1. Evaluating Proper Animal Health

2. Why is animal health important?
Meet animal welfare standards  5 freedoms!
Animal illness can,
reduce profit (increased expenses and losses)
negatively impact our food supply
can also be dangerous to humans

3. Animal health and humans
Zoonosis: a disease that can be transferred between species or from animals to humans (and vice versa)
Examples: rabies, Mad Cow Disease, avian/swine flu, E. Coli

4. So what does a healthy animal look like?

5. Common Characteristics of a healthy animal
Routinely eating and drinking fluids
Regular bowel movements
Frequency, color, consistency
No apparent injury or infected wounds
Even breathing; no unusual sounds
Moves around without difficulty
Normal interactions with others
Seems “happy”
affectionate or tolerant of human interaction
Common Characteristics of a healthy animal
This includes more than how it physically looks...
Must take into consideration how it is behaving...

6. Recognizing illness…
It is important to first recognize and then treat illness as soon as possible!
Some signs are obvious, some are more subtle...

7. There are many common signs of an unhealthy animal
Lethargy = laziness, not wanting to move
High TPR = temperature, pulse, respiration
heavy breathing, open mouth, etc.
Sweating or panting
Change in bowel movements
Unusual or excessive noises
Isolation from group
Dull eyes
Rough or dull coat
Discolored mucus or discharge from the eyes and/or nose
Lack of appetite
Limping or lameness

8. What to do If you can, take TPR Decide whether to call the vet –
If so, give the vet the symptoms and TPR if possible
If not calling the vet, keep a close eye on the animal and watch for new or worsening symptoms
Isolate the animal and provide basic medical attention if needed
ALWAYS: Use proper PPE and sanitation procedures to prevent spread of disease

9. On your notes
On your notes, choose one species of livestock animal to draw a picture of.
Draw one picture of a healthy animal and one of an unhealthy animal.
Label the symptoms showing the animal may be sick.

10. Quick Pic Diagnosis: Healthy or Unhealthy?
Look at the following images and determine which shows a healthy animal and which is likely unhealthy. How can you tell?

14. 6 Essential Nutrients of Life
Understanding Basic Livestock Nutrition

15. Nutrient: a substance that provides nourishment for growth and the maintenance of life; feed constituent (chemical substance) that is absorbed by the digestive tract and metabolized (broken down) by the body to support life

16. WATER (H2O) 2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen Regulates body temperature
Transports nutrients
Removes waste products
Causes chemical reactions
Animals are made of up to 80% H2O!
WATER (H2O)
Helps maintain homeostasis (equilibrium or balance) of the cells/body with the external environment

17. Carbohydrates are chemically composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Sugars, starches, cellulose, lignin
Primary feed sources: corn, wheat, oat, barley, rye, sorghum
Easily digested
Carbs Cm(H2O)n
Primary energy source for the body to do work  produces heat!

18. Fats/Lipids Secondary energy source and source of body heat!
Like carbs, chemically composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Carry fat-soluble vitamins
Has over 2x the energy of carbs
Easily digested
From plant or animal sources

19. Proteins Made up of amino acids
Builds body tissues  ligaments, hair, hooves, horns, skin, organs, & MUSCLES!
Made up of amino acids
10 are essential to animals!
2 Forms: Digestible Protein (DCP) and Crude Protein (CP)
From plant or animal sources
Soybean and fish meal are very common!

20. Minerals Trace/micro vs. Major/macro
Inorganic (lacks carbon) materials necessary for growth and development
Examples: iron calcium, sulfur, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, etc.
Trace/micro vs. Major/macro
Too little  deficiency or disease
Often added to feed (supplemental)
Regulates chemical processes
muscle repair, formation of new tissues, reproduction, digestion, etc.

21. Vitamins Water soluble vs. fat soluble
Primary feed sources: hay, pasture, supplements (with minerals)
Each has specific function:
bone development, healthy coats or feathers, reproduction, muscle development etc.
Organic materials necessary for growth and development
Examples: Vitamin A, C, D, E, B-Complex