Important animal terms glossary

A species-specific comfort behavior in poultry in which birds use loose particulate substrate (e.g., sand, litter) to perform dust-bathing movements that maintain feather structure and reduce external parasite burden; deprivation of this behavior is considered a significant welfare deficit in cage-kept systems.

A feeding system in which livestock, normally cattle, are allowed to graze on silage in a clamp. The amount taken is usually controlled by an electric fence or movable barrier a short distance from the silage face.

As tie stalls except dairy cows are released to walk to a milking parlour or to be fed. Often most of the feed is served in front of the stalls.

The developmental stage at which an animal first exhibits fertile estrous cycles (females) or spermatogenesis (males), enabling reproduction; in heifers this typically occurs at approximately 65–67% of mature body weight, depending on breed and nutritional status.

A feedstuff consisting of a forage crop e. g. grass, maize harvested in the green state and preserved by ensiling in a silo or clamp. This involves the fermentation by bacteria of carbohydrates in the plant material to organic acids and protein to amino acids.

A heap of silage usually on a rectangular concrete base and supported by three walls. It is usually covered by a plastic sheet to maintain the anaerobic conditions needed for fermentation.

A container in which silage is made and stored. It may be in the form of a silage clamp or bunker silo or a wood, concrete or steel tower. Also a term used to describe some types of grain store.

A flooring system in livestock housing in which the surface consists of parallel bars or slats with gaps between them, allowing manure and urine to fall into a collection pit below, thereby reducing contact between animals and excreta and facilitating hygiene management.

Weight of a live animal immediately prior to slaughter.