Overview of Small Animal Science

ObjectivesDefine the terms ‘Zoology’ and ‘Zoonosis’Sort different small animal species into their

designated taxonomic groupsIdentify the different small animal categories

that are used for this classAnalyze 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 ... KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies

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 reptilesAves/Aviary Mammalia or mammals

(bony fishes)(frogs and toads)

(snakes and lizards)(birds)

(dogs, cats and rabbits)

The study of fish ...

Is called icthyologySubphylum: PiscesLive in waterPermanent gills for

breathing, fins and body covered with scales

Cold-blooded

The study of amphibians ...

Is called herpetologyCold-blooded

vertebratesYoung live in water,

whileadults live on land.

Includes frogs, toads,newts, salamanders

Microsoft photo

The study of reptiles ...

Is also calledherpetology

Cold-bloodedLungs, bony skeletonBody covered with scales or horny platesHeart with 2 atria and 1 ventricleSnakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators, turtles,

tortoises, dinosaurs

Microsoft photo

The study of birds ...

Is called ornithologyIncludes poultryWarm-bloodedTwo legs, wings,

feathersLay eggs

The study of mammals ... Is called mammalogy Feed their young

with milk from themother's body

Skin is more or lesscovered with hair

Considered thehighest form of life

NRCS photo by Lynn Betts.

Examples of mammals ...HumansNon-human primates Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, rats, guinea pigs,

chinchillas, ferrets, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, horses

Marine mammals like dolphins, whalesMarsupials like kangaroos, possumsFlying mammals like bats

How are small animals used?Companion animals and petsFood or hide• Rabbits, mink• Frogs, alligators

Research• Nonhuman primates• Dogs, cats, rabbits• Rats, mice

Animal welfare vs. Animal Rights

Animal Welfare: 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 1966Regulates dealers and laboratoriesMandates 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 scratchesPhoto of ringworm courtesyAssociation of Veterinary

Technician Educators and Kim Myers/Raymond Walters

College.

Overview of the industry:Companion animal industry is big and growing

biggerCats and dogs have largest shareConsumers spend a lot on their pets:• Pet food (about 47% of spending)• Health services• Toys, collars, leashes, etc.• Grooming, boarding, training, breeding, etc.