PSSSB Veterinary Inspector key terms

An infectious disease that can be transmitted naturally from vertebrate animals to humans, such as rabies, brucellosis or tuberculosis. Control requires coordinated veterinary and public health surveillance.

A collaborative approach recognising that human, animal and environmental health are interconnected, so veterinarians, physicians and ecologists work together to prevent and manage shared health threats.

A contagious bacterial disease of cattle, buffalo, goats and pigs caused by Brucella species, producing abortion, infertility and undulant fever in people who contact infected fluids or raw milk.

A rapid screening test in which stained Brucella antigen is mixed with milk; a blue ring forms at the cream layer if antibodies are present, indicating herd exposure to brucellosis.

The number of body cells, mainly white blood cells, per millilitre of milk. A high count signals udder inflammation or mastitis and reduces milk quality and shelf life.

A cow-side screening test in which a reagent is mixed with milk from each quarter; gel formation indicates increased somatic cells and probable subclinical mastitis.

Inflammation of the mammary gland, usually caused by bacteria entering the teat canal. It presents as abnormal milk, a swollen quarter or systemic illness and is the costliest disease of dairy animals.

The largest forestomach chamber of cattle, buffalo and sheep, where microbial fermentation breaks down fibre and produces volatile fatty acids that supply most of the animal's energy.

The repeated regurgitation, re-mastication and re-swallowing of partly fermented feed, which reduces particle size and improves digestion in ruminants. Absence of cudding is an early sign of illness.

Short-chain acids, chiefly acetate, propionate and butyrate, produced by rumen microbes from carbohydrates. They are absorbed across the rumen wall and provide the main energy source for ruminants.

A feeding system in which forage, concentrate, minerals and additives are blended into one uniform mix, preventing selective eating and stabilising rumen fermentation in high-producing dairy herds.

The portion of feed energy available to the animal after faecal, urinary and gaseous losses are deducted. It is the standard energy measure used in poultry and pig ration formulation.

A summative energy index for ruminant feeds calculated from digestible protein, fibre, nitrogen-free extract and fat, with fat multiplied by 2.25 because of its higher energy content.

The first milk secreted after parturition, rich in immunoglobulins, fat and vitamins. Newborn calves and lambs must receive it within the first hours of life for passive immunity.

Protection acquired when antibodies are transferred from another animal rather than produced by the recipient, as when colostral antibodies cross the newborn gut wall into the bloodstream.

The period of sexual receptivity in female mammals, driven by oestrogen from a mature ovarian follicle. Detection of estrus determines the timing of artificial insemination.

A progesterone-secreting gland formed from the ruptured ovarian follicle after ovulation. It maintains pregnancy in most species, and its regression restarts the estrous cycle.

Placement of processed semen into the female reproductive tract without natural mating. It allows genetic improvement from proven sires and limits venereal disease transmission.

Evaluation of a sire's breeding value from the performance of his offspring. It is the most reliable method for identifying superior bulls for milk yield and other traits.

The proportion of observed variation in a trait that is due to additive genetic differences among animals. High values mean selection based on individual performance works well.

The difference between the average performance of selected parents and the average of the whole population. Together with heritability it predicts the genetic gain achieved per generation.

Reduced vigour, fertility and survival seen in offspring of closely related parents, caused by increased homozygosity of harmful recessive alleles. It is avoided by planned outcrossing.

A metabolic disorder of early-lactation dairy cows in which negative energy balance mobilises fat, producing excess ketone bodies, reduced appetite, milk drop and a sweet breath odour.

Hypocalcaemia around calving in high-yielding cows, causing muscle weakness, recumbency and cold extremities. Treated promptly with intravenous calcium borogluconate under veterinary supervision.

A subjective but standardised rating of fat reserves, usually on a 1 to 5 or 1 to 9 scale, assessed by palpating the loin and tail head to guide feeding and reproduction decisions.

Abnormal accumulation of gas in the rumen, seen as a distended left flank and discomfort. It can be frothy or free-gas type and may be fatal unless gas is released promptly.

A highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals causing vesicles on the mouth, tongue, teats and feet, with heavy milk loss. It is notifiable and controlled by movement bans and vaccination.

A disease that must be reported to veterinary authorities by law, such as foot and mouth disease, rabies or anthrax, allowing rapid containment measures and trade protection.

An acute bacterial disease of cattle and buffalo caused by Pasteurella multocida, marked by high fever, swollen throat and rapid death. Vaccination is the main preventive measure.

A drug that kills or expels internal parasites such as roundworms, flukes or tapeworms. Correct dosage and rotational use are essential to delay anthelmintic resistance.

The ability of a parasite or microorganism to survive a drug dose that would normally kill it, arising from genetic selection under repeated exposure and leading to treatment failure.

The legally specified time after the last drug dose during which milk, meat or eggs must not be sold for human consumption, ensuring residues fall below permitted limits.

Traces of antibacterial drugs remaining in milk or meat after treatment, which can cause allergic reactions, interfere with starter cultures and promote resistance in consumers.

A controlled, reversible state of unconsciousness produced by drugs, providing immobility and analgesia for surgery. It requires fasting, monitoring and careful recovery in animals.

An alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used in cattle, horses and small animals for sedation, muscle relaxation and analgesia. It causes bradycardia and must not be used late in pregnancy.

Laboratory assessment of rumen liquor for colour, odour, pH, protozoal activity and methylene blue reduction time, used to judge rumen health and diagnose indigestion or acidosis.

Removal of unproductive, diseased or deformed birds from a flock to improve feed efficiency, prevent disease spread and raise overall flock profitability.

A feed mixture supplying all required nutrients in correct proportion and amount for a specific animal, stage of production and level of performance over a stated period.

A non-formal educational process that helps rural people acquire knowledge and skills through demonstration, farm visits and mass media so they can solve their own problems.