Overview of Small Animal Science

Objectives Define the terms ‘Zoology’ and ‘Zoonosis’ Sort different small animal species into their designated taxonomic groups Identify the different small animal categories that are used for this class Analyze the different animal taxonomy groups

The study of animals is called zoology ... Animal scientists are called zoologists. Animals are classified into different groups for study.

Animals are generally classified like this ... Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species More general More specific

This classification system is a taxonomy ... Taxonomy is the branch of science concerned with the classification of organisms. The animal must meet all the requirements starting from the highest category -- the KINGDOM Down to the lowest category to fit into a particular group -- in this case, the SPECIE

All animals in these lessons fit in 5 categories: Osteichthyes Amphibia or amphibians Reptilia or reptiles Aves/Aviary Mammalia or mammals (bony fishes) (frogs and toads) (snakes and lizards) (birds) (dogs, cats and rabbits)

The study of fish ... Is called icthyology Subphylum: Pisces Live in water Permanent gills for breathing, fins and body covered with scales Cold-blooded

The study of amphibians ... Is called herpetology Cold-blooded vertebrates Young live in water, while adults live on land. Includes frogs, toads, newts, salamanders Microsoft photo

The study of reptiles ... Is also called herpetology Cold-blooded Lungs, bony skeleton Body covered with scales or horny plates Heart with 2 atria and 1 ventricle Snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators, turtles, tortoises, dinosaurs Microsoft photo

The study of birds ... Is called ornithology Includes poultry Warm-blooded Two legs, wings, feathers Lay eggs

NRCS photo by Lynn Betts. The study of mammals ... Is called mammalogy Feed their young with milk from the mother's body Skin is more or less covered with hair Considered the highest form of life NRCS photo by Lynn Betts.

Examples of mammals ... Humans Non-human primates Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, rats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, horses Marine mammals like dolphins, whales Marsupials like kangaroos, possums Flying mammals like bats

How are small animals used? Companion animals and pets Food or hide Rabbits, mink Frogs, alligators Research Nonhuman primates Dogs, cats, rabbits Rats, mice

Animal welfare vs. Animal Rights Animals should be treated humanely. Animals can be used for human purposes. Animal Rights: Animals have the same rights as humans. Animals should not be used for food, clothing, entertainment or research. Ethically wrong for animals to be used for human purposes.

Animal Welfare Act of 1966 Regulates dealers and laboratories Mandates standards for housing, handling, treatment, feeding and shelter of laboratory animals Research institutions must have a review committee Procedures for euthanasia

Risks in working with animals ... Zoonosis (disease that can be transmitted from animal to human) Internal parasites Toxoplasmosis Rabies Bacteria Ringworm Bites and scratches Photo of ringworm courtesy Association of Veterinary Technician Educators and Kim Myers/Raymond Walters College.

Overview of the industry: Companion animal industry is big and growing bigger Cats and dogs have largest share Consumers spend a lot on their pets: Pet food (about 47% of spending) Health services Toys, collars, leashes, etc. Grooming, boarding, training, breeding, etc.