
AI (definition and species)
semen is deposited in female reproductive tracts rather than by natural mating.
used in cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, poultry and lab animals
advantages of AI
semen can be diluted for multiple matings from one ejaculate
semen can be frozen and stored for later use
sire’s sperm can be used postmortem
limit possible spread of disease
mate animals with a large distance between
disadvantages of AI
additional skills are required
When does insemination occur with AI
timed as close to ovulation as possible
how does a pregnancy diagnosis help with production?
reduced cost by sale or differential management of open animals
early diagnosis of repro failure
optimizes use of buildings, labour, and equipment
feed according to stage of production
what are breeding marks
the male marks female at mating
how are breeding marks helpful?
earliest possible indication of conception
how do breeding marks fail?
marks can wash off, or the marker wears out and no mark is made at mating, and mating doesn’t guarantee pregnancy
how are pregnancies diagnosed?
palpation (cattle and horses)
blood test
ultrasound
