ANSC 107 GENERAL ANIMAL SCIENCE– EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | ACCURATE AND WELL DETAILED | COMPLETE GUIDE
& RATIONALES | A+ MATERIAL | NEWEST UPDATE
Core Domains
Animal Genetics and Breeding Principles
Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
Animal Nutrition and Digestion
Animal Health, Disease Prevention, and Biosecurity
Animal Behavior, Welfare, and Handling
Livestock Production Systems and Management
Ethics, Laws, and Regulatory Compliance in Animal Agriculture
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously evaluate
foundational and advanced competencies in general animal science. The
assessment measures essential knowledge regarding biological systems,
management practices, genetics, nutrition, and welfare standards across
various livestock and companion animal species. Candidates will
encounter a balanced blend of direct multiple-choice inquiries and
complex scenario-based items that test practical problem-solving
capabilities. Emphasizing real-world application, the evaluation
challenges students to execute sound, ethical, and scientifically grounded
decision-making in professional animal care and production
environments.
Which of the following best describes the primary function of the
rumen in ruminant digestion?
A. Enzymatic digestion of proteins via gastric juices
B. Microbial fermentation of fibrous plant material
C. Absorption of water and concentration of feces
D. Mechanical grinding of hard feed particles
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. Microbial fermentation of fibrous plant material
🔴 Explanation: The rumen serves as a large fermentation vat where
anaerobic microbes break down complex carbohydrates like cellulose into
volatile fatty acids.
, In swine production, what is the primary purpose of utilizing a
farrowing crate?
A. To accelerate the rate of gestation through controlled lighting
B. To restrict sow movement and prevent accidental crushing of
piglets
C. To isolate sick animals from the main production herd
D. To facilitate automated individual feed rationing
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. To restrict sow movement and prevent accidental
crushing of piglets
🔴 Explanation: Farrowing crates are specifically designed to safely limit
the movement of the lactating sow, drastically reducing pre-weaning
mortality caused by crushing.
Which genetic concept refers to the proportion of phenotypic
variance that is due to additive gene effects and can be passed from
parents to offspring?
A. Heterosis
B. Inbreeding depression
C. Heritability
D. Epistasis
C. Option
🟢 Correct answer C. Heritability
🔴 Explanation: Heritability measures the degree to which offspring
resemble their parents for a specific trait due to genetic transmission.
What is the standard gestation length for a ewe (sheep)?
A. 114 days
B. 147 days
C. 283 days
D. 336 days
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. 147 days
🔴 Explanation: The average gestation period for sheep is approximately
147 days, commonly remembered as roughly 5 months minus a week.
A beef producer notices symptoms of grass tetany in a herd grazing
lush, rapidly growing spring pastures. Which mineral deficiency is
primarily responsible for this metabolic disorder?
A. Calcium
B. Phosphorus
, C. Magnesium
D. Iron
C. Option
🟢 Correct answer C. Magnesium
🔴 Explanation: Grass tetany is caused by acute hypomagnesemia,
typically occurring when livestock graze fast-growing, potassium-rich
spring forage that inhibits magnesium absorption.
Which administrative agency in the United States is primarily
responsible for enforcing regulations regarding the humane handling
and care of covered animals in research and commercial transport?
A. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
B. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the
USDA
C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) under the USDA
🔴 Explanation: The USDA-APHIS enforces the Animal Welfare Act,
ensuring standards for the humane handling, care, and treatment of
regulated animals.
What is the primary hormonal trigger that initiates ovulation in
mammalian species?
A. Progesterone
B. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
C. Melatonin
D. Oxytocin
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
🔴 Explanation: A surge in Luteinizing Hormone from the anterior pituitary
gland triggers the rupture of the mature follicle and the release of the
oocyte.
Which amino acid is typically considered the first limiting amino acid
in swine diets formulated with corn and soybean meal?
A. Lysine
B. Methionine
C. Tryptophan
D. Threonine
, A. Option
🟢 Correct answer A. Lysine
🔴 Explanation: Lysine is the primary limiting amino acid in typical corn-
soybean swine rations, dictating the efficiency of protein synthesis and
muscle growth.
In biosecurity protocols, what is the exact operational difference
between cleaning and disinfection?
A. Cleaning removes organic matter and debris, whereas
disinfection destroys pathogenic microorganisms.
B. Cleaning destroys bacterial spores, whereas disinfection only
targets viruses.
C. Cleaning is performed using thermal energy, whereas disinfection
relies exclusively on ultraviolet light.
D. Cleaning is a regulatory requirement, whereas disinfection is
entirely optional.
A. Option
🟢 Correct answer A. Cleaning removes organic matter and debris,
whereas disinfection destroys pathogenic microorganisms.
🔴 Explanation: Thorough cleaning removes physical soil and organic
loads that can harbor pathogens, ensuring that subsequent chemical
disinfection can effectively kill target microorganisms.
Which type of livestock identification permanently notches a specific
numerical code into the ears of swine?
A. Hot-iron branding
B. Ear tattooing
C. Universal ear notching
D. Electronic radio-frequency identification (RFID)
C. Option
🟢 Correct answer C. Universal ear notching
🔴 Explanation: Universal ear notching is a standardized identification
system in swine where specific notches in the right and left ears denote
litter number and individual pig number.
What anatomical structure in poultry functions as a true glandular
stomach where hydrochloric acid and pepsin are secreted?
A. Crop
B. Gizzard
C. Proventriculus
D. Cloaca
ANSWERS | ACCURATE AND WELL DETAILED | COMPLETE GUIDE
& RATIONALES | A+ MATERIAL | NEWEST UPDATE
Core Domains
Animal Genetics and Breeding Principles
Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
Animal Nutrition and Digestion
Animal Health, Disease Prevention, and Biosecurity
Animal Behavior, Welfare, and Handling
Livestock Production Systems and Management
Ethics, Laws, and Regulatory Compliance in Animal Agriculture
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously evaluate
foundational and advanced competencies in general animal science. The
assessment measures essential knowledge regarding biological systems,
management practices, genetics, nutrition, and welfare standards across
various livestock and companion animal species. Candidates will
encounter a balanced blend of direct multiple-choice inquiries and
complex scenario-based items that test practical problem-solving
capabilities. Emphasizing real-world application, the evaluation
challenges students to execute sound, ethical, and scientifically grounded
decision-making in professional animal care and production
environments.
Which of the following best describes the primary function of the
rumen in ruminant digestion?
A. Enzymatic digestion of proteins via gastric juices
B. Microbial fermentation of fibrous plant material
C. Absorption of water and concentration of feces
D. Mechanical grinding of hard feed particles
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. Microbial fermentation of fibrous plant material
🔴 Explanation: The rumen serves as a large fermentation vat where
anaerobic microbes break down complex carbohydrates like cellulose into
volatile fatty acids.
, In swine production, what is the primary purpose of utilizing a
farrowing crate?
A. To accelerate the rate of gestation through controlled lighting
B. To restrict sow movement and prevent accidental crushing of
piglets
C. To isolate sick animals from the main production herd
D. To facilitate automated individual feed rationing
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. To restrict sow movement and prevent accidental
crushing of piglets
🔴 Explanation: Farrowing crates are specifically designed to safely limit
the movement of the lactating sow, drastically reducing pre-weaning
mortality caused by crushing.
Which genetic concept refers to the proportion of phenotypic
variance that is due to additive gene effects and can be passed from
parents to offspring?
A. Heterosis
B. Inbreeding depression
C. Heritability
D. Epistasis
C. Option
🟢 Correct answer C. Heritability
🔴 Explanation: Heritability measures the degree to which offspring
resemble their parents for a specific trait due to genetic transmission.
What is the standard gestation length for a ewe (sheep)?
A. 114 days
B. 147 days
C. 283 days
D. 336 days
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. 147 days
🔴 Explanation: The average gestation period for sheep is approximately
147 days, commonly remembered as roughly 5 months minus a week.
A beef producer notices symptoms of grass tetany in a herd grazing
lush, rapidly growing spring pastures. Which mineral deficiency is
primarily responsible for this metabolic disorder?
A. Calcium
B. Phosphorus
, C. Magnesium
D. Iron
C. Option
🟢 Correct answer C. Magnesium
🔴 Explanation: Grass tetany is caused by acute hypomagnesemia,
typically occurring when livestock graze fast-growing, potassium-rich
spring forage that inhibits magnesium absorption.
Which administrative agency in the United States is primarily
responsible for enforcing regulations regarding the humane handling
and care of covered animals in research and commercial transport?
A. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
B. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the
USDA
C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) under the USDA
🔴 Explanation: The USDA-APHIS enforces the Animal Welfare Act,
ensuring standards for the humane handling, care, and treatment of
regulated animals.
What is the primary hormonal trigger that initiates ovulation in
mammalian species?
A. Progesterone
B. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
C. Melatonin
D. Oxytocin
B. Option
🟢 Correct answer B. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
🔴 Explanation: A surge in Luteinizing Hormone from the anterior pituitary
gland triggers the rupture of the mature follicle and the release of the
oocyte.
Which amino acid is typically considered the first limiting amino acid
in swine diets formulated with corn and soybean meal?
A. Lysine
B. Methionine
C. Tryptophan
D. Threonine
, A. Option
🟢 Correct answer A. Lysine
🔴 Explanation: Lysine is the primary limiting amino acid in typical corn-
soybean swine rations, dictating the efficiency of protein synthesis and
muscle growth.
In biosecurity protocols, what is the exact operational difference
between cleaning and disinfection?
A. Cleaning removes organic matter and debris, whereas
disinfection destroys pathogenic microorganisms.
B. Cleaning destroys bacterial spores, whereas disinfection only
targets viruses.
C. Cleaning is performed using thermal energy, whereas disinfection
relies exclusively on ultraviolet light.
D. Cleaning is a regulatory requirement, whereas disinfection is
entirely optional.
A. Option
🟢 Correct answer A. Cleaning removes organic matter and debris,
whereas disinfection destroys pathogenic microorganisms.
🔴 Explanation: Thorough cleaning removes physical soil and organic
loads that can harbor pathogens, ensuring that subsequent chemical
disinfection can effectively kill target microorganisms.
Which type of livestock identification permanently notches a specific
numerical code into the ears of swine?
A. Hot-iron branding
B. Ear tattooing
C. Universal ear notching
D. Electronic radio-frequency identification (RFID)
C. Option
🟢 Correct answer C. Universal ear notching
🔴 Explanation: Universal ear notching is a standardized identification
system in swine where specific notches in the right and left ears denote
litter number and individual pig number.
What anatomical structure in poultry functions as a true glandular
stomach where hydrochloric acid and pepsin are secreted?
A. Crop
B. Gizzard
C. Proventriculus
D. Cloaca
