Animal Science Terms - U
Udder: encased group of mammary glands in mammals that secrete milk
Umbilical Cord: flexible cord that attaches an embryo or fetus to the placenta. The umbilical cord contains blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and remove its wastes, including carbon dioxide
Umbilicus: area where the umbilical cord was attached during gestation. This is commonly known as the “belly button”
Unavailable protein: see Heat-damaged protein
Undegradable intake protein (UIP): see Rumen-undegradable protein
Undershot Mouth or Bull Dog Mouth or Monkey Mouth: lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw, and the teeth extend forward past the dental pad on the upper jaw
Unsaturated fat: any fat that is not completely hydrogenated. Unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature (e.g., corn oil, vegetable oil)
Upgrade: process of grading up from a commercial animal to a specific breed through the use of backcrossing. This results in animals that are often referred to as percentage or full blood animals by breed associations
Urea: chief nitrogen-containing waste product excreted in the urine of mammals and some fish. It is the final nitrogenous product in the breakdown of proteins by the body
Urethra: duct through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body in most mammals and some fish and birds. In males, the urethra passes through the penis and also serves as the duct for the release of sperm
Urethroscopy: examination of the urethra using an endoscope
Urinary Calculi: metabolic disease of males characterized by the formation of stones within the urinary tract. It is caused primarily by an imbalance of dietary calcium and phosphorus
Uroliths or Urolithiasis: describing a variety of stones that are found in the urinary system. These include kidney and bladder stones
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): government agency that regulates agricultural and food products
Uterine: relating to the uterus
Uterus: hollow, muscular organ of female mammals in which the embryo develops. In most mammals, the uterus is divided into two saclike parts, whereas in primates it is a single structure. It lies between the bladder and rectum and is attached to the vagina and the fallopian tubes. During the menstrual cycle (estrus), the lining of the uterus (endometrium) undergoes changes that permit the implantation of a fertilized egg. Also called womb