Researchers from around the world recently gathered to
discuss advances in companion animal sciences. The program was
part of the 2005 Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS)
meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA on July 27 and 28.
In the open paper section entitled "Nutritional and Health
Considerations for Companion Animals," there were 12 oral and
poster presentations attended by over 60 academic and industry
scientists. At the end of this session, the 2004 Corbin Award
recipient, Dr. Anita Oberbauer of the University of
California-Davis, provided insight on what she sees as the
future for companion animal sciences. She emphasized how it
should be addressed in academia.
Dr. Oberbauer commented that "the time is right for (animal
science departments) to dive into companion animals." Her basis
for this included:
- More funding opportunities from trade and governmental
groups;
- Growing student interest; and
- The need for human-appropriate biomedical models.
Dr. Oberbauer predicted that companion animals "will become
a prominent part of animal sciences."
A special symposium entitled "New Advances in Pet Health,
Nutrition, and Reproductive Management" was sponsored by The
Iams Company. It was chaired by Dr. Diane Hirakawa who
emphasized the goal of the symposium was to "build bridges
between [the disciplines of] animal science and veterinary
medicine." Presentations included the following:
David Waters, DVM, PhD, Purdue University and Gerald P.
Murphy Cancer Foundation, provided a very thought-provoking
synthesis of observations from a multitude of disciplines on
cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Waters developed a
scientific platform for his research with the dog as a model to
identify biomarkers of cancer and aging and how these might be
used in the fight against cancer in animal and man.
Recent discoveries in maternal nutrition have revealed,
according to Russ Kelley, The Iams Company, that
supplementation of the dam with elevated levels of DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid; a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid
found in oil from fish) will accelerate the learning curve for
puppies.
Boon Chew, PhD, Washington State University, summarized the
growing body of evidence that special pigment carotenoids
(close cousins to vitamin A) show promise in promoting immune
function in dogs and cats. Specifically, astaxanthin (a
red-pink pigment), B-carotene (a yellow pigment), and lutein
(an orange pigment) stimulated cell-mediated (e.g.
interleukins) and humoral (e.g. immunoglobulins) immune
functions, increased death in mammary tumor cells, and
increased c-reactive protein levels in companion animals.
Robert Hutchison, DVM, Animal Clinic Northview, Inc.,
described the many practices that have been learned over the
past 20+ years since litters resulting from artificial
insemination were recognized by the AKC. Dr. Hutchison stated
that effective indicators of when to breed included timing and
choosing the right signal (behavioral, endocrine, or
histological) to monitor.
Animal sciences departments need to consider offering
more training in companion animal biology, assert Neal R.
Merchen and Linda P. Case, University of Illinois, Urbana,
Illinois, USA. A curriculum in companion animal biology has
been developed at the University of Illinois. Courses are
taught in Companion Animal Biology (general survey of all
disciplines related to companion animals) and
Human-Companion Animal Interactions. A course in Companion
Animal Nutrition is offered to junior-senior and graduate
students. In addition to traditional course work,
opportunities exist for student internships with petfood
companies, animal shelters and dog training centers. An
annual field trip offers students direct exposure to career
opportunities in companion animal management, training and
nutrition.
Dr. Aldrich is president of Pet Food & Ingredient Technology Inc. He is also the author of Petfood Industry magazine's monthly column, "Ingredient Issues."