Glossary - Raising Sheep - page 413

Glossary
abscess . A localized collection of pus, generally caused by an infected
wound, a sting, or a splinter that's encapsulated under the skin.
acclimatization . Becoming accustomed to a new environment.
acute infection . An infection or disease that has rapid onset and pro-
nounced signs and symptoms.
additive . An ingredient or substance added to a feed mixture, generally in
small quantities. May be added for nutritional reasons, such as vitamins
or minerals, or for medicinal purposes, such as antibiotics.
afterbirth . The placenta and membranes that are passed from the ewe's body
after she gives birth.
AI . Abbreviation for artifi cial insemination.
anemia . A defi ciency in the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Can be
caused by loss of blood or by certain disease conditions but in sheep is
most often caused by loss of blood due to blood-feeding worms.
anestrus . The nonbreeding season; females that are not in heat.
anthelmintic . A drug that kills or expels intestinal worms.
antibiotic . A medicine that inhibits the growth of, or kills, bacteria.
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, fungi, or worms.
antibody . A protein substance developed in the body to fi ght a specifi c
antigen.
antigen . A “foreign invader,” which the body's immune system recognizes as
such. Usually a bacterium or a virus.
antiseptic . A chemical used to reduce or kill bacteria.
artifi cial insemination (AI) . The introduction of semen into the reproductive
system of a ewe for the purposes of impregnating her. Must be done by a
trained technician or veterinarian.
ash . The mineral matter of feed.
bacterium . A single-celled microorganism. Some bacteria are benefi cial and
necessary for good health — for example, the bacteria that regularly live in
the rumen — and others cause disease.
bag . The ewe's udder, or mammary glands.
balanced ration . A feed ration that supplies all the required nutrients for an
animal's needs at the time.
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