ANIMAL SCIENCE 1

Prepared by: Melito B. Cataylo, Jr.

CA Faculty
What is Animal Science?
Overview of Animal Science

Animal science is a multidisciplinary field of study that

focuses on understanding various aspects of animals,
including their biology, behavior, management, nutrition,
genetics, health, and their interaction with humans and the
environment. It encompasses a wide range of topics
related to domesticated and wild animals, addressing their
roles in agriculture, research, conservation, and
companionship. Here's an overview of the key areas within
animal science:
1. Animal Biology and Anatomy:
Animal scientists study the anatomy, physiology, and
genetics of animals to comprehend their biological
processes, organ systems, and evolutionary history. This
knowledge is fundamental for understanding how animals
function and respond to different environments.

2. Animal Nutrition:
Nutrition is a critical aspect of animal science. Researchers
in this field analyze the dietary needs of various animals,
both for production (livestock, poultry) and maintenance
(pets, wildlife). They study nutrient requirements, feed
formulations, and feeding strategies to optimize growth,
health, and overall performance.
3. Animal Behavior and Welfare:
Animal behavior studies focus on understanding how
animals interact with their environment and with each other.
This includes their social structures, mating behaviors,
communication, and responses to different stimuli. Animal
welfare concerns ethical and humane treatment of animals,
addressing issues such as housing, transportation, and
handling to ensure their well-being.

4. Animal Health and Veterinary Science:

Animal health involves the prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of diseases that affect animals. Veterinary science
plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of domesticated
animals and wildlife, contributing to food safety, public
health, and disease control.
5. Animal Genetics and Breeding:
Genetics is pivotal for improving animal traits through
selective breeding. Animal scientists study genetic
inheritance, DNA markers, and genetic engineering to
enhance desirable traits in animals, such as increased
productivity, disease resistance, and improved meat quality.

6.Livestock Production:
Livestock production focuses on the management of
animals for various purposes, including meat, milk, eggs,
and fibers. This involves practices related to animal
housing, reproduction, nutrition, health care, and marketing,
aiming for efficient and sustainable production.
7. Poultry Science:
Poultry science is a specialized branch that concentrates on
the breeding, management, and production of poultry
species like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. It covers areas
such as nutrition, housing, disease management, and the
welfare of these birds.

8.Companion Animal Science:

This area deals with pets and companion animals,
addressing their care, behavior, training, and well-being. It
encompasses a wide range of species, including dogs, cats,
horses, and exotic pets.
9. Wildlife Management and Conservation:
Animal science also extends to the conservation and management of
wildlife populations. Professionals in this field work to protect
endangered species, manage habitats, and find solutions for human-
wildlife conflicts.

10. Animal Research and Ethics:

Ethical considerations are crucial in animal science, especially when
using animals for research. Animal scientists work to ensure that
animals used in research are treated with respect, and they develop
alternative methods to reduce the need for animal experimentation.

Animal science plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of

animals and their interactions with ecosystems, humans, and the
broader environment. It has applications in agriculture, food
production, research, veterinary medicine, conservation, and even in
enhancing the human-animal bond.
 Definition of Animal Science
Animal Science is defined as an art, science, and industry of breeding, feeding,
care and management, and the marketing and processing of animals and their
products for the purpose of obtaining profit from the enterprise.

1. As an art.
Art means the selection of animals largely on the basis of beauty and good
looks in addition to production performance. Beauty may be defined as the
harmonious proportion of the various parts of the animals so that they present an
overall pleasing sight to the beholder

2. As a science.
Science is a well- ordered and systematically body of knowledge. The
procedure in deriving this body of knowledge is referred to as the scientific
method through experimentation. Experimentation is the process through which data
are gathered to determine efficiency of production of fam animals and as bases of
selecting the desirable animals for bredding

3. As an industry.
It is the aspects that combines art and science to make animal production
a profitable activity.
Summary:

The animal industry is a broad and diverse industry

that encompasses production, supplies and services, and
marketing and processing. Animals greatly affect our
society, which depends on their products and services to
survive. It also provide a variety of uses, such as food,
clothing, and ornamentation, companionship, work
services, research and environmental functions.
What is a Domestic Animal?
• What does domestication mean to you?
• How do you define it?
• Where do you think we would be today without
domesticated livestock?
• What differences would there be in our daily lives?
Different definitions:
• “A domestic animal is one which has been selectively bred
in captivity and thereby modified from its ancestors for
use by humans who control the animal’s breeding and
food supply”

- By this definition, animals are domesticated when they

are kept for clear purposes, their breeding is controlled,
survival depends on humans, and they have acquired traits
not found in the wild.
Continuation…
• Domesticate means to adapt the behavior of an animal to
fit the needs of people.
• In simple terms, it means to TAME.
 History of Animal Domestication
Animal domestication began in the so-called Neolithic
Revolution around 10,000 years ago but may have begun
much earlier. It has been speculated that human beings
used fire to cook food.
- Began to cultivate plants and breed animals (birth of
Agriculture) to form a permanent settlements.
Archaeological evidence says:
• Domestication of animals was probably started in Goats
and Sheep throughout Asia by 8000 BCE. Goats were
domesticated by 7000 BCE, sheep by 6700 BCE, and
pigs by 6500 BCE.

• Animal domestication was widely practiced and

domesticated animals used in the workforce (such as in
plowing), as pets, and as a food source.
Horses were tamed by 4000 BCE and became an
important component in warfare in drawing the great
chariots.
 Location and Estimated dates of Domestication of
Farm Animals
Goat
- First animal to be domesticated for food use
- Domesticated later around 7,000 B.C.
- Used for their meat, milk, and coat

Sheep
- Domesticated between 6,700 B.C. in Southwest Asia
- Used for their meat and milk, wool.
Swine (pig)
- Domesticated after sheep and goats
- Originated from wild boars in Eurasia and North Africa around
6,500 B.C.
- Mainly domesticated for meat source.
Cattle
- Originated in extinct race aurochs Bos primigenius
- Domesticated around 6,000-5,000 B.C.in India
- 2 major type of domesticated cattle:
1. Zebu (Bos indicus), the hump cattle from South asia
2. Taurine (Bos taurus) the humpless, European breed
- Used for their high meat and milk production, disease
resistance and heat tolerance
Horse
- Domesticated as early as 5,000 B.C. in Kazakhstan and
4,000 B.C. in the Eurasian Steppes, a stretch of land
between Hungary and Mongolia
- Used as transportation in Kazakhstan around 3,500-3,000
B.C.
- Horses have provided a means of transportation for
thousands of years, even beyond horseback riding, as
exemplified in the horse-drawn chariots of Mesopotamia in
2,000 B.C. Up until modern times, horses have played a
key role in warfare and have provided transportation to the
masses
- Horses were not considered before as “farm livestock”
Chicken
-domesticated around 3500 BC in Central Asia
-domesticated from jungle fowl of India
-considered as the most common domestic animal
-used for their meat and eggs.
Exploring the Role of Animals in the Ecological
System
Introduction:
The ecological system, also known as the ecosystem, is a
complex web of interactions between living organisms and
their environment. Among these organisms, animals play a
critical role in maintaining the balance and functioning of
ecosystems. From the smallest insects to the largest
predators, animals contribute to various ecological
processes that sustain life on Earth. In this discussion, we
will delve into the multifaceted roles animals play in the
ecological system.
Biodiversity and Trophic Levels:
Animals are a vital component of biodiversity, which refers
to the variety of life forms within an ecosystem. They exist
across different trophic levels, forming intricate food webs
that depict the flow of energy and matter. Primary
consumers, such as herbivores, graze on plants, regulating
plant populations and preventing overgrowth. Predators, in
turn, control the populations of herbivores, preventing
unchecked herbivory and maintaining the health of plant
communities
Nutrient Cycling:
Animals contribute significantly to nutrient cycling within
ecosystems. Through activities like feeding, digestion, and
excretion, animals release essential nutrients into the
environment. For instance, birds and mammals that
consume fruits disperse seeds, aiding in plant reproduction
and promoting genetic diversity. Decomposers, including
insects and scavengers, break down dead organic matter,
returning nutrients to the soil and enriching it for plant
growth.
Pollination and Plant Reproduction:
Many animals, particularly insects like bees, butterflies, and
birds, play a crucial role in pollinating plants. Pollination facilitates
the transfer of pollen between flowers, leading to fertilization and
the production of seeds and fruits. This process is vital for plant
reproduction, genetic diversity, and the sustenance of entire
ecosystems, including both plant and animal populations.
Predator-Prey Dynamics:
Predator-prey relationships are essential for controlling
population sizes and preventing any one species from dominating
an ecosystem. The presence of predators helps maintain the
health of prey populations by targeting weak or diseased
individuals. This dynamic also exerts pressure on prey species to
evolve traits that enhance their survival skills, leading to a
balance that ensures ecosystem stability
Ecosystem Engineers:
Certain animals, known as ecosystem engineers, significantly
influence the physical environment. For example, beavers
construct dams that alter water flow and create new habitats,
benefiting a wide range of organisms. Similarly, burrowing
animals like prairie dogs influence soil composition, water
distribution, and plant growth patterns.

Indicator Species and Environmental Health:

Animals can serve as indicators of ecosystem health and
environmental changes. The presence, absence, or behavior of
certain species can provide insights into the overall condition of
an ecosystem. Declines in amphibian populations, for instance,
may signal water pollution, while shifts in bird migration
patterns could indicate climate change impacts.
Conclusion:
Animals are integral to the intricate tapestry of the
ecological system. Their roles extend far beyond their
individual lives, influencing nutrient cycles, population
dynamics, and even shaping entire landscapes. As
stewards of the Earth, it is crucial that we recognize and
appreciate the significance of animals in maintaining the
balance and resilience of ecosystems. Through
conservation efforts, responsible resource management,
and fostering coexistence, we can ensure the continued
vitality of these essential ecological contributors.
Animals and their Economic Importance
1. Animals can feed on and convert plants and other
materials which would have otherwise gone to waste into a
rich human food.
Example: In processing rice grains into polished rice. The
by-product like rice bran cannot be eaten by human but can
be a palatable rich source of nutrients for animals.
Animal feed.
2. Animal products have chemical composition that
closely resemble man’s dietary requirement and therefore
more digestible and nutritious.

3. Animal food products will always be prime food item in

the human diet.
• high nutrient composition compared to plants
• distinctive flavor and aroma (meat, milk and eggs)
4. Other purposes of domestication:
• skin and hairs for clothing and shelter
• animal power for transport and traction
• Beauty and grace for amusement and companion.

Certain animal products and by products are also used for

non-food products such as:
• Glue from horns
• Fertilizer and feed from bones and offals
• Skins and leather products made from animal skins
Keratinized appendages:
Horns
Nails
Hairs
Hooves
 Table 1. Important Livestock Animals and their Uses

Species Scientific name Main uses

Mammals Horse Equius caballos Traction, transportaion
and amusement

Camel Camelus Traction, transportaion

dromedarius and amusement

Cattle Bos Taurus / Bos Milk, meat, hide, traction

indicus and
transportaion
Buffalo Bubalus bubalis Milk, meat, hide, traction
and
transportaion
Sheep Ovis aries Milk, meat and hair
(wool)

Goat Capra hircus Milk and meat

Swine Sus scrofa Meat

Birds Chicken Gallus gallus Meat, eggs and
domesticus amusement

Duck (Mallard) Anas platyrhynchos Meat and eggs

Duck (Muscovy) Cairina moschata Meat and eggs

Goose Anser domesticus Meat and eggs

Turkey Meleagris gallopavo Meat and eggs

Quail Coturnix coturnix Meat and eggs

 Animal Agriculture and the Population Problem
The continued viability and progress of the animal
industry depends on how it is able to respond successfully
well to the changing conditions of the biological, physical
and socioeconomic and political environments.
With the ever-increasing human population and the
attendant contraction of load for agricultural products is
becoming more and more severe. To resolve this, the animal
industry did the following:

• They advance their knowledge related to animal science to

keep the industry responsive to any environmental changes.
• Development of more efficient and productive breeds and
varieties of animals through breeding.
• Cheaper and more nutritious feed materials for animal
feed and new drugs and feed additives.

• New systems of housing and management that more

economically improves the health and performance of
animals.

• Cheaper and more economical processing of animal

products.
Animal Industry of the Philippines
Through technological advances in animal science, the
animal industry in the Philippines has developed from a
basically backyard and self-subsistence production system.

As a result of this, these are the effects to the industry:

• Adoption of new production technologies and rapid growth

and industrialization.
• The Philippine animal industry has tended to depend
more and more on imported inputs:
• Feedstuffs, veterinary drugs and chemicals, equipment
and breeding stocks
Feedstuff

Breeding equipment

Vet. Drugs and

chemicals
The Philippine livestock industry is composed of:
 Carabao
 Cattle - carabao and cattle is 20% of total domestic meat
production
 Swine - provides 60% of total domestic meat production
 Chicken - provides 15% of total domestic meat production
Other species
 Goats
 Ducks
Swine and chicken – depends on commercially mixed feeds;
more intensive and commercially oriented which are mostly
located in urban areas.
Cattle, Carabao and goats – subsist mainly on grasses and
roughages and are raised
mainly by smallholder farmers in rural areas.
Livestock Industry
Cattle (Bos indicus, Bos taurus)

- predominantly backyard type (91% backyard vs.

9% commercial)
- majority of the cattle population is concentrated in
Luzon
(Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Batangas,
Cebu and Bukidnon)
- More of beef type and few dairy types
- Population increase is at slow rate (4.2%
annually)

Carabao (Bubalus bubalis)

- raised in backyard farms (99.8% backyard vs

0.2% commercial)
- top producing regions are Cagayan Valley,
Southern Tagalog,
Bicol and Western Visayas
Swine (Sus scrofa)

- 79% are raised in backyard farms and 21% are raised

in
commercial farms.
- swine production has consistently been a major
contributor to the
total livestock output

Goat (Capra hircus)

- 99.6% are raised in backyard farms and only
0.4% in commercial
farms.
- there is increasing demand for chevon and goat
products
concentrated in Central Visayas, Southern
Mindanao and Ilocos
regions
Chicken (Gallus gallus)
- the major chicken producing regions are
Southern Luzon,
Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Central
Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Southern
Mindanao
- Southern Tagalog – the top broiler –
producing region (about
30% of total)
- Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Central
Visayas and Southern
Mindanao – top layer – producing regions
(82%)