Small Animal Science Spencer Agriculture Education Fall 2012

Introduction to Small Animals Chapter 1 Objectives – Describe how animals probably became domesticated – Describe the importance of the small animal industry

Origin of Pets Domestication: the process of animals being used by humans & changed at a genetic level through artificial selection. – Differs from “taming” Taming: the process of an animal becoming used to human presence.

Domestication Dogs were likely the first animals that were domesticated Wolves spent time around humans looking for food Wolf cubs might have been tamed and kept for companionship Used for protection (senses, intimidation)

Domestication Early cave drawings depict dogs as a hunting companion Fossils found in the burial tomb of an Egyptian child

Other Examples of Domestication Cats  Found in many drawings by Egyptians  Seen as a royal-like figure  Likely provided companionship as well as controlled rats & mice

Other Examples of Domestication Horses in the U.S. – Horses known as “Mustangs” were re- domesticated during westward expansion – Uses included: Work, ranching, riding, and rodeo

Importance of the Small Animal Industry Pet ownership is at an all-time high Amount of $ in the pet industry Animals used in laboratory experiments

Importance of the Small Animal Industry Pet ownership is at an all-time high – 59% of all American families include at least one companion animal – About 58.2 million households Cats vs Dogs – Cats: 59.1 million cats in the U.S. (27% of fam.) – Dogs: 52.9 million dogs in the U.S. (32% of fam.) Small Animal Care – pg. 5-6

Importance of the Small Animal Industry Amount of $ in the pet industry Pet Stores – Estimated that 11,000 retail pet stores nationwide make $21 billion in sales Vet Expenditures – $7 billion for dogs – $4 billion for cats – $92 million for birds

Importance of the Small Animal Industry Animals used in laboratory experiments – The USDA reported that in one fiscal year, over 1.2 million animals were used in laboratory settings – Used to test things like: foods, cosmetics, hygienic products, etc.

Guy on a Buffalo 0UM 0UM