Most birds have a skull bone that elongates toward the front of the head. Some have a skull with an upper beak fused to it while other birds have hinged on both upper and lower (mandibles) giving it more flexibility Internal Anatomy Heart- major organ in the circulatory system a. Made up of three muscle layers: myocardium – second layer muscle that makes up the thickness of the heart, endocardium- thin layer inside myocardium, and epicardium- thin cover over the myocardium, or main heart muscle. b. Other parts to the circulatory system are the arteries, capillaries, vein, and blood. They all move nutrient, metabolic waste, and oxygen around. Another important role circulatory system plays is protection against microbes and injury. Kidneys and bladder- part of the excretory system that rids the body of waste. In addition, the kidneys maintain chemical composition, volume of blood, and tissue fluid. Stomach and intestines- part of digestive system, which breaks the food down into smaller pieces to be used by the body. Nutrients are gleaned from these food materials. Lungs - part of the respiratory system where the oxygen is taken in by the nose, passed on to the lungs and then goes into the blood. Brains, spinal cord, and nerves make up the nervous system. The coordinator of all body activities regulates other systems, and controls memory and learning. Ovaries (female) and testes (male) make up the reproductive system to produce new individuals of the same species. Ovaries produce eggs and testes produce sperm. Muscles make up the muscular system that gives the body its movement, posture, support, and produces heat. Digestive system Non-ruminants are referred to as single-stomached or monogastric animals. The digestive system of rabbits and birds are classified as non-ruminants even though their system is slightly different.
Function: Contain soft, undigested feed, but function is unknown. Description: Unlike other animals, poultry have two ceca. Located between small and large intestine and are “blind” pouches, each are approximately 7 inches in length. Large Intestine Function: Absorbs and adds mucus to undigested feed, which becomes feces. Description: Tube-like structure large in diameter when compared to small intestine. Filled with digested feed. Cloaca Function: Digestive and reproductive tracts combine and prepare for excretion of waste or eggs. Description: Enlarged part of digestive tract located just before the vent. Vent Function: Excrete solid (feces) and liquid (urine) waste. Description: External opening and the end of the digestive tract. Reproductive Management Terminology and Traits Castration- removing the testicles of male animals to prevent breeding. Colostrum- the first milk produced after a mammal gives birth that contains antibodies needed for immunity. Estrus- the time a female animal is receptive to be bred, also called heat. Estrus Cycle- the length of a female’s cycle from one estrus to the next. Gestation- the time an animal is pregnant. Puberty- age at which animals reach sexual maturity and begin come into heat. Lactation- the period of time that milk is secreted by the mammary glands. Parturition- the act of giving by female mammals. Ovulation- the release of the egg cell from the Fertilization- the union of the sperm and the egg cells. Parts & Functions of the Female Livestock Reproductive System Ovaries Function: Produce ova called eggs. Description: Two oval shaped organs located near the end of the reproductive inside the body cavity. Oviducts Function: Carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Also called fallopian tubes. Description: Small tubes that are near but not attached to ovaries and have a funnel-shaped end near the ovary. Infundibulum Function: Picks up eggs at ovulation and directs eggs into the oviduct.