Age:
* Young: Animals in their early stages of life, typically before they reach sexual maturity. This can vary widely depending on the species.
* Mature: Animals that have reached sexual maturity and are capable of reproduction.
Physical Development:
* Young: Typically smaller in size, with ongoing growth and development. They may still be nursing or rely on their mothers for care.
* Mature: Fully grown and developed, with a stable body size and weight.
Reproductive Status:
* Young: Not yet capable of breeding.
* Mature: Capable of breeding and producing offspring.
Productivity:
* Young: Lower productivity in terms of milk, meat, eggs, or other products.
* Mature: Peak productivity in terms of milk, meat, eggs, or other products.
Nutritional Needs:
* Young: Have higher nutritional requirements for growth and development.
* Mature: Nutritional needs are lower, but still important for maintaining health and productivity.
Management:
* Young: May require specialized care and handling, such as feeding colostrum, weaning, and vaccination schedules.
* Mature: Generally require less intensive management.
Economic Value:
* Young: May be less valuable due to lower productivity and potential for growth.
* Mature: Generally more valuable due to their productivity and ability to reproduce.
Examples:
* Cattle: A calf is young, while a cow or bull is mature.
* Sheep: A lamb is young, while a ewe or ram is mature.
* Chickens: A chick is young, while a hen or rooster is mature.
It's important to note that the specific age at which an animal is considered "mature" can vary depending on the breed, environment, and management practices.