P
P13:
(see Parainfluenza virus)
P8 Scan:
(see Rump Fat Thickness)
P8 Site:
An abbreviation for 'Position 8' for fat assessment on cattle. The P8 site is on the rump, forward of the tail head above the short ribs
Packed Cell Volume:
The volume of blood cells in a sample of blood after it has been centrifuged The PCV or haematocrit is expressed as a percentage
Packing Plant:
Facility in which cattle are slaughtered and processed
Paddocks:
Subdivision of a pasture designed to provide short-duration grazing followed by an appropriate (related to species, soil type and weather conditions) rest period for re-growth and stand maintenance
Paint Sticks:
Contain liquid or chalky paint used for marking treated cows
Pairs:
A cow and her calf; rarely, a cow and twin calves
Pajahuello Tick:
Tick found in grazing area, usually responsible for causing foothill abortion
Palatability:
Acceptable to taste or sufficiently agreeable in flavour to be eaten
Palatable:
Acceptable to the taste; readily eaten
Palpation:
Feeling by hand
Pancreas:
A gland located in the duodenal loop of animals, which secretes insulin
Pancreatitis:
A term that describes inflammation of the pancreas. Clinical signs include vomiting, lethargy and a painful abdomen
Pancytopaenia:
Reduction in red and white blood cells and platelet count
Pannus:
Also known as chronic superficial keratitis, it is an inflammatory condition of the cornea in which blood vessels grow across the surface
Papered:
(see Registered)
Papers:
(see Registration Certificate)
Papilla:
A small conical projection of soft tissue, especially on the skin, oral cavity, or lining of the alimentary canal
Papillae:
Plural of Papilla
Papilloma:
Small wart-like growth on the skin
Papule:
A small solid bump rising from the skin that is usually less than 1 centimetre in diameter
Paraesthesia:
Abnormal sensation, typically tingling or pricking
Parainfluenza Type 3:
Viral infection of cattle contributing to bovine respi
Parainfluenza Virus:
A virus which can cause respiratory disease sometimes implicated as an infection which initiates the "shipping fever" complex
Parakeratosis:
Any abnormality of the horny layer of the outer skin which prevents the formation of keratin
Parallel Parlour:
A raised milking area or platform where the cow stands perpendicular to the operator and milking units are attached between the rear legs. This may also be referred to as a side-by-side
Paralysis:
Refers to loss of motor function due to impairment of muscles or nerves
Paraplegia:
Paralysis of the legs and lower body, typically caused by spinal injury or disease
Parasite:
An animal which nourishes itself by feeding on host animals
Parasitology:
The study of parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them. As a biological discipline, the scope of parasitology is not determined by the organism or environment in question, but by the way of life
Parathyroid Gland:
A small gland that lays next to and works with the thyroid
Parent Average:
The average PTA value of the sire and dam, which is calculated by AIPL
Parentage Testing:
The exclusion of relationship where an animal has a genotype inconsistent to a putative relationship
Parenteral:
Administered or occurring elsewhere in the body other than the mouth and alimentary canal
Parenterally:
Refers to the administration of a drug into the body through some way other than the digestive tract, such as subcutaneous or intravenous injection
Paresis:
Refers to partial loss of motor function due to impairment of muscles or nerves
Parity:
Number of different times a female has had offspring
Parlour:
The specialised area on the dairy farm where milking is performed. Parlours come in many types
Parrot Mouth
(see Overshot Jaw)
Partial Budget:
Budget that includes only those revenue and expense items that would change as a result of a proposed change in the business
Partial Dominance:
A form of dominance where the performance of the heterozygote is intermediate between the two homozygotes, but more closely resembles the performance of the homozygous dominant type
Parturition:
An act of giving birth, calving
Parturition Paresis:
Partial paralysis that occurs at or near the time of giving birth to young and beginning lactation. The mother mobilises large amounts of calcium to produce milk to feed newborn, and blood calcium levels drop below the point necessary for impulse transmission along the nerve tracks. Commonly called milk fever
Passive Immunity:
Is the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another. It can occur naturally, when maternal antibodies are transferred to the newborn animal in colostrum, and can also be transferred artificially, such as a plasma transfusion
Passive Transfer of Immunity:
Acquiring protection against infectious disease from another animal; this occurs when a newborn consumes antibody - rich colostrum from its dam
Pastern:
The part between the fetlock and the hoof
Pasteurisation:
This is the process which heats the milk to around 165 degrees F for 15 seconds to kill any bacteria which might be present in the milk
Pasture:
Land at a dairy farm that is lush with vegetation coverage such as grasses or legumes and is used for grazing dairy cows
Pasture Bred:
A cow serviced by a bull in pasture
Pasture Fed:
Cattle that have grazed on pastures or crops rather than grains
Pasture Rotation:
The rotation of animals from one pasture to another so that some pasture areas have no livestock on them in certain periods
Pasturella baemolytica:
A bacterium causing "shipping fever" pneumonia, often after infection with one of the respiratory viruses such as IBR, PI3, BRSV, or BVD. Newer vaccines containing the leukotoxoid portion of Pasteurella haemolytica are more effective than the older vaccines, which did not provide adequate protection
Pasteurella Mulitocida:
A bacterium that causes cholera and haemorrhagic septicaemia in warm-blooded animals
Patchy:
Uneven fat accumulations usually lumps of exterior fat around the tailhead and pin bones
Patella:
The common name for the kneecap; in the live animal, it protects the knee joint. It is adjacent to the posterior end of the femur on the ventral side
Paternal:
Belonging to the father
Pathogen:
Any microorganism that produces disease (bacteria, viruses, yeasts, moulds and parasites)
Pathogenesis:
The manner of development of a disease
Pathogenic:
The ability to cause disease
Pathogenicity:
The degree of power a pathogen has to cause disease
Pathologist:
Person who specialises in the diagnosis of diseases through the examination of animal tissue and body fluids
Paturient Paresis:
(see Milk Fever)
Paunch:
Another name for rumen
Paunchy:
Heavy middle
Pay Weight:
The actual weight for which payment is made. In many cases, it is the shrunk weight (actual weight minus pencil shrink)
PCHS:
Premium cattle health scheme for disease control licensed by CHeCS, administered by SAC
PCR:
(see Polymerase Chain Reaction)
PCTILE:
Percentile Net Merit is a ranking based upon the Net Merit $ value of the animal
PCV:
(see Packed Cell Volume)
PDCA:
Purebred Dairy Cattle Association
Peak:
A cow’s highest daily milk production within a lactation for a test day prior to 150 days in milk. Peak is determined after a cow reaches 100 days in milk and will be updated until the cow reaches 150 days in milk
Peak Discharge:
The highest value or stage of a flood or precipitation event coming from a given area
Peak Plasma Discharge:
The highest level of drug – for example, florfenicol or flunixin meglumine – that occurs in the plasma portion of blood after administration of the drug
Pecking Order:
The social hierarchy within a group or herd of animals
Pectoral:
In or on the chest cavity; refers to bones, muscles, or body parts in the breast or chest
Pectoral Limb:
Front limb; e.g., shoulder or front leg
Pectorales Profundi:
A porcine muscle which is commonly called the "half moon" due to its appearance. It extends from near the 3rd cervical vertebrae to near the 12th rib
Pediculicide:
An agent that destroys lice
Pedigree:
A tabulation of names of an individual’s ancestors, usually only those of the three to five closest generations. Pedigree information is used to establish genetic relationships among individuals to use in genetic evaluations
Peer to Peer System (P2P):
Computer network that relies on the computing and bandwidth of the participants in the network rather than concentrating it on a relatively few number of servers
Pellets:
Feed formed by compacting and forcing through die openings by a mechanical process
Pelvic Area:
Pelvic area measurement - It is generally agreed that pelvic measurements should be taken at 1 year of age (320 - 410 days) expressed in cm2 (centimetres squared).
Many producers want to adjust pelvic measurements for age and sex. This is fine but please enter the raw measurements here
Pelvic Fat:
Fat found in the pelvic region
Pelvic Limb:
Hind limb; e.g., round, ham, or hind leg
Pelvis:
The fused ilium, ischium, and pubis which make up the hip. A portion of the pelvis ("aitch bone") is exposed when the carcass is split into sides
Pen Breeding:
The breeding system by which one male and one female are released in a small enclosure for mating purposes
Pen Deads:
Cattle that are found dead in the pen (versus being found dead in the hospital pen). Cause of death is usually unknown
Pen Rider:
Employee who rides through the pens to look for sick cattle
Pencil Shrink:
An arithmetic deduction (percent of live weight) from an animal’s weight to account for fill
Pendulous Udder:
A loosely attached udder
Penetrance:
The ability of a gene or group of genes to cause their characteristic to develop under the conditions of a particular environment. Colour has a high penetrance, for instance, a calf will be black and white in any environment. Most economic characters (milk production, rate of gain, etc) have imperfect penetrance. They are influenced by environmental factors
Penis:
The male organ of copulation. It serves both as a channel for passage of urine from the bladder as an extension of the urethra and as a copulatory organ through which sperm are deposited into the female reproductive tract
Peptide:
Molecule of two or more 'peptide linked' amino acid residues
Per Capita:
Per person
Peracute:
Said of a disease which develops to a crisis more rapidly than normal
Percent Bulk Tank SCC:
The % of the total somatic cells that an individual cow contributes to the bulk tank. This is based on the cow’s milk weight and actual somatic cell count. This value can aid in determining the value of that cow’s production to the overall quality premium or bonus that is paid
Percent Calf Crop:
The percentage cows and heifers exposed to breeding within a herd and year that produce calves
Percent Change:
The test day milk production change from the previous to current test day. Normal change should be -10 percent per month after the cow reaches peak production
Percent CP:
The crude protein % that is in the ration that is being fed to the herd. When expressed on a per cow basis it usually represents the amount that is required based on NRC recommendations for current production level
Percent Deviation:
The % difference between Sum of Test Day Wts and Average Daily Bulk Tank Wts. The denominator is the milk shipped. A positive value indicates that more milk was recorded on test day than was shipped
Percent ENE:
The amount of energy that is derived from different feed classes
Percent Heats Obs:
The percent of the possible heats that are detected. This is calculated as:
% Heats Obs. = [number of services and heats reported in the test period for eligible cows / (estrous cycle days in test period for eligible cows / 21)] X 100
Percent Herd M.E:
Compares the cow’s 305-2X-ME with the current herd average 305-2X-ME. The formula is (cow’s 305-2X-ME) / (Herd Average 305-2X-ME) X 100 = % Herd ME
Percent Herd SCC:
Cow’s SCC divided by the bulk tank SCC and expressed as a percent
Percent in Milk:
A percentage of the producing females in the herd on test day that were in milk
Percent Relative Value:
A comparison of the cow’s dollar value and the herd’s ME dollar value. Formula is: 100 * Cow Dollar Value / Herd ME Dollar Value
Percent Reliability:
A measure of the information in the genetic evaluation. Information from the animal, parents and progeny are considered
Percent Successful:
The number of successful services divided by the total services multiplied by 100
Percent TDN:
The % Total Digestible Nutrients in the ration that is being fed. When expressed on a per cow basis it usually represents the amount that is required based on NRC recommendations for the current production level
Percent Voluntary Culls:
The percent of the cows that were sold for low production or dairy purposes
Performance Data:
The record of the individual animal for reproduction, production, or carcass merit. The most useful performance records for management, selection and promotion decisions will vary among purebred breeders and for purebred breeders compared with commercial cattle producers
Performance Pedigree:
A pedigree that includes performance records of the individual, ancestors, relatives, and progeny in addition to the usual pedigree information. Expected progeny differences may also be included
Performance Setback:
A reduction in average daily gain and feed efficiency, usually due to a disease event such as BRD
Performance Test:
In a performance test, phenotypic values for economically important traits are recorded on animals that have been managed as uniformly as possible, such that performance records will reflect transmissible genetic merit as accurately as possible
Performance Testing:
The systematic collection of comparative production information
Performance Traits:
An alternative term used to describe recorded traits
Perianal Fistula:
A painful condition of the skin surrounding the anus, in which small tracts open up, bleed and get infected
Pericardium:
The fluid-filled sac that surrounds the heart and the proximal ends of the aorta, vena cava, and the pulmonary artery
Perikaryon(a):
The cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus
Perimysium:
Intramuscular connective tissue surrounding primary and secondary bundles of muscular fibres
Perineal:
The region of the body between the genitals and the anus
Periosteum:
Around the bone; a thin tough connective tissue that covers the outer surface of bones. During boning it may stay attached to the lean or it may adhere to the bone. Two places it can be found are the medial surface of the beef clod and sirloin butt
Peristaltic Waves:
The rectum contracts and relaxes continuously as dung is moved towards the anus. When your hand is placed in the anus, the rectum will contract in an effort to push your hand outwards
Peritoneum:
The thin serous membrane covering the inside of the flank and the abdomen
Peritonitis:
Inflammation of the peritoneum
Perivascular:
Situated or occurring around a blood vessel
Permanent Environmental Effect:
An environmental effect unique to each animal which permanently affects the expression of a repeated trait
Permittee:
A person that has a permit from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or other federal or state management agency that allows the use of range or grazing lands by their livestock. Permits usually state the conditions of how grazing will be conducted
Persistency:
The quality of being persistent, as in the ability of lactating animals to maintain milk production over a period of time
Persistency of Lactation Curve:
An index based upon each cow’s projected 305 ME production. The projection made on the first test day after 80 days in milk is the base for the entire lactation with a new projection calculated each subsequent test day. A persistence of 100 indicates that the lactation curve is similar to the average for animals of the same breed age and season of calving. The formula is: (New Projection/Base Projection) X 100 = Persistency of Lactation Curve
Persistency Percent:
An index based upon each cow’s current projected 305 ME production compared to her projected 305 ME production on the previous test day. A persistence greater than 100 indicates that the cow’s lactation curve is holding up better than the average for her breed, age and season of freshening. The formula is: (New Projection/ Last Month’s Projection) X 100 = Persistency %
Personnel:
Staff, owners, and operators and their family members
Pestivirus:
A disease in cattle that causes abortion, ill-thrift in young animals, diarrhoea and respiratory disease
Pests:
Vermin, including mice, rats, insects and birds
PET Scan:
The popular name (and abbreviation) of Positron Emission Tomography
Petechiae:
Minute haemorrhagic spots on the skin
pH:
A logarithmic measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution using the hydrogen ion concentration. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 with numbers above 7 being alkaline and numbers below 7, acidic. A one number change means the solution is ten times weaker or stronger than the previous measure
Phagocyte:
A type of cell in the body that is capable of engulfing or absorbing bacteria particles
Phagocytosis:
The process of engulfing a foreign particle and digesting it
Phalanges:
The bones that are in the toes
Pharmaceutical:
Medicinal drug
Pharynx:
The throat
Phase C Test:
South African cattle performance test where growth (ADG) and feed conversion (FCE) are measured under feedlot conditions
Phase D Test:
South African cattle performance test where growth (ADG) is measured in the feedlot or on grazing
Phenol:
Carbolic acid
Phenotype:
The visible or measurable expression of a character, weaning weight, post-weaning gain, or reproduction for example. For most traits, phenotype is influenced by both genotype and environment. The relative degree to which phenotypic variation among individuals is caused by transmissible genetic effects is the heritability of a trait
Phenotypic Correlation:
A net correlation between two traits caused both by genetic factors and environmental factors simultaneously influencing both traits
Phenotypic Selection:
Phenotypic selection occurs when individuals are selected to become the next generation of parents based upon their phenotypic merit for a particular trait or traits. Because "like tends to beget like", selection of phenotypically superior parents should increase progeny merit for the selected trait
Phenotypic Selection Differential:
The difference between the average performance of individuals selected to be parents and the average performance of all potential parents expressed in units of the trait
Phenotypic Value:
A performance record; a measure of an animal's performance for a trait
Phenotypic Variance:
The variance of individual performance for a trait in a population
Pheomorphic:
Having several shapes
Pheromones:
Chemical substances that attract the opposite sex
Phosphate:
An ion of phosphorus and oxygen (H2PO4- or HPO4-2). May exist as an ion in solution or as an ester or salt of phosphoric acid
Phosphoprotein:
A protein that contains phosphorus
Photoperiod:
Time period when light is present
Photosensitivity:
Refers to an increase in the reactivity of the skin to sunlight. It can cause reddening and blistering of the skin
Physical Market:
(see Direct Sale)
PI:
Persistently Infected. Calves infected with BVD virus whilst in the uterus, during the first third of pregnancy, and which survive to term remain persistently infected. They shed virus throughout their lives and are the main source of virus within the herd. Many die of mucosal disease between 6 – 18 months of age, but they may appear normal and reach breeding age. Any calf produced by a PI cow will also be PI
Pica:
A craving for unnatural articles of food such as is observed in phosphorus-deficient animals; a depraved appetite
Pigment:
The characteristic colour found around the eyes of certain breeds
Pin Bones:
In cattle, the posterior ends of the pelvic bones that appear as two raised areas on either side of the tail head
Pink Eye:
Caused by bacterial infection of the eye, spread by flies, people handling cattle and dust. Eyes first become red and inflamed, tears and later a bluish film over the eye. If left untreated, pink eye can cause blindness. Detection early is vital to cure the infection. Antibiotics, pink eye sprays or powders are available and should be kept readily accessible
Pinworms
A small nematode worm with unsegmented body found as a parasite in the rectum and large intestine of animals
Pipeline:
A stainless steel or glass pipe used for transporting milk
Piroplasmosis:
Serious tick and tick – borne disease in cattle
Pit:
A contained unit usually with concrete walls in which liquid or semi-liquid manure is stored
Pit Corn:
(see High Moisture Corn)
Pituitary:
Small endocrine gland attached to the base of the brain. It is controlled by the hypothalamus and secretes hormones. See posterior pituitary
Pituitary Gland:
Gland which releases oxytocin
Pizzle Eye:
(1) The root of the penis;
(2) the white surface area remaining when the ligamentous attachments (the crura) are cut through when the penis is removed from male carcasses. These crurae are not naturally present in female carcasses. So, their presence provides positive sex identification of a carcass or side
Pizzle Rot:
(see Balanoposthitis)
PL:
Productive Life
Placebo:
A dummy medication or treatment
Placebo Bait:
Bait containing no vaccine but may have biomarker with which to measure uptake
Placenta:
Tissue associated with the uterus during pregnancy and through which the fetuses are nourished
Placentitis:
Inflammation of the organ in the uterus to which the embryo is attached
Placing Cattle:
Settling or positioning a herd of cattle so they want to stay very near to where they are settled by the handler for a day or longer. Well-placed cattle want to stay where you take the movement out of them and have a great affinity for the spot they are placed on and the herd they are with. Well-placed cattle will leave the herd to drink and return promptly to the place where the herd is
Plain:
A term suggesting general inferiority; coarse; lacking the desired quality or breed character
Plains States:
Includes Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota and the eastern parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana; often referred to as the “Beef Belt”
Planing:
The measurement of fat above the plan created by two adjacent muscles. The seam fat between the involved muscles is not considered
Planned Grazing:
A grazing plan that develops the pathway to the creation of the landscape conditions described in the holistic goal. Planned grazing integrates many resource considerations and factors simultaneously
Planned Matings:
Planned matings occur when the cattle breeder chooses to mate a particular male with a particular female in an attempt to achieve the desired result. Crossbreeding is a planned mating, for example, when practised in an attempt to benefit from Heterosis
Plaque:
A biofilm that develops naturally on the teeth. It is formed by colonising bacteria trying to attach itself to the smooth surface of a tooth
Plasmid:
A circular piece of bacterial DNA often used as a cloning vector to produce recombinant DNA in large quantities
Plate Cooler:
A heat exchanger in which water at ground temperature or chilled water is used to cool milk prior to its movement to the bulk milk tank
Platelets:
Are found in the blood of animals and functions to promote blood clotting. Also known as thrombocytes
Pleiotropy:
Where a gene or genes affect more than one trait. This is the basis for the genetic correlation between traits
Pleomorphism:
Having many forms
Pleura:
The thin serous thoracic cavity membrane. The parietal pleura lines the inside surface of the rib cage. The visceral pleura covers the outer surfaces of the lungs
Pleuro Pneumonia:
This disease, caused by a pox virus, is an infectious, eruptive and occasionally fatal disease of cattle characterised by nodules on the skin. Cattle and water buffalo are the only livestock species affected, with high morbidity rates but low (around 1 percent) mortality.
Death rates are greater among calves. It causes damage to hides, loss of milk and beef production, abortions in females and sterility in males.
Other names for this condition are: Dermatosis nodularis: exanthema nodularis bovis; pseudo urticatria; lumpy disease; knowpvelsiekte
PLM:
Program Logic Model
Pluck:
Organs of the thoracic cavity (e.g., heart and lungs)
PMSG:
Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin. A hormone present in the blood of pregnant mares between about 40 and 150 days of gestation. Sometimes used in superovulation in animals
Pneumonia:
An inflammation or infection of alveoli of the lungs caused by either bacteria, parasites or viruses. It is a disease condition of the lower respiratory tract. There are many causes of pneumonia. These include viruses, bacteria, fungal agents, bacteria, mycoplasmas, parasitic and inhalation
Pocket Tripe:
Tripe prepared from the reticulum
Poddy Calf:
An orphan calf usually from a beef cow that has been artificially reared. Usually a small poorly grown calf
Polioencephalomalacia (PEM):
An important neurological disease of ruminants that is seen worldwide. Cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and camelids are affected.
The term PEM denotes a lesion with certain gross and microscopic features that are not specific for a particular etiology or pathogenesis. Historically, PEM has been associated with altered thiamine status, but more recently an association with high sulphur intake has been observed.
Other toxic or metabolic diseases (e.g., acute lead poisoning, sodium toxicosis/water deprivation) can result in PEM as well
Polled:
Naturally, hornless cattle, having no horns or scurs
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis:
Technique for separating protein components by molecular weight on the basis of passing through an acrylamide gel under the influence of an applied electric field
Polyarthritis:
The term means inflammation of more than one joint. Often used in the context of infectious or immune-mediated diseases
Polyclonal ab:
A term which describes the products of a number of different B-cells
Polydactyl:
Having more than the normal number of toes
Polydipsia:
Excessive thirst and drinking
Polygenic:
A trait controlled by many genes and their interactions
Polymer:
Molecular structure built up from a large number of smaller units or monomers
Polymerase:
The enzyme system that facilitates the replication of DNA or RNA
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):
A process used to rapidly amplify DNA. The original DNA is heated, causing the strands to separate. Specific primers are then added to bond to the single strands. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the primer, extending the new DNA strand. The PCR process can be repeated to produce many copies
Polymorphism:
The existence of two or more alleles at a gene locus in a population
Polyneuropathy:
General degeneration of peripheral nerves spreading to the centre of the body
Polyp:
An abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane
Polypeptide:
Peptide containing more than approximately 20 'peptide linked' amino acid residues
Polyphagia:
Excessive eating
Polyphenolics:
A class of compounds containing polymers of phenol groups in animal nutrition, largely represented by the tannins
Polyuria:
Condition usually defined as excessive or abnormally large production and or passage of urine
Pons:
Accumulation of fat over pin bones
Pony – Type:
In reference to stocky, early maturing cattle, particularly bulls
Popliteal:
Pertaining to that part of the leg behind the knee or stifle joint
Popliteal Lymph Gland:
Lies in the pocket of fat on the outside round, along the natural seam separating the inside and outside round
Population:
A group of intermating individuals. This term can be used to refer to all animals in a breed, an entire species or even a single herd
Population Genetics:
The study of factors affecting gene and genotype frequencies in a population
Portion Controlled Beef Products:
Retail cuts of beef that meet size and form specifications
Posilac:
Trade name for rBST marketed by Protiva, a unit of Monsanto
Positive Change Value:
A measure of the accuracy with which the number and distribution of progeny available allowed the E.P.D. to predict the future progeny performance. This value indicates the amount of change either plus or minus that is possible when additional progeny records are included. The smaller the P.C. value, the less it should change
Positive Controls:
Subjects of nutrition experiments, or experimental animals which receive the basal or experimental diet plus adequate amounts of the missing nutrient or test material
Positive Fat:
Cattle that demonstrate body fat above the breed average
Possible Change:
The amount by which an individual’s current EPD might reasonably be expected to change (either upwards or downwards) as more information becomes available in subsequent national cattle evaluations. This measurement of error in prediction decreases as the number of offspring per sire increases
Post Partum Anoestrus Period:
Period (days) from calving to first oestrous cycle
Posterior:
Located behind a centre point or towards the rear
Posterior Pituitary:
Part of pituitary situated near the back of the head which stores the hormone oxytocin and produces another hormone called antidiuretic hormone
Postgastric Fermentation:
The fermentation of feed that occurs in the cecum, behind the area where digestion has occurred
Post-legged:
A condition in which the hind legs are too straight, so that the springy quality of the hock and pastern is lost
Post-milking Teat Dip:
A product applied after milking to protect the teat from contagious pathogens that may have come into contact with the teat during the milking process
Post-mortem:
Done, occurring or collected after death
Postnatal:
(see Postpartum)
Postoperative:
After surgery or an operation
Postpartum:
After the birth of an individual
Postpartum Check:
A reproductive check of an animal after calving or in early lactation
Postpartum Interval:
The number of days between parturition and first postpartum estrus
Postweaning Gain:
Weight gained after a calf is weaned. Often expressed as ADG
Post-weaning growth:
Growth from weaning to yearling
Potash:
An oxide of potassium (K2O) used as a plant nutrient or fertiliser
Potency:
(a) The ability of a vaccine to induce an immune response
(b) A measure of the strength of the effect of a biological product
Potter Bull:
Old bull to be slaughtered for meat
Pounds Grain Fed:
The amount of concentrates that are fed to a cow or the herd. This may be expressed as a daily or annual value
Pounds of Calf Weaned per Cow Exposed:
Calculated by multiplying percent calf crop by the average weaning weight of calves
Pounds of Retail Cuts per Day of Age:
A measure of cutability and growth combined (cutability X carcass weight) / age in days
PPA:
Predicted Producing Ability
PPAP:
(see Post Partum Anoestrus Period)
PPB:
Parts per billion
PPM:
Parts per million
PR:
Preg Rate
Practical Fertility:
Fertility as determined by inherent hormonal balance and inherent body condition (low feeding regime)
Practice:
A generally observed procedure that is followed by the operator(s), and not necessarily documented or detailed to the extent of a protocol
Precision Agriculture:
A production system using global positioning equipment to precisely apply different levels of inputs to different locations in a field according to their individual requirements
Preclinical:
Disease stage prior to the appearance of symptoms that make diagnosis possible
Precocious:
Having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual
Preconditioning:
The process of preparing calves to enter the feedlot. It often includes weaning, bunk breaking, and vaccination for respiratory disease
Precursor:
Nutrient or cellular metabolite which is able to be converted into a body nutrient. Generally, the precursor of the nutrient has to be in the diet to serve as the starting substance
Predicted Producing Ability:
Prediction of a cow’s performance in future lactations; total of predictions for breeding value, herd-sire effect and permanent environmental effect (milk, fat, and protein)
Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA):
Estimate of genetic superiority (or infertility) that an animal will transmit to another offspring. It is used for both males and females
Predictor Trait:
A trait that can be measured easily on an animal and which is highly correlated to a relevant production trait. An example is a scrotal circumference in the case of male fertility
Prefemoral:
Located cranially to (in front of) the femur
Prefemoral Lymph Gland:
Lies in the posterior and ventral end of the flank. It is sometimes exposed when the round and loin are separated
Preg Check:
Palpating a cow to determine pregnancy status; animal is then confirmed open, pregnant or pregnant needing a recheck. When reporting body condition scores, this time frame is generally 90 -179 days after calving
Preg Rate:
The percentage of cows eligible to become pregnant that are reported pregnant within a specific period of time. Although it is not computed this way on the DHI-202 Herd Summary, an approximation of pregnancy rate is heat detection rate (Percent-Heat-Observed) multiplied by conception rate (Percent-Successful) divided by 100. Preg rates enable managers to assess both how well and how quickly cows conceive
Pregastric Fermentation:
The fermentation that occurs in the rumen of ruminant animals. It occurs before feed passes into the portion of the digestive tract in which digestion actually occurs
Pregnancy – Tested in Calf (PTIC):
A cow that has been pregnancy tested and is in calf
Pregnancy Determination:
(see Pregnancy Diagnosis)
Pregnancy Diagnosis (PD):
Veterinary routine to palpate the cow's ovaries to determine pregnancy
Pregnancy Rate:
Percentage of cows in-calf after a mating programme
Pregnant:
A heifer or cow that has conceived and not yet calved
Preliminary Class Identification:
An official precursory mark placed directly above the preliminary quality or yield grade stamp
Preliminary Quality Grade Identification:
An official precursory mark that indicates a carcass' quality grade
Preliminary Yield Grade Identification:
An official precursory mark that indicates a carcass' yield grade
Premature Calving:
Termination of pregnancy during the last trimester
Pre-milking Teat Dip:
A product applied in preparation for milking to clean the teat and reduce the spread of disease and maintain healthy teats
Premise ID:
A physical location which is engaged in the production-(breeding), and/or feeding, and marketing of cattle, that has been assigned a numeric number dependent on the legal descriptive of said location, within a specific state. The resident state and the U.S. Department of Agriculture record the information in a shared database which is then shared with other U.S. states
Prenatal:
Prior to being born. Before birth
Prepartum:
Before giving birth
Prepotent:
The ability of a parent to transmit its characteristics to its offspring so that they resemble that parent, or each other, more than usual. Homozygous dominant individuals are prepotent. Also, inbred cattle tend to be more prepotent than outbred cattle
Prepotency:
The ability of a parent to transmit its characteristics to its offspring so that they resemble that parent, and one another, more than usual. An individual that is homozygous for a dominant allele will show prepotency for the trait controlled by that gene, but not necessarily for any other trait. Inbred cattle, having a higher than average degree of homozygosity, may be more prepotent than outbred cattle but only for simply inherited or highly heritable traits
Prepuce:
The fold of skin that covers the penis
Prerequisite Programme:
A documented programme covering good manufacturing practice (GMP)-based food hygiene activities that may interact with a number of process steps within and across various processes in a food premise, and that have the potential to influence the hygiene status of the product and/or control hazards
Pre-scapular:
Located cranially to (in front of) the scapula
Pre-scapular Lymph Gland:
The lymph gland which is located cranially to (in front of) the scapula
Prescription Drugs:
Drugs that must be used only under the direction and supervision of a licensed veterinarian
Presort Sale.
Cattle from different producers are grouped into lots by sex, weight, type and condition. Cattle are weighed coming in, less an estimate or pencil shrink, depending on the distance to sale
Presort Sale:
Cattle from different producers are grouped in lots by sex, weight, type and condition. Cattle are weighed coming in, less an estimate or pencil shrink, depending on the distance to sale
Pressure:
When a rider or handler positions him or herself near enough to livestock to motivate them to do something. Proper pressure motivates livestock to do what the handler wishes the stock to do without the creation of anxiety, stress or panic in the livestock. Basic types of proper pressure are also described as proper techniques
Pressure Zone:
Pressure zone refers to the area just beyond the outside boundary of the flight zone, the boundary representing the “threshold” beyond which the animal reacts. Smith (1998) suggests that this boundary is best thought of not as a distinct line but as a “fuzzy” area of increasing probability that the animal will move if approached further, and can be from a foot to several yards wide
Pre-summer Checklist:
The Pre-Summer Checklist helps you review your operation to assess the preparedness and adequacy of existing infrastructure and management strategies, and ensure that any inadequacies are identified and addressed, before the summer heat hits
Pre-vac:
A preventative animal health program to raise the level of resistance and other pathogens before a disease can occur. In this program, calves are given respiratory /viral and intestinal (bacteria) preventing vaccines prior to weaning and then vaccinated again 14 to 21 days
Pre-weaning Gain:
Weight gained between birth and weaning
Price Cycle:
Traditional or historic changes in prices (usually by months, seasons, or years)
Price Discovery:
Process that shows how the specific price for a given quantity and quality of beef is determined
Primal:
A major component of carcass. For beef, these include ribs, butts, chuck, rump and loin
Primary Water Treatment:
Usually, the initial treatment of waste water to reduce pollution potential or health hazard. With animal manure, an example would be liquid-solid separation
Prime:
Stock that are said to be well finished enough to be ready for slaughter, i.e. stock that has adequate fat cover and general body shape and composition
Prime Sale:
A regular (often weekly) physical market auction
Primiparous:
Female giving birth for the first time
Prion:
A protein molecule found in the membrane of brain cells. Prions are hypothesized by some researchers as the responsible agents for rare degenerative neurological diseases called Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies
Prion Disease:
A disease due to a prion, a proteinaceous infectious particle that lacks nucleic acids. Prions are composed largely, if not entirely, of an altered formal (an abnormal isoform) of a normal cellular protein.
The known prion diseases of humans and other mammals are:
• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) -- also called mad cow disease; the natural hosts are cattle; the prion involved is the BSE prion.
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) -- the natural hosts are humans; the prion involved is the CJD prion
Probe:
A device used to measure backfat thickness in pigs and cattle. This is done without incising the carcass. Backfat is measured to help determine the yield grade of the carcass
Probiotic:
Living organisms used to influence rumen health by assisting in the fermentation process
Process Verified Program (PVP):
A PVP is a USDA approved Process Verified Program. A PVP requires a company or business entity to implement a Quality Management System, based upon ISO 9000 standards, to provide products or services which consistently meet specified product requirements. in the beef cattle industry, PVP's are usually used to verify the age and source of cattle for export to various foreign countries
Processing:
Vaccinating, treating for internal and external parasites, ear tagging and other procedures such as implanting, dehorning and castration that are done soon after cattle arrive at the feedlot
Processing Plant:
A facility that pasteurises, homogenises and packages milk that comes directly from dairy farms. Once the milk leaves the processing plant, it is available to the public through a variety of channels
Produce:
A female animal's offspring
Producing Ability (PA):
The performance potential of an individual for a repeated trait. PA includes the effects of the animal's genotype, as well as the animal's permanent environmental effect
Production Area:
The operation's corrals, pens, barns, and pastures where livestock are or may be kept
Production Credit:
Partially completed lactation record made in one herd that is officially transferred to another herd. Usually, this is done when a cow is sold
Production Index:
A cow with a SCC Score >4 (200,000) for two consecutive test dates during the current lactation and not above a SCC score of 4 (200,000) on the current test date
Production Records:
The measure of a cow's productivity, based on number and weaning weights of calves she has produced in her lifetime
Production Report:
The computer report of production and management data which is returned to the dairy producer 5 to 7 days following the test day and after component sampling is completed at the laboratory
Production Testing:
An evaluation of an animal based on its production record
Production Trait:
Production traits are those that directly influence cost or revenue from beef cattle production; growth rate, feed intake and carcass merit
Productive Herd Life:
The period of time between the start of production and the end of productive life
Proestrus:
The phase of the estrous cycle when the CL regresses, progesterone concentrations decline, final maturation of the dominant follicle occurs, and estrogen increases. During this phase, some secondary symptoms of estrus begin to be exhibited
Progeny:
The young or offspring, of the parents
Progeny Data:
The record of a bull’s calves – weaning weights, feedlot gains, and possibly their carcass evaluation. The progeny test is the best measure of the breeding value of a bull, though it is slow to accomplish
Progeny Record:
(see Progeny Data)
Progeny Test Semen:
Semen collected from bulls to be progeny tested
Progeny Testing:
Evaluating the genotype or estimating the breeding value of an individual by evaluating the comparative phenotypic merit of its progeny
Progesterone:
A hormone produced by the corpus luteum that stimulates gestational proliferation in the uterus of the female
Prognosis:
The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease
Programmed Feeding:
A feeding routine that is used to achieve a specific rate of gain and limit feed intake
Progressive:
Increasing in scope or severity, advancing, or going forward. For example, a disease that is progressive is worsening
Projected (Extended) 305 – 2x – ME Lactation:
The lactation record for a cow extended to 305 days in milk, adjusted for location, age and season of calving to a mature cow basis, and adjusted to twice a day milking basis if milked more than twice a day
Projected Minimum Calving Interval:
For cows bred, this is the time frame between current calving date and the cow’s due date. For cows not bred, a projected due date is assumed
Projected Relative Profit:
A predictor of a cow’s income over feed cost for the remainder of the current 305-day lactation, a nonproductive dry period and the following 305-day lactation. The projected milk production for the following lactation is based upon the current 305-day lactation. The length of time to the beginning of the next lactation is based upon due date
Projections:
Projecting the days on feed, cost of gain, and breakeven for a particular pen of cattle. This is done when the pen is placed in the lot. Generally, this is the responsibility of the manager or assistant manager
Prolactin:
Hormone released from the anterior pituitary gland (in the brain) which is involved in mammary gland development and maintenance of the corpus luteum
Prolapse:
Abnormal protrusion of part of an organ, such as uterus or anus
Prolapsed Rectum:
Describes a medical condition where part of the rectum protrudes through the anus
Prolapsed Uterus:
The womb is partially or completely expelled from the cow’s body
Proliferate:
To vastly multiply in numbers; usually over a short period of time
Prolific:
Producing more than the usual number of offspring
Pronucleus:
The nucleus of the sperm or egg after the sperm penetrates the egg. The two pronuclei fuse to form the single nucleus of the new embryo
Proof:
(see Progeny Testing)
Prophylactic:
Preventing the development of a condition or disease (e.g., prophylatic treatment)
Prophylaxis:
Treatment or action to prevent disease occurrence
Prostaglandins:
Chemical mediators that control many physiological and biochemical functions in the body. One prostaglandin (PGF2?) can be used to synchronise estrus
Prostrate:
A gland of the male reproductive tract that is located just back of the bladder. It secretes a fluid that becomes part of semen at ejaculation
Protection Vaccination Zone:
Emergency Vaccination Zone typically outside the Control Area; this may be a secondary zone designation
Protein:
A substance made up of amino acids that contain approximately 16% nitrogen (based on molecular weight)
Protein Concentrates:
These are intended for further mixing before feeding with planned proportions of cereals and other feedstuffs either on the farm or in a compound mill. They contain blended high-protein ingredients such as MBM, fishmeal and soya bean meal. When mixed with appropriate straights, they can be equivalent in nutritional terms to compounds
Protein Differential:
A factor which determines how much the milk price changes with each tenth percentage unit change of protein test
Protein Efficiency Ratio:
Weight gain per weight of protein eaten
Protein Percent:
The percent of in the milk, calculated by protein lbs./milk lbs. X 100
Protein Sparing Action:
Fats and carbohydrates, if supplied in the diet in sufficient amounts to meet caloric needs, will spare protein so that it can be used for protein metabolism; when calories are inadequate protein is used as a source of calories
Protein Supplement:
Any dietary component containing a high concentration (at least 25%) of protein
Proteins:
Large molecules composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order determined by the base sequence of nucleotides in the DNA coding for the protein.
Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs. Each protein has unique functions. Proteins are essential components of muscles, skin, bones and the body as a whole.
Examples of proteins include whole classes of important molecules, among them enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
Proteins are one of the three types of nutrients used as energy sources by the body, the other two being carbohydrate and fat. Proteins and carbohydrates each provide 4 calories of energy per gram, while fats produce 9 calories per gram
Proteolysis:
Degradation of proteins into smaller subunits that occurs with aging, but also in turnover of living muscle
Protocol:
A defined and documented procedure to be followed, detailing the steps to follow to meet an objective
Protoplasm:
Nucleus and cytoplasm of a cell
Protozoans:
Any of a large group of single-celled organisms that live in water or as parasites. Examples include Giardia and Coccidia species
Protuberance of the Femur:
The lateral (side or external) end of the femur bone; the greater trochanter
Proven AI Sire:
Bulls that have a PTA from USDA and are designated as AI sires
Proven Bull:
A bull with a high ABV whose semen is used extensively for AI
Proven Semen:
Collected from proven bulls
Proximal:
(1) Situated nearest the centre of the body or the point of attachment of a limb, etc.; e.g., the femur is proximal to the tibia;
(2) the opposite of distal
Proximate Analysis:
Tests for nitrogen (crude protein), crude fibre, ether extract (lipids), and ash which, with nitrogen-free extract, represent the gross composition of feed
PRP:
Projected Relative Profit
Pruritus:
Itchiness
Prussic Acid:
A poison produced as a glucoside by several plant species, especially sorghums. Also called hydrocyanic acid
Pseudocowpox:
A common, mild infection at the udder or teats
Psoas Major:
A muscle that helps flex the hip. It originates in the anterior end of the lumbar region and extends along the lumbar vertebrae; becomes part of the iliopsoas which attaches to the femur. The psoas major is the major muscle in the tenderloin
Psoas Minor:
A thin muscle that extends along the psoas major
Psoroptes:
Type of mites including agents that cause mange
Psychologically-oriented:
Means to work with livestock psychologically, instead of just physically. For instance, to move livestock psychologically we move their minds first by making our idea the animals' idea so they willingly do what we want. To work with livestock psychologically presumes an understanding of and respect for how they perceive and think about their world and what their needs are. "Psychologically-oriented" is contrasted with "physically-oriented," which denotes coercively making livestock do what the handler wants
Psychrotrophs:
Microorganisms that can grow at reduced temperatures. Growth commonly occurs in refrigerated food products, e.g., meat at temperatures less than 15°C
PT:
Progeny Testing
PTA:
Predicted Transmitting Ability
PTA Fat:
Predicted Transmitting Ability for fat pounds
PTA Milk:
Predicted Transmitting Ability for milk
PTA Percent Fat:
Predicted Transmitting Ability for fat percent
PTA Percent Protein:
Predicted Transmitting Ability for protein percent
PTA Protein:
Predicted Transmitting Ability for protein pounds
PTA Rank:
Animals are ranked based upon their ranking of Net Merit
PTIC:
(see Pregnancy – Tested in Calf)
Puberty:
The age at which the reproductive organs become functionally operative and secondary sex characteristics begin to develop
Pubis:
The small bony cranial floor of the pelvis
Pull:
Any animal removed from its pen to be examined in the hospital for any reason
Pulling Cattle:
(see Pull)
Pulls:
(see Pull)
Pulmonary:
Pertaining to the lungs
Pulmonary Arteries:
The artery that carries blood with low levels of oxygen from the heart to the lungs
Pulmonary Oedema:
The accumulation of fluid in the lungs
Pulsating Vacuum:
A vacuum that increases and decreases
Punnet Square:
A two-dimensional square used to determine the possible zygotes
Pure Milk:
The whole of the milk drawn at the time of milking from a healthy animal; but does not include milk mixed with any preservative or chemical or colouring matter of any kind
Pureblood:
(see Purebred)
Purebred:
An animal of known ancestry within a recognised breed that is eligible for registry in the official herd book of that breed
Purposive:
Carried out with the design of achieving the desired end
Purulent:
Forming or consisting of pus
Purveyor:
Firm that purchases beef (usually from a packer), then performs some fabrication before selling the beef to another firm
Pus:
A liquid product of inflammation consisting of leukocytes, lymph, bacteria, dead tissue cells, and fluid derived from their decomposition
Pustule:
A small lump in the skin filled with pus
Put Down:
Euphuism for the euthanization or humane destruction of an animal
Put or Put option:
An option contract that gives the holder the right to sell a certain quantity of an underlying security to the writer of the option, at a specified price (strike price) up to a specified date (expiration date)
Put-Together Cattle:
A large group of cattle that have been assembled by an order buyer from small groups of cattle
PVP:
(see Process Verified Program)
Pyderma:
A bacterial infection of the skin
Pyogranulomatous Bursitis:
The formation of pus and granulomatous tissues in a bursa, a small sac lined with synovial membrane
Pyometra:
An accumulation of pus in the uterus
Pyrexia:
Medical sign characterised by a elevation of temperature above the normal range; also known as fever