Basic Animal Care (1st) Flashcards
All information that was taught to me while attending Vanier College's "Animal Health Technology" Program, located in St-Laurent Montreal.
What are the roles of a AHT with farm animals?
Preventative medicine assistanceData entry Embryonic transferManagement, inventory & orders etc
What are the dangers associate with handling bovines ?
Being bumped, kicked, tail whipped
What are the dangers associated with handling sheep?
They are timid and they head butt
What are the behavior traits of goats ?
Goats are inquisitive, more independent
Which ruminant has a strong herding instinct ?
Bovine
What are the names of cows in English?
Cow, heifer , bull , steer
What are the names of cows in French?
Vache, genisse, taureau, bouvillon
How many different breeds of cows are there and how many years ago were cows domesticated ?
920 breeds of cows and they were domesticated 5000 years ago
What is the scientific name for a cow?
A bos Taurus
What is the lifespan of cattle and when are dairy cattle often culled by?
25 years and dairy cattle are often culled by 4-6
What methods of restraint can you use on a bovine?
Halter, ropes, nose thongs and chemical
What are the names of the four compartments of a cows stomach?
Rumen RectictulumOmasumAbomasum
What type of hooves do a cow have and what advantage does it give on land?
Cloven hoofs and it is able to run faster on land because their toes spread and therefor do not sink as deep
What is the first part of the life cycle of a dairy cow and when is it?
1-3 days. Is fed colostrum and then removed and nipple fed.
What are bull calves used for?
For veal
What are heifers used for?
Kept to become replacement heifer for the herd
What is the second part in the life cycle of a dairy cow and when is it?
From 3 days - 2/3 months. Fed whole milk and gradually introduced to roughage
What is the third step in the life cycle of a dairy cow and when is it?
From 2 mth to 15-18mths. Fed hay, on pasture
What is the fourth step in the life cycle of a dairy cow and when is it?
15-18 months. First breeding- estrous cycles every 21 days
How long is the gestation period of a cow?
9 months and 1 week
What is the fifth step in the life cycle of a dairy cow and when is it?
18-27 months. Pregnancy and continued growth.
What is the sixth step in the life cycle of a dairy cow and when is it?
27 months. Parturition (birth) onset of lactation and milking
What is the seventh step in the life cycle of a dairy cow and when is it?
25-40 months. First lactation cycle
Describe the lactation cycle of a cow
- 1-3 days colostrumFirst milk, antibody rich. Calf receives passive immunity2. 6 weeks peek lactation
How many liters of milk a day can a cow produce during peek lactation ?
60-100 liters a day
What stage in the lactation cycle is a cow most vulnerable to a disease at? Why are they vulnerable?
6 weeks or peek lactation. A cow cannot consume enough food to meet milk production. Will take from body stores of fat and muscle. Makes her prone to diseases such as milk fever or ketosis
When is a cow bred again for a second pregnancy ?
2-10 months.
How long is the dry period and when does it happen?
2 months before next calving
How often should a cow calve?
Every 12-18 months
List common medical conditions of cows
Mastitis - inflamed mammary gland due to infection (udders)BloatingMilk fever - hypocalcemia - low blood calcium Ketosis - metabolic disorder
How long are beef cattle on the feedlot?
6-12 months
What are some frequent procedures done to cattle ?
Preventative medicineDehorningVaccinationDewormingHoof careCalvingEmbryonic transfer
What are male pigs called in English and French?
Boat , verrat
What are female pigs called in English and French?
Sow , truie
How long is a pigs estrous?
21 days
How long is the gestation period of a pig?
3 months 3 weeks 3 days - 117 days
How big is their litters?
8-12
What is the first stage in the life cycle of a pig? And when is it?
Weaned - 3 weeks
What is the second stage in the life cycle of a pig? And when is it?
Grower - 1-4 months
What is the third stage in the life cycle of a pig and when is it?
Finisher - 5-6 months
When is a pigs first estrus?
Around 6 months if exposed daily to the boar. Otherwise 8 months
How many litters per year is a pig expected to have?
2.5 litters per year
What is a pig fed from 0-3 weeks?
Sows milk + creep feed ➡️ starter diet
What is a pig fed from 3-5 weeks?and when are they expected to hit market weight ?
Weaned diet ➡️ grower ration ➡️ finishing ration and market by 6 months
What is the meat variety of poultry referred to? And when do they go to market ?
Broiler and 6-7 weeks when they are 4lbs
What is the egg laying type of poultry called?
Layers
How many eggs can a layer lay a year?
240-270 eggs/year
What is a mature male chicken called ?
Rooster , cock , roo
What is a mature female chicken called ?
Hen
What is a newly hatched chicken called ?
A chick
What is an immature male chicken called ?
A cockerel
What is an immature female chicken called ?
Pullet
How many varieties of chicken are there and how many years ago were they domesticated ?
150 varieties and they were domesticated 8000 years ago
How long is the life expectancy of a hen?
A hen can live up to 20 years but normally lives 10.
What do egg manufacturers do to check the egg for imperfections?
Candle the egg
How long have turkey’s been around?
10 million years ago
Why can’t domestic turkeys fly?
They usually weigh too much to be able to fly
What is a male turkey called?
Tom, gobbler
What is a female turkey called?
Hen
What is a baby turkey called ?
Poult or chick
What is a young male turkey called ?
Jake
What is a young female turkey called ?
Jenny
What is a group of turkey’s called ?
A flock
What are frequent procedures on a turkey ?
Vaccinations , coccidiosis prevention, beak trim , necropsy
What are the four things key to the well being of farm animals?
- Reproductive and productive performance 2. Pathological and immunological traits 3. Physiological and biochemical characteristics4. Behavioral patterns
What are the five basic freedoms a farm animal needs?
- To get up2. To lie down 3. To groom normally4. To turn around5. To stretch its limbs
Why study reptiles and amphibians?
Have increased popularity as petsHave a biology that differs significantly from mammalsVets are not taught much about exotics in school
What are Herps?
Collective term for reptile and amphibians
What are some features of an amphibian
Moist, permeable, glandular skinNon-amniotic eggsEctothermic (most are heterothermic)
What are the three orders of the class amphibia, and how many species does each order have
Anura (5000+ species) frogs etcCaudata (500 species) salamanders Gymnophiona (<200 species) caecilians
What are some features of a reptile
Non-permeable, non-glandular skin Amniotic eggsMostly oviparousMostly ectothermic and heterothermic
What are the four orders of reptiles and how many species do they contain
Testudines (<7000 species) snakes/lizardsCrocodilia (23 species) crocodiles
In reptiles and amphibians what are we dealing with? Species or breeds?
Species
What is thermophysiology
How body temperature is maintained
What are some advantages to ectothermy
Lower energy needs (eat less)Tolerate cooling better (night, seasonal, brumation)
What is the disadvantage of ectothermy
Activity limited by environmental temperature
How do Herps maintain their preferred body temperature
Behavioral thermoregulationPhysiological thermoregulation
What is an integument
The covering or outside of an organism, like skinUnique in reptiles and amphibians
What is dysecdysis
Retained eye spectacles Constricted toes, spines, tail tips
What is dysecdysis caused by
Inadequate environmental humidityMalnutrition and dehydrationParasitism
What can thermoreceptive organs do:
Can “see” heat
What are boids
Labial heat pads
What are crotalines
Paired rostral heat pits
What is dropping their tails done for
Defense
What must a Herps captive environment do
Fulfill all physiological and psychological needs Be based on natural habitatOmit natural dangersBe easy to access and maintain
What material should a herp enclosure be made out of
Easy to clean and disinfectTransparent barriers can be problematic
Are cagemates a good idea for Herps?
No
What are ultraviolet A lights used for
Part of visible spectrum for many speciesIdentification of conspecifics and prey
What does having ultraviolet -a light do to the environment?
Increases social behaviorsFeeding BaskingBreeding
How do you determine how much uv is needed?
Depends on:HabitatGeographical locationTime of year Species activity period
What can you use to measure uv irradiance
A solar meter 6.2
Who needs UVA?
Assume diurnal species need it
What provides UVA?
UVB bulbsIncandescentsHalogens
In the color rendering index, what is natural sunlight considered?
The best, 100
For diurnal species what is the minimum CRI they should have
80
What must be done to the water dish
Kept cleanKept appropriately sized (drinking vs soaking/swimming)
What additives must be removed from water?
Chlorine, chloramine, fluoride
Who is most sensitive to water quality
Small reptiles and all amphibians most sensitive
What can inappropriate levels of humidity lead to?
Respiratory and or dermatological disease
What are humidity needs based on
Seasonally depending on wild habit
What are the two categories of substrate
ParticulateNon particulate
What is a particulate substrate and give an example
Made up of lots of small pieces Ex: sand soil or gravel
What is a non particulate substrate and give an example
Made up of large piecesEx: paper towel, carpeting, tile
Is enrichment a necessity or an option
It’s a necessity
Herps are thigmotactic, what does that mean
They must feel the security of a hide on all sides of their body
How big should a Herps hide be?
Just large enough to enter, turn around and exit
Why is food a good enrichment for Herps
Chasing live insect prey Stimulate foraging behaviors (hidden prey)
What are some good reasons to keep Herps as pets?
Hypo allergic companion animalsMay be better suited to your lifestyle Captive breeding effortsHands off display pets
How do you select a species of herp to keep as a pet?
Based on:Adult sizeSpace requirements DietHardinessPersonality and behavior
What non particulate substrates are good
Paper towel, butcher paper, newspaper
Why are non particulate substrates like paper towel good for animals
Easy observations of stool and urine productionPrey cannot hide easily
What can you do when you find out an animal is eating it’s substrate?
Don’t use that substrateFeed on dish or elevated perchFeed snakes in a feeding bin
What are the cons of having a glass aquarium with a screen top for your herps
Transparent barriers can be problematic ( face rubbing)
What are the cons of having a wood enclosure with a screen front or top for your herp
Wood is difficult to sanitize and screen is abrasive if animal rubs against it
How much uv light is transmitted through glass or plastic barriers
0%
What can uv light go through
Mesh/wire/screen
What deformities happen with uv deficiency
Skeletal deformities especially if afflicted during juvenile critical growth period
What is a heliotherm
Any heat producing bulb in a heat lamp fixture
What is a thigmotherm
Any heliospheric device placed over substrate or furniture that retains heat
What is special about the leopard gecko
Possess true eyelidsLack of adhesive footpadsTail enlarged with fat depositsCrested geckos are flattened dorsoventrally
What is special about the Sudan plated lizard
Similar body to skinkDifferent scalation
What is the major differences between lizards and caudates
Dry scaly skinNails/clawsCaudates have a frog like appearance
What is special about snake lung anatomy
Many species only have left lung; right lung is reduced in size or absent
Why is it important to examine shed skin?
Can check for ecto parasitesCheck for ecdysis
What is the shell of a turtle?
Living bone
What are some ownership considerations for Owning birds
Time consumingLoud/destructive MessyRequire fresh food/water at all timesCan be aggressiveVery long lifespan
Describe living in the wild for the bird
PredatorsDiet (variety)Disease Climate changeHabitat destruction
Describe life in captivity for a bird
CagingBehavior problemsOften inappropriate dietVet care Increased longevityHand rearing
How do you sex a bird
DNAUltrasoundColor dimorphism
What are a few popular bird species
African greyAmazonCanaryCockatielCockatooFinchMacaw
Describe housing of birds
Safe cage location/positionAppropriate size cageVarious perchesToysHiding tentsSafe cage liner
Give 4 examples of appropriate perches
Cholla woodRope perchJava woodApple wood
Give three examples of inappropriate perches
Rock/stone perchSand paper covered perchSand paper perch
What is the basic care needed for birds
Monitor appetite, stool/urine, activityRoutine weighingMonitor Molting periodsProvide foraging activities and toysTraining sessionsProvide entertainmentRegular bath
What is general grooming for birds
Nails (clipping or filing)Daily bathsBeak (not usually required)Wings (trimming)
What are the 3 abnormal types of bird beaks
Scissor beakOvergrown beakPrognathism
How do you identify birds?
Leg bandsMicrochips (in chest)
What should birds be eating?
Vegetables & dark greensSprouted beans/seedsFruitsPellets and whole grainsNuts and seedsAnimal protein
What are some toxic foods for birds
AvocadoFruit pits/seedsGround cherriesRhubarbFat/sugar/saltOnion/garlicChocolateCoffeeAlcoholHouse plantsMoldy foods
What are some toxic products for birds
MetalsPaint/varnishTeflonCleaning productsCigarette smokeAir fresheners
How do you restrain birds?
Hold head and stomach/feet areaTowel
Describe a healthy bird
Perky and alertPosture Bright eyesClean noseGlossy bright feathersHydrated skin on feetNails trimmedNormal stoolsGood appetiteCloaca
What are the signs of illness in a bird
Puffy feathersDroopy wingsClosed eyesCrusty noseHunched positionAt cage bottom Loss of appetite Quiet
What are some common avian diseases
PsittacosisPbfdPolyoma virusPacheco disease virusProventricular dilation diseaseAspergillosis Candidiasis
What is a common problem with birds feet
Bumble foot
What is a common problem with the feathers of a bird?
Feather cystsBroken blood feathers
What’s a common problem associated with a bird giving birth
Egg binding
What’s a common skin problem in birds
Mites
What a common problem with feeding a bird too much
ObesityFatty liver disease
What’s a common problem with birds bones
Fractured
What are some behavioral issues of birds
ScreamingBitingAggressionDestructionOver preeningPluckingMutiliation
What is a normal mouth like
Good occlusionAll teeth presentHealthy gumsNo foul smell
What is the canine adult dental formula
Incisiors 3/3, canines 1/1, premolars 4/4 molars 2/3
How many teeth does an adult canine have
42
What is the dental formula of an adult feline
Incisors 3/3, canines 1/1, premolars 3/2 and molars 1/1
How many teeth does an adult feline have
30
Teeth problems are the most frequent health problem in pets older than ___ years
6
___-____% of pets examined have some sort of periodontal disease
80-85
What does periodontal disease cause
Systematic problems as well as local ones
Why do dental problems typically lead to euthanasia
Because it is expensive to get appropriate dental treatment
What kind of home care can an owner be doing to take care of their pets teeth
Owner exam + odorFoodBrushingWater additives Toys
What can a vet/tech do to take care of a pets teeth
Special productsDental cleaningPrevention programs
What are the clinical signs of periodontal disease
HalitosisGingivitisPlaquePusLoss of teethPain
What is the progression of periodontal disease
PlaqueGingivitisTartarInflammationGum destroyedTooth loss
What are some differences between pediatric animals and adult animals
Anatomy and physiology/immunityNutritionActivity Behavior/temperamentMedical care
What happens at 2-3 days in pediatric development
Umbilical cord dries and falls off
What happens at 5-14 days in pediatric development
Eyelids open
What happens at 6-14 days in pediatric development
External ear canals open
What Happens at 7-14 days in pediatric development
Capable of crawling
What happens at 14-21 days in pediatric development
Walking, urinating and defecating spontaneously
What happens at 8 weeks in pediatric development
Renal function nears that of an adult
What happens in 4-5 months in pediatric development
Hepatic function nears that of an adult
In puppies , when does the incisors erupt from skin
2-3 weeks
In puppies when does the canines erupt from the skin
3-4 weeks
In puppies when do the premolars erupt from the skin
3-6 weeks
At 12-16 weeks what happens to a dogs teeth
The adult incisors come in
At 16-20 weeks what happens to a dogs teeth
The adult canines come in
At 16-24 weeks what happens to a dogs teeth
Adult premolars come in
At 14-20 weeks what happens to a dogs teeth
The adult molars come in
In a kitten when do the incisors erupt from the skin
3-4 weeks
In a kitten when do the canines erupt from the skin
3 weeks
In a kitten when do the pre molars erupt from the skin
4-12 weeks
In a cat what happens to their teeth at 12-16 weeks
Adult incisors come in
In a cat what happens to their teeth at 16-24 weeks
Adult canines come inAdult premolars come in
In a cat what happens to their teeth at 20-28 weeks
Adult molars come In
When do puppies and kittens stop sleeping together
5-6 weeks of age
How do neonates urinate/defecate
Mother stimulates them
When does the puppy/kitten receive colostrum
Within 2-3 hours up to 24hrs
In the first week how many times does a neonate recieve milk
4-6 times a day
In the second week how many times does a neonate receive milk per day
3 times a day
When is solid food introduced to neonates
3-4 weeks of age
When is a neonate completely weaned off of milk
6-8 weeks
Why is handling neonates often good
Stimulates development and sociability
When is the imprinting period
First 4 months
When is the fear period
8-12 weeks
What is the normal rectal temperature of a neonate in the first week
35.6 approx
What is the rectal temperature of a neonate in the second week
37.0-38.2
When does the temperature of a neonate hit adult levels
7 weeks
What is the normal heart rate in the first week of life
220bpm
What is the respiratory rate in the first week of life
10-35 breaths per minute