Reviewer for Zootechnics (animal production) in the VMLE.
Animal Husbandry
Zootechnics covers the care, breeding, feeding, and housing of livestock for efficient, humane production.
Breeding & Genetics
Use selective breeding and artificial insemination to improve traits like growth rate and milk yield. Heritability measures how much a trait is passed on.
Crossbreeding combines desirable traits and produces hybrid vigor (heterosis).
Animal Nutrition & Welfare
Balanced rations meet energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral needs. Observe the Five Freedoms of animal welfare.
Sudden feed changes in ruminants can cause acidosis or bloat — transition gradually.
Ruminant Stomach
The abomasum is the "true stomach" — equivalent to a monogastric stomach.
Before your exam, make sure you can confidently explain and apply each of the following:
- Animal Husbandry
- Breeding & Genetics
- Animal Nutrition & Welfare
- Ruminant Stomach
Re-read any section above where you hesitate.