Husbandry - Revision session

Animal Husbandry Overview

  • Animal Husbandry 105 with Dr. Daphne Mavrides

  • Contact: mavrides.d@unic.ac.cy

  • University School of Veterinary Medicine

Study Recommendations

General Resources

  • Utilize websites like:

    • Kennel Club

    • Governing Council of the Cat Fancy

    • National Sheep Association.

  • Create informative posters for dog and cat breeds.

Important Terminology & Physiological Values

  • Familiarize with species-specific terminology (e.g., sow, jill, poult).

  • Study physiological values and relevant reproductive cycles:

    • Oestrous cycles, e.g. in horses: 21 days long, 3-7 days in oestrus.

    • Gestation periods and puberty onset.

Table Creation

  • Structure tables for:

    • Physiological values

    • Oestrous cycles

    • Gestation periods.

Key Concepts in Dog and Cat Husbandry

Socialization Critical Periods

  • Puppies: Critical period for socialization is 3 weeks to 12 weeks.

    • Peak sensitivity occurs around 8 weeks; poor socialization can lead to fearfulness.

  • Kittens: Socialization window is approximately 3-6 weeks, primarily influenced by breeder interaction.

Habituation

  • Similar to socialization but involves adapting to inanimate stimuli, helping dogs tolerate various environments.

Reproductive Cycl es in Dogs

Oestrous Cycle Phases

  1. Pro-oestrus: (6-11 days) - hormone levels rise, female attracts males but won’t allow mating.

  2. Oestrus: (5-9 days) - ovulation occurs around day 3; mating allowed.

  3. Metoestrus: (56-60 days) - high progesterone maintenance; signs of false pregnancy may occur.

  4. Anoestrus: (3-4 months) - period of inactivity.

Female vs Male Breeding

  • Bitches: Seasonally monoestrous, spontaneous ovulators;

    • Average intervals vary by breed.

  • Dogs (Males): Non-seasonal breeding; puberty around 6-18 months.

Reproductive Cycles in Cats

Oestrous Cycle Phases

  1. Pro-oestrus: Signs may not be notable externally;

  2. Oestrus: Conditions allowing for mating.

  3. Metoestrus: High progesterone maintenance.

  4. Anoestrus: Sexual inactivity during winter months.

Breeding Patterns

  • Queens are seasonally polyoestrous; require mating to induce ovulation.

Neutering Procedures

Dogs and Cats

  • Spaying and Castration explanations and health impacts for both species.

  • Importance of timing and potential health concerns.

Vaccination Information

Common Vaccines

  • Dogs: Core vaccinations include distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, etc.

  • Cats: Core vaccinations against feline respiratory diseases, leukaemia, etc.

Vital Signs Assessment

Dogs

  • Normal Rectal Temperature: 38.3 to 38.7°C; Pulse: 60-120 bpm; Respiratory Rate: 20-30

Cats

  • Normal Rectal Temperature: 38.0 to 39.0°C; Pulse: 120-180 bpm; Respiratory Rate: 20-30

Routine Health Procedures

Claw Clipping

  • Necessary for certain conditions.

Anal Gland Management

  • Importance in maintaining hygiene; treatment measures for impacted glands.

Dental Care

  • Emphasis on preventive care to combat dental disease through routine cleaning and owner education.

Whelping/Kitting Procedures

Stages of Delivery

  • Stage I: Restlessness, nesting behavior.

  • Stage II: Visible contractions and expulsion of offspring.

  • Stage III: Expulsion of placenta, usually occurs alternately between births.

Handling and Restraint Techniques

General Restraint

  • Techniques for clinical examination in dogs and cats explained with specifics for blood collection.

Life Cycle of Common Livestock

Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Poultry

  • Overview of breeding cycles, management strategies related to reproductive health, housing, and nutrition.

Monitoring Lamb and Goat Health

  • Emphasis on husbandry practices that affect productivity and health in farm settings.

Swine Production

  • General reproductive data alongside management practices in pig husbandry discussed.

Poultry Production Structure

  • Summary of the egg-laying industry dynamics and broiler production statistics including health management.

Housing and Management Systems

  • Describes housing standards for welfare and production performance in various poultry systems, focusing on stocking density and environmental conditions.

Fish and Reptile Husbandry

  • Examination of water quality parameters critical for fish health and environmental requirements for reptiles.

Summary of Common Household Hazards for Birds

  • Common toxicities related to household items and their effects on avian welfare.

Final Considerations

  • Encourage ongoing education in each animal husbandry aspect for veterinary practices and pet ownership.