Animal Science Terminology -02

Agribusiness:

                       Producers and manufacturers of agricultural goods and services, such as fertilizer and farm equipment makers, food and fiber processors, wholesalers, transporters, and retail food and fiber outlets.

Amino Acid: 

                      Any of a large number of compounds found in living cells that contain carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen and join together to form proteins. Twenty of the naturally occurring amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which they form by being connected to each other in chains. Eight of those twenty, called essential amino acids, cannot be synthesized in the cells of humans and must be consumed as part of the diet.

Ammonia: 

                 Chemical formula NH3. A colorless alkaline gas that is lighter than air and has a strongly pungent odor. It is used as a fertilizer and refrigerant, and in making dyes, textiles, plastics and explosives. Ammonium ions are a toxic waste product of the metabolic process in animals. In mammals, ammonium ions are converted into urea and excreted in urine.

Animal Protein:  

                            Protein derived from meat, eggs or dairy products.

Animal Welfare:

                            Animal welfare is the physical and psychological well-being of non-human animals.

Antibiotic: 

                   A substance, such as penicillin, that is capable of destroying or weakening certain microorganisms, especially bacteria or fungi, that cause infections or infectious diseases. Antibiotics do not kill viruses.

Artificial Insemination (AI):

                                                The introduction of semen into the vagina or uterus without sexual reproduction. 

Average Daily Feed Intake: 

                                              The amount of feed consumed by an animal each day.

Average Daily Gain:

                                    The amount of weight gained by an animal during its growing stages.