A flexible, current, and comprehensive look at the biological, industry, and species approaches to Animal Science, complete with worldview information and societal issues. Relevant and timely, Introduction to Animal Science features the most comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the traditional disciplines that are so essential to a solid foundation in Animal Science: nutrition, digestion, feeds, genetics, reproduction, disease, and animal behavior. The text's comprehensive, non-traditional approach introduces the discipline as an ever-changing, integral part of every aspect of human existence. Author W. Stephen Damron not only presents thorough coverage of the major species and their respective concerns, he challenges readers to consider the many pressing interests relevant to Animal Science as it influences and is influenced by society today. The Sixth Edition features updated, expanded, and improved coverage including the latest statistical information as appropriate; improvements to the lactation chapter, the animal health chapter, and the animal health sections in each of the species chapters; substantial updates in the biotechnology chapter and the nutrition chapters; enhanced material on food safety; new figures and redesigned and updated graphics throughout; streamlined tables with greater emphasis on example information; and enhanced margin terms and glossary terms to facilitate reading and understanding of the material.    

Table of Contents:
Preface PART ONE: THE PLACE OF ANIMALS AND ANIMAL SCIENCE IN THE LIVES OF HUMANS 1. Introduction to the Animal Sciences Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Animal Science Specialties Animal Distribution Contributions of Animals to Humanity Food Source Other Uses The Future of Livestock Production Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 2. The Value of Animals to Humanity Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction The Food Uses of Agricultural Animals Red Meat and Poultry Production Edible Slaughter By-Products Milk and Milk Products Poultry and Eggs Miscellaneous Food Uses The Value of Animal Products in the Human Diet The Nonfood Uses of Agricultural Animals Body Coverings Power Sources Body Wastes Pest and Weed Control Storage of Capital and Food Cultural Uses Nonfood or Inedible Slaughter By-Products Human Health Research Income Conservation Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 3. Factors Affecting World Agricultural Structure Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Adaptation Artificial Environments Adaptive Changes Climatic Environments of the World Tropical Climates Deserts Cold Environments Temperate Climates Social and Cultural Differences Religion Levels of Economic Development Levels of Agricultural Development Economic Institutions and Agricultural Development Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 4. Worldwide Systems of Agricultural Production Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Nomadism and Transhumance Shifting Cultivation and Rudimentary Sedentary Tillage Paddy Rice Farming Peasant Grain, Tuber, and Livestock Farming Ranching Commercial Crop and Livestock Farming Commercial Livestock Finishing Commercial Dairy Farming Commercial Grain Farming Mediterranean Agriculture Market Gardening Commercial Plantation Urban Agriculture Aquaculture Developed Versus Subsistence Agriculture Comparison of the Livestock Industry in the Developed and the Developing Countries Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References PART TWO: THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 5. Introduction To Nutrition Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Nutrients and their Uses Body Functions and Nutrient Needs Feed Analysis Determining the Value of Feedstuffs to Animals Expressing Feed Composition on a Dry-Matter (DM) Basis Measures of Energy Energy Content of Nutrients Efficiency of Energy Use Nutrient Requirements Ration Formulation Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 6. The Gastrointestinal Tract and Nutrition Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Classification of Digestive Systems An Overview of the Steps of Digestion Digestion in the Pig Digestion in the Ruminant The Fermentation Process Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ruminant System Digestion in the Avian Digestion in the Horse Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 7. Feedstuffs Classification Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Feedstuff Categories Dry Forages and Roughages Pasture, Range Plants, and Green Forages Silages Characteristics Energy Feeds Protein Supplements Mineral and Vitamin Supplements Nonnutritive Additives Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 8. Genetics Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction The Gene Principles of Inheritance Mitosis and Meiosis Mitosis Meiosis Gene Expression Dominant and Recessive Expression Codominance Incomplete Dominance Epistasis Multiple Alleles Testcrossing Sex-Related Inheritance Sex-Linked Inheritance Sex-Influenced Inheritance Sex-Limited Traits Population Genetics Gene Frequency Animal Breeding and Population Genetics Mutation and Genetic Drift Migration and Selection Quantity Versus Quality Traits Qualitative and Quantitative Traits Heritability Systems of Mating Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 9. Animal Breeding Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Beef Cattle Genetic Improvement Heritability Genetic Correlations Performance Information Genetic Evaluation, Breeding Value, and Expected Progeny Difference Growth Trait EPDs Breed Average EPD and Base Year Accuracy Possible Change Sire Summaries Maternal Trait EPDs Milk EPD Combined Maternal EPD Carcass EPD Mature Size Use of EPDs Use of EPDs for Selection in Seedstock Herds Use of EPDs for Selection in Commercial Herds Pedigree Estimated EPDs Across-Breed EPDs EPDs and Crossbreeding Dairy Cattle Genetic Improvement Heritability Estimates Associations Among Traits Goal Setting and Trait Emphasis Genetic Evaluation Procedures DHI System Animal Model Sire Selection Swine Genetic Improvement Performance Information Genetic Parameters Breeding Value and Expected Progeny Difference Swine Breeds Stages Sheep Genetic Improvement Breed and Breed Types Selection National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) Heterosis in Sheep Breeding Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 10. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Nuts and Bolts of Genetic Engineering Restriction Enzymes Gene Cloning Polymerase Chain Reaction Gene Mapping Biotechnology and/or Genetically Engineered Organisms Applications of Biotechnology Micropropagation Transgenic animals Livestock Agricultural Applications Disease Resistance Biomedical Applications Transgenic Pets Medicine Genetic Testing Gene Therapy Pharmacogenomics Microorganisms and Recombinant DNA Technology Drug and Vaccine Production Biotechnology and pest management Bacteria engineered for the foods industry Societal Concerns Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 11. Animal Reproduction Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Puberty Endocrinology Anatomy Female Male Pregnancy Parturition Environmental Influences on Reproduction Technology and Reproduction Artificial Insemination Estrous Synchronization Embryo Transfer “In Vitro” Fertilization Reproduction in Poultry and Birds Hen Cock Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 12. Lactation Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Mammary Gland Development, Anatomy, and Function Components of Milk Carbohydrates Protein Lipids Calcium Other Factors in Milk Production Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 13. Animal Behavior Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Areas of Study in Animal Behavior Communication Aggression and Social Structure Biological Rhythms and Sleep Sexual Behavior Maternal Behavior Development of Behavior Learning Ingestive Behavior: Food and Water Intake Behavioral Disorders Livestock Behavior Temperament Training and Habituating Livestock to Handling and Restraint Effects of Novelty Vision Noise Flight Zone Herd Animals Genetic Differences Handler Dominance Handling Facility Layout Improved Handling Practices Objective Scoring of Handling Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 14. Animal Health Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Disease Causes of Disease Describing Disease Diagnosis of Disease Veterinary Services Available Mobile Animal Clinics/Hospitals Programmed Health Management Resident Veterinarian Diagnostic Services The Body’s Defense Against Disease Herd Health Management Nutrition Genetics Prevention Animal Disease and Human Well-Being Emotional Loss Animal Disease and Human Health Animal Disease and National Economies Animal Disease and Farm Income Bioterrorism Regulatory Animal Medicine Federal Regulation Animal Disease Traceability Framework State Regulation Accredited Veterinarians United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) Organizations American Veterinary Medical Association USDA, APHIS, Animal Care United States Animal Health Association Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References PART THREE: THE ANIMAL INDUSTRIES 15. Market Coordination in the Beef, Pork, and Poultry Industries Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Vertical Integration Definition Vertical Coordination Motives Current State of Vertical Integration Production Characteristics: Beef, Pork, and Poultry Biological Production Cycle Genetic Base Industry Stages Geographic Concentration in Production Operation Size and Specialization Market Factors Enhancing Coordination Value-Added Products at Retail New Product Development Brand Marketing Vertical Coordination Limitations Capital Risk Control of Quantity, Quality, and Consistency Management Skills Needed Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 16. Beef Cattle Learning Objectives Key Terms Scientific Classification of Cattle The Place of the Beef Cattle Industry in U.S. Agriculture Purpose of the U.S. Beef Cattle Industry Historical Perspective Structure of the Beef Industry Geographic Location of Beef Cattle in the United States Genetics and Breeding Programs Breeds Reproductive Management in Beef Cattle Nutrition in Beef Cattle Challenges to Beef Cattle Health Calf diarrhea (scours) Bovine respiratory disease Blackleg Bloat Beef’s Nutritional Benefits to Humans Trends and Factors Influencing the Beef Industry Consumption Exports/Globalization Technology Animal Traceability Food Safety Environmental Concerns Organic and Natural Production Biofuel Production Industry Structure Additional Trends and Concerns Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 17. Dairy Cattle Learning Objectives Key Terms Scientific Classification of Cattle The Place of the Dairy Cattle Industry in U.S. Agriculture Purpose of the Dairy Cattle Industry in the United States Historical Perspective Structure and Geographic Location of the Dairy Industry Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) Genetics and Breeding Programs Breeds Reproductive Management in Dairy Cattle Nutrition in Dairy Cattle Herd Health Mastitis Milk fever (hypocalcemia) Displaced abomasum Johne’s disease Bovine Somatotropin (BST) Nutritional Benefits of Milk to Humans Trends and Factors Influencing the Dairy Industry Restructuring Consumption Food Safety Trade Industry Organizations Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 18. Poultry Learning Objectives Key Terms Scientific Classification of Poultry The Place of Poultry in U.S. Agriculture Purpose of the Poultry Industry in the United States Historical Perspective Domestication Early Use in the United States Eggs Genetics Chicks Integration Structure and Geographic Location of the Poultry Industry The U.S. Broiler Industry The U.S. Egg Industry The U.S. Turkey Industry The U.S. Duck, Goose, and Other Poultry Industries Genetics and Breeding Programs Breeds, Varieties, and Strains of Poultry Chicken Breeds in Modern Production Turkey Breeds Duck and Goose Breeds Reproductive Management in Poultry Breeder Flock Management Mating Systems Selection and Care of Eggs Egg Storage Incubators Testing for Fertility Nutrition in Poultry Flock Health Management Challenges to Poultry Health Rickets Fowl cholera Mycoplasmosis Nutritional Benefits of Poultry to Humans Trends and Factors Influencing the Poultry Industry Turkey Consumption and Production Broiler Consumption and Production Egg Consumption All-Natural and Organic Production Food Safety Concerns Integration and Consolidation Technological Innovation and Standardization Waste Disposal Biotechnology Animal Welfare Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Industry Organizations Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 19. Swine Learning Objectives Key Terms Scientific Classification of swine The Place of the Swine Industry in U.S. Agriculture Purpose of the Swine Industry in the United States Historical Perspective Structure of the Swine Industry Geographic Location of Swine in the United States Genetics and Breeding Programs Breeds Swine Breeding Programs Reproductive Management in Swine Gilts Sows Estrus Detection Farrowing Management Boars Artificial Insemination in Swine Record Keeping Nutrition in Swine Feeding Practices Herd Health Management Biosecurity challenges to swine health Diarrhea (scours) Respiratory disease Gastric ulcers Nutritional Benefits of Pork to Humans Trends and Factors Influencing the Swine Industry Pork Consumption Nutrition and Health Consciousness Convenient Foods Food Safety Concerns Last Stages of Restructuring-Consolidation Technological Innovation and Standardization Waste Disposal Biotechnology Foreign Competition/Trade Animal Welfare/Animal Rights Work Force Industry Organizations Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 20. Sheep and Goats Learning Objectives Key Terms Scientific Classification of Sheep and Goats The Place of the Sheep and Goat Industries in U.S. Agriculture Purpose of the Sheep and Goat Industries in the United States Historical Perspective Structure of the Sheep and Goat Industries Geographic Location of Sheep and Goats in the United States Selection and Breeding Programs Breeds Reproductive Management Nutrition Challenges to Sheep and Goat Health Gastrointestinal parasitism Contagious ecthyma Caseous lymphadenitis Pregnancy toxemia Nutritional Benefits of Lamb and Goat Meat to Humans Nutritional Benefits of Goat Milk to Humans Trends and Factors Influencing the sheep and goat Industries Consumption Industry Size and Structure Environmental Concerns Technology Industry Organizations Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 21. Horses Learning Objectives Key Terms Scientific Classification of Horses The Place of Horses in the United States Purpose of the Horse Industry in the United States Historical Perspective Structure and Geographic Location of the Horse Industry Horse Genetics Basic Coat Colors Flaxen Mane and Tail Additional Common Markings Genetic Diseases in Horses Breeds of Horses Draft Horses Imported Light Breeds Breeds of Horses Developed in the United States Breed Popularity Reproductive Management Nutrition and Feeding of Horses Challenges to Horse Health Colic Laminitis Heaves Trends and Factors Influencing the Horse Industry Education and Research Competition New Owners Safety Concerns West Nile Virus Social Issues Technological Innovation Industry Organizations Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 22. Aquaculture Learning Objectives Key Terms The Place of Aquaculture in U.S. Agriculture The Purpose of the Aquaculture Industry Worldwide Importance of Aquaculture Historical Perspective Structure and Geographic Location of the Aquaculture Industry Catfish Trout Tilapia Crawfish Salmon Mollusks Ornamental Fish Types of Aquaculture Systems Water Quality Aquaculture Life Cycles Genetics Nutrition of Aquatic Species Benefits of Consuming Farm-Raised Fish Trends Affecting Aquaculture Species Technology Constraints to Expansion Disease Control Environmental Concerns Predator Loss Culture of Aquatic Species Farm-Raised Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus)* Production Process Feeding Water Quality Disease Management Harvest and Marketing Quality Assurance Freshwater Prawn Pond Production and Grow-Out (Macrobrachium Rosenbergii)* Site Selection and Pond Design Stocking of Juveniles Temperature Feeding Water Quality Management Nitrogen Compounds pH Diseases Harvesting Polyculture and Intercropping Processing and Marketing Reproduction of Angelfish (Pterophyllum Scalare)* Water Quality Nutrition Spawning Sources of Information Study Questions References 23. Pet and Companion Animals Learning Objectives Key Terms The Place of Pet and Companion Species in the United States Purpose of the Pet and Companion Animals Industry Pets and Companion Animals Defined Value of Pets Historical Perspective Geographic Location Genetics and Breeding Programs Breeds of Dogs Breeds of Cats Breeds of Other Pet Species Reproductive Management Nutrition of the Pet Species Product Name Net Quantity Statement Nutritional Adequacy Statement Feeding Directions Calorie Statement Other Label Claims Challenges to Companion Animal Health Cancer Allergic skin disease Pyometra Endocrine diseases Trends in the Pet Industry Humanizing the Pet Pet Population Registered Animals Pet Foods Nutrition Veterinary Expenditures Mini-Trends Industry Organizations Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 24. Lamoids Learning Objectives Key Terms Scientific Classification of Camelids The Place of Lamoids in the United States The Purpose of the Llama and Alpaca Industries History of the Llama in the United States Geographic Distribution Physical Description Camelidae Lamoids Genetics and Breeds Health Care Reproduction Rearing the Cria Nutrition and Feed Use Lamoid Feeding Behavior Trends and Challenges to the Llama Industry Research Needs Educational Needs Health Care Organizations and Sources of Information Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 25. Rabbits Learning Objectives Key Terms Scientific Classification of the Rabbit The Place and Purpose of Rabbits in the United States Historical Perspective Geographic Location of the Rabbit Industry in the United States The Structure of the Rabbit Industry The Rabbit Fancy Commercial Meat Production Laboratory Specimen Production Breeding Stock Production Angora Production Breeds and Genetics Reproductive Management Nutrition Health Program Challenges to Rabbit Health Pasteurellosis Mastitis Diarrhea Non-infectious diseases Nutritional Value of Rabbit Meat to Humans Trends and Factors in Rabbit Production Advantages of Commercial Rabbit Production Disadvantages of Commercial Rabbit Production Management Organizations and Sources of Information Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References PART FOUR: ANIMALS AND SOCIETY 26. Careers and Career Preparation in the Animal Sciences Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Animal Science Studies and Careers Production Science and Medicine Foods Agribusiness Communication and Education Animal Caretakers International Opportunities Trends Affecting Employment A Job, a Career, a Lifetime: What are You Deciding When You Choose a Career and a Major? Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 27. Food Safety and Consumer Concerns Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction History of Food Safety as a Public Issue Importance of Food Safety to Consumers Preventing Foodborne Illnesses Some Important Microbial Pathogens Associated with Foodborne Illness Bacteria Parasitic Protozoa Viruses Governmental Agencies and Food Safety The Role of the FDA The Role of FSIS Responsibilities of the Federal Agencies Changes in FSIS Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) The Seven HACCP Principles Additional Changes at FSIS and Other Food Safety Initiatives The Bioterrorism Act of Ensuring Safety of the Milk Supply Other Issues of Concern to Consumers Bovine Somatotropin Hormones Antibiotics Food Irradiation Mad Cow Disease Genetically Engineered Products Sources of Information Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References 28. Animal Welfare and Animal Rights Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction Animal Rights Versus Animal Welfare Philosophy, History, and Legislation Animal Welfare/Animal Rights Groups Animal Rights Issues Present and Future Defining and Measuring Animal Welfare Sources of Information Suggested Readings Summary and Conclusion References 29. Animals in Sustainable Agriculture Learning Objectives Key Terms Introduction What is Sustainable Agriculture? Practices That Are Part of Sustainable Farming The Systems Philosophy Animals in Sustainable Agricultural Systems Monoculture Sources of Information Summary and Conclusion Study Questions References Glossary Index