An Introduction to the Disciplines and Species of Animal Sciences
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2014
Pages: 276
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2014
Pages: 280
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An Introduction to the Disciplines and Species of Animal Sciences provides a comprehensive foundation in the biological, agricultural, and management principles that underpin modern animal science. The book begins by exploring the importance of animals in human society, the history of domestication, and the scientific principles of animal behavior, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and lactation. These core disciplines establish an understanding of how animals grow, reproduce, interact with their environments, and contribute to food production, research, and other industries. The text also introduces advances in biotechnology, genetic improvement, and reproductive technologies that continue to shape the field.
Building on these scientific concepts, the book examines the characteristics, management practices, and economic significance of major domesticated animal species, including dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, poultry, llamas, alpacas, and aquaculture species. Each species chapter discusses breeds, production systems, health management, and their roles in agriculture and society. The text concludes with an examination of animal welfare, ethics, and contemporary issues surrounding the responsible care and use of animals, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the diverse disciplines and species that make up the field of animal sciences.
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 Importance of Animals
Animals as a Source of Food and Fiber
Animal Use beyond Food
Chapter 2 Domestication
The Origin of Animals
Principles of Evolution
Evolution during Domestication
Domestication Moves beyond Taming
Origins of Domestication and the Why, How, When, and Where
Chapter 3 Behavior
Behavior: A Historical Perspective
Factors Affecting Animal Behavior
Introduction to the Study of Behavior
Physiological Aspects of Behavior
Communication
Fields of Behavioral Study
Classifying Behaviors
Chapter 4 Nutrition
Nutrients: A Historical Perspective
Overview of Nutrition
Nutrient Classification
Digestion: A Historical Perspective
Overview of Digestion
Prehension, Mastication, and Swallowing
Nonruminant (Simple Stomach)
Ruminants (Pregastric Fermenters)
Chapter 5 Genetics
Cellular Biology: A Historical Perspective
Cell Classification
Cell Structure and Function
Cell Composition
Genetics: A Historical Perspective
The Study of Genes
Genes Are Organized in the Genome
Inheritance
Expression of Traits
Sex-related Inheritance
Qualitative and Quantitative Traits and the Phenotype
Heritability
Population Genetics
Mating Systems for Genetic Change
Marker Assisted Selection
Molecular Genetics: A Historical Perspective
Biotechnology
Transgenesis
Xenotransplantation
Chapter 6 Reproduction
Reproduction: A Historical Perspective
Female Reproductive Anatomy
Male Reproductive Anatomy
The Reproductive Process
Reproductive Processes in Avians
Reproductive Technology
Chapter 7 Lactation
Lactation: A Historical Perspective
Overview of Lactation Strategies
Mammary Gland Structure
Lactation Cycle
Milk Composition
Chapter 8 Dairy Cattle
Dairy Cattle: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Dairy Cattle
United States Dairy Industry
Management Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Dairy as a Food Commodity
Chapter 9 Beef Cattle
Beef Cattle: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Beef Cattle
The United States Beef Industry
Beef Cattle Management Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Beef Cattle as a Food Commodity
Chapter 10 Small Ruminants
Sheep: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Sheep
United States Sheep Industry
Sheep Management Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Sheep as a Food Commodity
Sheep for Fiber and Conservation
Goats: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Goats
The United States Goat Industry
Goat Management Systems
Capacity of Production
Goat as a Food Commodity
Goats for Fiber, Conservation, and Biotechnology
Chapter 11 Pigs
Pigs: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Pigs
United States Pig Industry
Pig Management Systems
Facilities
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Pigs as a Food Commodity
Pigs as Model Organisms
Chapter 12 Horses
Horses: A Historical Perspective
Selected Horse Breeds
Coat Colors
Basic Coat Colors and Modifications
Coat Color Modifying Genes
Facial and Leg Markings
United States Horse Industry
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Equitation
Chapter 13 Poultry
Poultry: A Historical Perspective
Breeds, Varieties, and Strains of Poultry
United States Poultry Industry
Poultry Management Systems
Production Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Poultry as a Food Commodity
Poultry for the Biomedical Community
Chapter 14 Uarruls and Alpacas
South American Camelids: A Historical Perspective
South American Camelid Species
The Llama and Alpaca Industry
Defining Characteristics and Behaviors
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Llamas as a Food Commodity
Chapter 15 Aquaculture
Aquaculture: A Historical Perspective
The Aquaculture Industry
Aquaculture Production Methods
Aquaculture Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Challenges to Industry Expansion
Fish as a Food Commodity
Chapter 16 Welfare
Animal Welfare: A Historical Perspective
Ethics
Animal Welfare Versus Animal Rights
Approaches to Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare Issues
References
Glossary
Professor and Chair of the Department of Animal Sciences
Dr. Mike Day was raised in central Missouri on a farm that included swine, beef and hay production. Growing up, cattle were of greatest interest to him and reproductive management always sparked his curiosity.
A husband and father of two, Day has prioritized his career by focusing on the three things that he enjoys most — animal agriculture, science and people. He explains these three interests stemmed from his time growing up on the family farm and through his education and now his career. "I am involved in higher education because this is the place where these three can come together," he explains.
After obtaining his bachelor's degree in animal husbandry from the University of Missouri, Day went on to earn his master's and doctorate from the University of Nebraska in animal science with an emphasis in reproductive physiology.
Upon completion of his doctorate, Day was hired at The Ohio State University (OSU). He was a faculty member in the department of animal sciences for 30 years (1985-2015), holding a research and teaching appointment focused on reproductive physiology of beef cattle. His teaching responsibilities stretched from introductory classes, through various reproductive classes and the capstone beef production class for seniors. His research at OSU was a continuation of his graduate work in replacement heifer development and also included research in estrous synchronization, factors that influence fertility and gene expression during early pregnancy in cattle.
While at OSU, he spent a year on sabbatical in New Zealand in 1996 – 97, where he worked on early development of CIDR (controlled internal drug release) device technology and use. In addition to New Zealand and Australia, he has traveled extensively for research and outreach to Brazil and Argentina, and before that, in Japan.
After retiring from OSU as a Professor Emeritus in 2015, Day became Head for the University of Wyoming Animal Science Department. At Wyoming he led a department with approximately 15 faculty and 280 undergraduate students for 4 years. He was recruited in 2019 to fill the same role for the Animal Sciences and Industry Department (ASI) at Kansas State University. In this role he led approximately 55 faculty and 1100 students from 2019 – 2025. During this time, enrollment increased to record numbers and in 2024 and 2025, the ASI Department was ranked first in the US in Animal Sciences by College Raptor. Research expenditures also reached new heights during this time. In 2025, Day returned to the faculty in ASI as a Professor..
An Introduction to the Disciplines and Species of Animal Sciences provides a comprehensive foundation in the biological, agricultural, and management principles that underpin modern animal science. The book begins by exploring the importance of animals in human society, the history of domestication, and the scientific principles of animal behavior, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and lactation. These core disciplines establish an understanding of how animals grow, reproduce, interact with their environments, and contribute to food production, research, and other industries. The text also introduces advances in biotechnology, genetic improvement, and reproductive technologies that continue to shape the field.
Building on these scientific concepts, the book examines the characteristics, management practices, and economic significance of major domesticated animal species, including dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, poultry, llamas, alpacas, and aquaculture species. Each species chapter discusses breeds, production systems, health management, and their roles in agriculture and society. The text concludes with an examination of animal welfare, ethics, and contemporary issues surrounding the responsible care and use of animals, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the diverse disciplines and species that make up the field of animal sciences.
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 Importance of Animals
Animals as a Source of Food and Fiber
Animal Use beyond Food
Chapter 2 Domestication
The Origin of Animals
Principles of Evolution
Evolution during Domestication
Domestication Moves beyond Taming
Origins of Domestication and the Why, How, When, and Where
Chapter 3 Behavior
Behavior: A Historical Perspective
Factors Affecting Animal Behavior
Introduction to the Study of Behavior
Physiological Aspects of Behavior
Communication
Fields of Behavioral Study
Classifying Behaviors
Chapter 4 Nutrition
Nutrients: A Historical Perspective
Overview of Nutrition
Nutrient Classification
Digestion: A Historical Perspective
Overview of Digestion
Prehension, Mastication, and Swallowing
Nonruminant (Simple Stomach)
Ruminants (Pregastric Fermenters)
Chapter 5 Genetics
Cellular Biology: A Historical Perspective
Cell Classification
Cell Structure and Function
Cell Composition
Genetics: A Historical Perspective
The Study of Genes
Genes Are Organized in the Genome
Inheritance
Expression of Traits
Sex-related Inheritance
Qualitative and Quantitative Traits and the Phenotype
Heritability
Population Genetics
Mating Systems for Genetic Change
Marker Assisted Selection
Molecular Genetics: A Historical Perspective
Biotechnology
Transgenesis
Xenotransplantation
Chapter 6 Reproduction
Reproduction: A Historical Perspective
Female Reproductive Anatomy
Male Reproductive Anatomy
The Reproductive Process
Reproductive Processes in Avians
Reproductive Technology
Chapter 7 Lactation
Lactation: A Historical Perspective
Overview of Lactation Strategies
Mammary Gland Structure
Lactation Cycle
Milk Composition
Chapter 8 Dairy Cattle
Dairy Cattle: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Dairy Cattle
United States Dairy Industry
Management Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Dairy as a Food Commodity
Chapter 9 Beef Cattle
Beef Cattle: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Beef Cattle
The United States Beef Industry
Beef Cattle Management Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Beef Cattle as a Food Commodity
Chapter 10 Small Ruminants
Sheep: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Sheep
United States Sheep Industry
Sheep Management Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Sheep as a Food Commodity
Sheep for Fiber and Conservation
Goats: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Goats
The United States Goat Industry
Goat Management Systems
Capacity of Production
Goat as a Food Commodity
Goats for Fiber, Conservation, and Biotechnology
Chapter 11 Pigs
Pigs: A Historical Perspective
Breeds of Pigs
United States Pig Industry
Pig Management Systems
Facilities
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Pigs as a Food Commodity
Pigs as Model Organisms
Chapter 12 Horses
Horses: A Historical Perspective
Selected Horse Breeds
Coat Colors
Basic Coat Colors and Modifications
Coat Color Modifying Genes
Facial and Leg Markings
United States Horse Industry
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Equitation
Chapter 13 Poultry
Poultry: A Historical Perspective
Breeds, Varieties, and Strains of Poultry
United States Poultry Industry
Poultry Management Systems
Production Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Poultry as a Food Commodity
Poultry for the Biomedical Community
Chapter 14 Uarruls and Alpacas
South American Camelids: A Historical Perspective
South American Camelid Species
The Llama and Alpaca Industry
Defining Characteristics and Behaviors
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Llamas as a Food Commodity
Chapter 15 Aquaculture
Aquaculture: A Historical Perspective
The Aquaculture Industry
Aquaculture Production Methods
Aquaculture Systems
Health Management
Capacity of Production
Challenges to Industry Expansion
Fish as a Food Commodity
Chapter 16 Welfare
Animal Welfare: A Historical Perspective
Ethics
Animal Welfare Versus Animal Rights
Approaches to Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare Issues
References
Glossary
Professor and Chair of the Department of Animal Sciences
Dr. Mike Day was raised in central Missouri on a farm that included swine, beef and hay production. Growing up, cattle were of greatest interest to him and reproductive management always sparked his curiosity.
A husband and father of two, Day has prioritized his career by focusing on the three things that he enjoys most — animal agriculture, science and people. He explains these three interests stemmed from his time growing up on the family farm and through his education and now his career. "I am involved in higher education because this is the place where these three can come together," he explains.
After obtaining his bachelor's degree in animal husbandry from the University of Missouri, Day went on to earn his master's and doctorate from the University of Nebraska in animal science with an emphasis in reproductive physiology.
Upon completion of his doctorate, Day was hired at The Ohio State University (OSU). He was a faculty member in the department of animal sciences for 30 years (1985-2015), holding a research and teaching appointment focused on reproductive physiology of beef cattle. His teaching responsibilities stretched from introductory classes, through various reproductive classes and the capstone beef production class for seniors. His research at OSU was a continuation of his graduate work in replacement heifer development and also included research in estrous synchronization, factors that influence fertility and gene expression during early pregnancy in cattle.
While at OSU, he spent a year on sabbatical in New Zealand in 1996 – 97, where he worked on early development of CIDR (controlled internal drug release) device technology and use. In addition to New Zealand and Australia, he has traveled extensively for research and outreach to Brazil and Argentina, and before that, in Japan.
After retiring from OSU as a Professor Emeritus in 2015, Day became Head for the University of Wyoming Animal Science Department. At Wyoming he led a department with approximately 15 faculty and 280 undergraduate students for 4 years. He was recruited in 2019 to fill the same role for the Animal Sciences and Industry Department (ASI) at Kansas State University. In this role he led approximately 55 faculty and 1100 students from 2019 – 2025. During this time, enrollment increased to record numbers and in 2024 and 2025, the ASI Department was ranked first in the US in Animal Sciences by College Raptor. Research expenditures also reached new heights during this time. In 2025, Day returned to the faculty in ASI as a Professor..