Laboratory animals are becoming increasingly important for biomedical research. It is said that approximately 70% of biomedical research is associated with the use of experimental animals. Laboratory animal research not only expands our knowledge of science, but also greatly improves human and animal health. The field of laboratory animal science is ever-growing and changing as new experimental techniques are developed and new animal models are created. It is essential to know not only the biological features of each laboratory animal but also how to use and care for them responsibly in order to perform high-quality experiments. Courses in beginning Laboratory Animal Science are starting to be offered in many universities throughout the world. However, a practical introductory textbook that contains state-of-the-art techniques is still lacking. Fundamentals of Laboratory Animal Science provides comprehensive information on the principles and practices of using laboratory animals for biomedical research. Each individual chapter focuses on a key sub-discipline of laboratory animal science: animal welfare and best humane care practices in the laboratory; the quality control of laboratory animals; the anatomy, physiology, and husbandry of commonly used species; the principles of creating and using animal models for studying human diseases; practical techniques used for laboratory animal experiments; experimental design; and animal experimentation management. Knowledge of this broad spectrum of concepts and skills will ensure research goes smoothly while greatly reducing animal pain and distress. Well-illustrated and thoroughly referenced, this book will serve not only as a standard textbook but also as a handy guide for veterinarians, researchers, animal care staff, administrators, and other professionals who are involved in laboratory animal science.

Most consumable products of animal origin, such as eggs and milk, are obtained through exploitation of the reproductive processes of livestock, making efficiency extremely important in intensive production units. Critical evaluation of each technological innovation in this field is necessary before widespread introduction, and this requires an extensive knowledge of reproductive biology.
This volume presents comprehensive, current discussions of the individual aspects comprising the complete reproductive process in domesticated animals, covering various technological procedures for regulation and manipulation of particular events. It provides extensive coverage of reproductive anatomy and includes avian reproduction, supplying original and often innovative figures. This book will be of great value to agriculturalists and veterinarians as well as to food and environmental scientists.

Structure and Function of Domestic Animals provides a solid introduction to the functional anatomy of domestic animals. The author covers general principles, phenomena, and mechanisms and then supports this information by providing concrete examples, giving you a working understanding of the biology of animals. Line drawings, tables, and text boxes provide supplemental information. The author examines the functions of animals from the basic to the complex. The pragmatic application of these principles allows for the raising and caring for animals with the appropriate regard for their welfare. He covers morphology, myology, electrophysiology, endocrinology, comparative anatomy, metabolism, cell growth and development, and reproductive mechanisms. The mechanism and phenomena described in this book will introduce you to the flexibility or plasticity of normal animal function. The author's pedagogical writing style clearly delineates normal function and abnormal function. Structure and Function of Domestic Animals explores many of the seemingly endless examples of the ways in which animals apply the fundamental principles of chemistry and physics to preserve their integrity. It gives you an insightful overview to a very broad subject.

This new volume gives a concise overview covering the most basic and exciting chapters of comparative medicine with regards to physiology and function in healthy individuals. The book includes core concepts in anatomy and physiology in human and model animals which one needs to understand to make independent contributions inthe research area of comparative medicine. During the writing process of the book the authors were in constant interdisciplinary dialogue. Theyaim to contribute to the improvement of quality of life for human and animal patients.

Volume II features a variety of animal and human prion diseases, including the newly-identified atypical forms of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and scrapie in animals, and variably protease-sensitive prionopathy in humans, prions in the environment, Tau pathology in human prion disease, transmission of the disease by blood transfusion, mammalian and non-mammalian models, conventional and advanced diagnoses, prion-specific antibodies, as well as decontamination of prions and development of therapeutics of prion diseases, such as the application of immunomodulation. This volume provides up-to-date knowledge about the etiology, pathogenesis, classification, histopathological, and clinical aspects of the highly publicized animal and human prion diseases.

The popularity of germ-free animal models, particularly mice, for investigation of human physiology and disease has recently exploded. Gnotobiotic Mouse Technology: An Illustrated Guide provides the first manual for the maintenance, husbandry, and experimental manipulation of germ-free and gnotobiotic mice. It includes information on all aspects of establishing and operating a germ-free mouse research facility, from basic principles and equipment to detailed instructions for assembling and maintaining isolators, sterilizing supplies, handling animals, and monitoring sterility. The book breaks down techniques and procedures into modules, each of which contains a step-by-step practical and visual guide to a set of related procedures. Each description consists of a materials list, introduction, and general overview, followed by a thoroughly illustrated walkthrough of the steps for each procedure. The descriptions end with troubleshooting tips. Technical chapters are heavily illustrated and include notations of potential pitfalls and alternatives. Other chapters discuss management procedures and practices such as the hiring and training of personnel, setting fee schedules, and record keeping. This book is a landmark resource for establishing and maintaining a facility for germ-free mouse research. Useful to both technicians and investigators, it presents every step necessary to establish a successful facility. It also gives direction in expanding multi-user facilities and applying new technologies to your current practices.

Recent advances in fish cytogenetics have enhanced the interest in chromosome analysis in both fundamental (systematics and comparative genomics among fishes and other vertebrate groups) and applied (aquaculture, conservation and response to pollutants, whole genome sequencing of model fish species) research. Although the genomic material, the chromosomes, is basically the same in the various organisms, experience has clearly shown that fish chromosomes have to be handled with specific protocols. In laboratories around the world, traditional cytogenetic techniques and molecular cytogenetics have seen a vast improvement but the technical details and protocols are often not published in scientific journals because of constraints in format and size and therefore they are not accessible to the whole scientific community. These shortcomings are very well known to fish cytogeneticists and the idea to prepare a specific manual was first discussed during the first "Workshop of Fish Cytogenetics" held in Concarneau (France), in 1992. Resulting from the above workshop, a draft compilation of the techniques and protocols in fish cytogenetics available at that time had been produced and distributed privately, but never published. There does not exist, at present, any published handbook or manual specifically dealing with fish cytogenetics. This book fills this void by bringing together and updating the main techniques so that the traditional methods can be standardized. Moreover, this book includes novel developments or improvements; some of the protocols provided here are practically unknown to the scientific community and even now unpublished.

This is the first guide to Veterinary Narrative Medicine, a cutting-edge approach in human medicine with multiple applications in veterinary medicine. The text combines the latest research with numerous real-world examples and practical techniques to improve client communication, patient care, and veterinary well-being. Narrative Medicine maintains that a patient should be viewed as an individual rather than an example of a disease process, and that this can be accomplished by using narrative. This book explores methods and theories from leaders in the human Narrative Medicine field while addressing topics unique to veterinary medicine. Readers will gain tools to help navigate difficult conversations and situations in clinical practice, including those involving the end of life. Narrative Medicine in Veterinary Practice also addresses the important issue of veterinary wellness. The ability to view the veterinarian's own stories and those of clients and patients as narratives may help practitioners maintain both emotional and work-place boundaries as well as decrease burnout and compassion fatigue. The book describes basic techniques to promote self-reflection and mindfulness, skills often overlooked in the veterinary profession which can improve resilience and increase the enjoyment of veterinary practice. This is important reading for veterinary practitioners, students, veterinary nurses, technicians, social workers, and all veterinary clinic staff.

Mechanical stress is vital to the functioning of the body, especially for tissues such as bone, muscle, heart, and vessels. It is well known that astronauts and bedridden patients suffer muscle and bone loss from lack of use. Even the heart, in pumping blood, causes mechanical stress to itself and to vascular tissue. With the loss of mechanical stress, homeostasis becomes impaired and leads to pathological conditions such as osteopenia, muscle atrophy, and vascular tissue dysfunction. In elderly populations, such mechanical pathophysiology, as well as the mechanical activities of locomotor and cardiovascular systems, is important because skeletal and heart functions decline and cause diseases in other organs. In this monograph, mechanical stress is discussed by experts in the field with respect to molecular, cellular, and tissue aspects in relation to medicine. Covering topics such as gravity and tissues and disuse osteoporosis, the book provides the most up-to-date information on cutting-edge advancements in the field of mechanobiology and is a timely contribution to research into locomotor and circulatory diseases that are major problems in contemporary society.

This book presents a review of the existing literature on natural mycotoxins to create a comprehensive reference for mycotoxin levels. Each entry includes contamination, concentration rate, mostly mean mycotoxin concentration of organs (human and animal) and country of origin of the sample. Due to the serious spoilage and health issues the presence of mycotoxins can cause, it is imperative that corresponding scientists, health institutions and the food and feed industries have a more qualified understanding of mycotoxins in living things. To this end, Natural Mycotoxin Contamination in Humans and Animals provides an excellent resource. The present book complements the series of the author's previous books, Mycotoxins in Feedstuffs and Mycotoxins in Foodstuffs, in that it is a review of the literature to create a comprehensive reference for mycotoxin levels. As with Mycotoxins and their Metabolites in Humans and Animals, the focus remains the same, but the scope now covers natural mycotoxins only. Comprehensive reference of natural mycotoxin levels in humans and animals Easy-to-use database of mycotoxins Each entry is comprehensive

Chimpanzees, including common chimpanzees and bonobos, are our closest living relatives. This book, which is the first photographic and descriptive musculoskeletal atlas of the genus Pan, adopts the same format as the photographic atlases of Gorilla and Hylobates previously published by the same authors. These three books are part of a series of monographs that will set out the comparative and phylogenetic context of the gross anatomy and evolutionary history of the soft tissue morphology of modern humans and their closest relatives. The atlas, which includes detailed high-quality photographs of musculoskeletal structures from most anatomical regions of the body as well as textual information about the attachments, innervation, function and weight of the respective muscles, is based on dissections of up to 12 chimpanzees and on an extensive review of the literature. It provides an updated review of the anatomical variations within chimpanzees as well as an extensive list of the synonyms used in the literature. The book is designed for students, teachers and researchers studying primatology, comparative anatomy, functional morphology, zoology, and physical anthropology and to medical students, doctors and researchers who are curious about the origin, evolution, homology and variations of the musculoskeletal structures of modern humans.

Organized by body system, the new edition of this highly illustrated textbook covers the normal histological appearance of tissues in a wide range of animals, both domestic and exotic species, with relevant clinical correlates emphasizing the need to appreciate the normal in order to recognize the abnormal. In this update by two experienced veterinary pathologists and histology lecturers, new species, such as other companion mammals, aquatic species and livestock, are introduced into each chapter along with a wealth of new high-quality images. A new chapter covers epitehlial tissue and new techniques used in histology and histopathology are discussed throughout, including ISH and digital image analysis. Pathogenesis explanation is introduced in the current (and many new) cases of histopathology. The breadth of coverage-farm animals, dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish-and the integration of normal and abnormal tissue provide a reference of lasting value to veterinary students as well as veterinary practitioners and pathologists needing a quick refresher.

Significant advances have been made in animal model development for biological research since the publication of the first edition of this volume, and the ramifications of the FDA s Animal Efficacy Rule have become better understood in the scientific community. With each chapter completely updated with the latest research findings, Biodefense Research Methodology and Animal Models, Second Edition spans the spectrum of coverage from basic research to advanced development of medical countermeasures.

Topics discussed in this volume include:

• A history of biological agents as weapons, from the use of corpses to contaminate water supplies to modern day anthrax attacks
• Concepts and strategies involved in biowarfare and bioterrorism
• The development, validation, and importance of animal models in biodefense research
• Infectious disease aerobiology
• Studies involving anthrax, glanders, plague, tularemia, Q fever, alphaviruses, orthopoxviruses, and a new chapter on brucellosis
• Animal models for viral hemorrhagic fevers
• Botulinum and Ricin toxins
• Staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigens

As the scientific community works diligently to protect the world s population from the misuse of infectious organisms and toxins, it is imperative that researchers stay abreast of the latest techniques for biodefense research. Exploring in vivo and in vitro assays, this volume brings researchers up to date on the latest information on bacterial and viral infectious agents and biological toxins considered to pose the greatest threats to public safety. In addition, the contributors take a step toward minimizing the use of animals in further experiments by presenting documented findings that can be built upon.

The book concentrates on physiology and biochemistry and is not diluted by taxonomy/systematics - this makes it different from the competitor books and increases its worth at the postgraduate level and beyond. It makes a very good companion book to a second text that concentrates on taxonomic aspects, such as McGavin. It emphasizes the importance of a rigorous understanding of species-specific details. This is even more successful because of the depth of each chapter. The chapter on symbiosis is different, and very interesting and relevant. There is 'hidden depth', nuance and richness in many chapters, which explore a huge range of themes and relevant topics. The book puts emphasis on insect diversity and its implications for experimental design and interpretation, highlighting caveats in experimental design. It is extremely thought provoking. The writing style is easy to follow with very good descriptions of complicated topics. The edition is published in full color throughout. Ideal for upper level undergraduate and graduate students (in college course system, 300 level and above). For the first-time learners, the level of difficulty is comparable to the introductory level courses for Genetics.

Since the last International Bile Acid Meeting in Stockholm in 2004, bile acid research has continued to flourish and therapeutic use of bile acids has attained a broader role. New insights have been gained into the mechanisms responsible for maintenance of bile acid homeostasis, and effects of bile acids on the cell signalling pathways have been further elucidated. Knowledge of the genetic basis of bile acid physiology has further increased. Therapy of chronic cholestatic liver diseases with ursodeoxycholic acid and new aspects of its chemopreventive properties continue to stimulate basic and clinical research and contribute to the understanding of underlying modes of action and to optimized treatment schedules. Chapters reflect the recent progress in bile acid metabolism and transport, nuclear receptor regulation and signaling by bile acids, as well as mechanisms of bile acid-induced cellular injury...

This book describes the major steps by which the mammalian ear transforms sound into nerve impulses. The author leads us along the pathway followed by an acoustic signal--collected by the outer ear, augmented by the middle ear, then delivered to the inner ear where the minuscule vibrations of the sound waves are transformed into nerve impulses. At each stage, the basic mechanisms are described qualitatively in terms of current theories and illustrated with experimental data. Where appropriate, related mechanisms in the ears of other vertebrates are considered. It is shown that the mammalian ear does an exquisite job of translating sound signals into a very robust nerve-pulse code. The book concludes with descriptions of some common ear impairments and a brief survey of the treatments available for them. The text is integrated with animations of mechanical and neural phenomena available through the Internet.

Nutrition spans a wide range of mechanisms from acquisition of food to digestion, absorption and retention of energy substrates, water and other nutrients. Nutritional principles have been applied to improving individual health, athletic performance and longevity of humans and of their companion animals, and to maximizing agricultural efficiency by manipulating reproduction or growth of tissues such as muscle, hair or milk in livestock. Comparative nutrition borrows from these tra- tional approaches by applying similar techniques to studies of ecology and physiology of wildlife. Comparative approaches to nutrition integrate several levels of organization because the acquisition and flow of energy and nutrients connect individuals to populations, populations to communities, and communities to ecosystems. Integrative Wildlife Nutrition connects behavioral, morphological and biochemical traits of animals to the life history of species and thus the dynamics of populations. An integrated approach to nutrition provides a practical framework for understanding the interactions between food resources and wildlife popu- tions and for managing the harvest of abundant species and the conservation of threatened populations. This book is for students and professionals in animal physiology and ecology, conservation biology and wildlife management. It is based on our lectures, dem- strations and practical classes taught in the USA, Canada and Australia over the last three decades. Instructors can use Integrative Wildlife Nutrition as a text in wildlife and conservation biology programs, and as a reference source for related courses in wildlife ecology.

The book is a step-by-step manual describing the most commonly performed diagnostic procedures in horses making it an ideal quick reference resource for general and equine practitioners. The title is a concise compilation of technical information on collection and handling body tissues for the diagnosis of equine diseases. Invasive and non-invasive diagnostic procedures along with common joint injection and aspiration techniques are thoroughly explained. The manual describes and demonstrates the collection of fluid and tissue samples from all body systems and when applicable, and discusses multiple techniques for collecting the tissue samples. This book takes a unique approach to the presentation of synoviocentesis techniques by superimposing radiographic images over the corresponding joints of the intact limbs. These images greatly assist clinicians in visualizing anatomical orientation with the described palpable landmarks. This user-friendly text includes over 150 full-color images. Published by Teton New Media in the USA and distributed by Manson Publishing outside of North America.

This book presents a concept for implementing a mass balance approach toward developing an effective eco-friendly, livestock farming system independent of external energy input. In this context it describes a modern, integrated farming system, and includes comprehensive technical information explaining the design and evaluation of manure management systems, and modeling and operational tools. It first discusses the mass balance operating process, highlighting the difference between imported and exported mass across the farm boundary. Estimating mass balance can provide critical information for (comprehensive) nutrient management planning and for managing the movement of nutrients and manure. It then explains the estimation of whole-farm P mass balance using a suitable model system. The subsequent chapters provide updated information on management aspects of livestock-farming and generation of multiple job opportunities, and also explore various aspects of livestock farming operational protocols like housing and management; nurture of rams, ewes and lambs, new born calves and heifers; care of buck, doe and kid- nutrition flushing; concept zero grazing-systems; disease control and management; integrated goat farming; and crop-livestock integration. Further, the book addresses crop-livestock integration; energy autonomy in cattle farming; value added biopharmaceuticals from cattle farming; CAPEX for cattle farming; concepts of cattle farming; detrimental effects of the industry; topographic and edaphic factors, and thermal stress on livestock growth and development; socioeconomic development; and water requirements for livestock. The book concludes with the most important issue in the field of agriculture and veterinary science: "Livestock Farming with Care," describing sustainable, eco-friendly livestock farming by highlighting issues like animal feed vs. human food; agricultural GDP vs livestock, and factors affecting the sustainability of livestock farming. Given its scope, this book is a valuable resource for researchers and students alike, and will also appeal to practitioners in the field of livestock.

Broodmare Reproduction is a concise and liberally illustrated working guide on Broodmare health and breeding management for veterinarians, veterinary students and breeders. This 255 page presentation boasts 90 illustrations and 50 ultrasonograms images. The book includes detailed coverage of the uses of ultrasonography for diagnosis and monitoring of the mare. It discusses cytologic studies essential to diagnosis, normal and abnormal reproductive anatomy, culturing techniques for infections diseases affecting the reproductive capacity of the broodmare and detailed guidelines for effective breeding. The book provides all of the essential information needed for clinical management and assessment of the broodmare as well as techniques for breeding, including assisted reproduction (embryo transfer, follicular aspiration and oocyte collection) and immunization. Assessment and management of infertility is also covered in detail. The book provides the student, practitioner or breeder with a wealth of easily retrievable and pertinent clinical information. This is the first in a 3-volume set on Equine Reproduction for the Made Easy Series. To follow will be a volume on the PREGNANT MARE AND FOAL and a volume on the STALION.

A concise and liberally illustrated working guide on Broodmare health and breeding management for veterinarians, veterinary students and breeders. The presentation includes all of the clinical procedures and assessments necessary for maintaining the health and breeding soundness of the Broodmare. This handy reference covers the use of ultrasonography for diagnosis and monitoring of the mare, cytologic studies essential to diagnosis, normal and abnormal reproductive anatomy, culturing techniques for infections, diseases affecting the reproductive capacity of the broodmare and detailed guidelines for effective breeding. It provides detailed protocols for vaccination and management of important reproductive diseases and disorders. The practical presentation includes thorough guidelines for the Breeding Soundness Examination. All aspects of assisted reproduction (embryo transfer, follicular aspiration, and oocyte collection) are evaluated and step-by-step procedures are provided. Published by Teton New Media in the USA and distributed by CRC Press outside of North America.

Understanding the processes that change the shape and composition of farm animals is fundamental to all aspects of production. Showing the progression from cell to tissue to entire animal, this comprehensive textbook provides an essential broad base for animal production, with key information on how animals grow and change in shape and composition, and factors that affect these processes. Illustrated with new photographs and focus boxes highlighting vital points, this updated third edition includes a new chapter on avian growth, an important source of protein for the expanding population. Providing a thorough yet student-friendly approach to the subject, this book continues to fill the important role of helping readers to understand how the basics of growth must be thoroughly understood if farm animals are to be used efficiently and humanely in producing food for mankind.

This book offers a valuable resource, reviewing the current state of knowledge concerning the pathology and epidemiology of infectious diseases in both captive and wild monkeys. The One Health concept forms the framework of all chapters. The multidisciplinary team of authors addresses neglected diseases caused by the three major pathogen groups - bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Moreover, the volume discusses key virulence factors such as the evolution of antibiotic resistance, and the ecological drivers of and human influence on pathogen transmission. Demonstrating how researchers working on monkeys diseases are increasingly thinking outside the box, this volume is an essential reference guide to the field of One Health and will serve as an asset for stakeholders in conservation, healthcare and research organizations that face the challenge of moving beyond classical human oriented approaches to health.

The volumes in this authoritative series present a multidisciplinary approach to modeling and simulation of flows in the cardiovascular and ventilatory systems, especially multiscale modeling and coupled simulations. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are tightly coupled, as their primary function is to supply oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from the body's cells. Because physiological conduits have deformable and reactive walls, macroscopic flow behavior and prediction must be coupled to nano- and microscopic events in a corrector scheme of regulated mechanisms. Therefore, investigation of flows of blood and air in physiological conduits requires an understanding of the biology, chemistry, and physics of these systems together with the mathematical tools to describe their functioning.

Volumes1 and 2are devoted to cell organization and fate, as well as activities that are autoregulated and/or controlled by the cell environment.Volume 1examined cellular features that allow adaptation to environmental conditions.Volume 2begins with a survey of the cell types of the nervous and endocrine systems involved in the regulation of the vasculature and respiratory tract and growth factors. It then describes major cell events in the circulatory and ventilatory systems, such as cell growth, proliferation, migration, and death. Circadian cycles that drive rhythmic gene transcription are also covered."

Contemporary research in science and engineering is seeking to harness the versatility and sustainability of living organisms. By exploiting natural principles, researchers hope to create new kinds of technology that are self-repairing, adaptable, and robust, and to invent a new class of machines that are perceptive, social, emotional, perhaps even conscious. This is the realm of the 'living machine'. Living machines can be divided into two types: biomimetic systems, that harness the principles discovered in nature and embody them in new artifacts, and biohybrid systems in which biological entities are coupled with synthetic ones. Living Machines: A handbook of research in biomimetic and biohybrid systems surveys this flourishing area of research, capturing the current state of play and pointing to the opportunities ahead. Promising areas in biomimetics include self-organization, biologically inspired active materials, self-assembly and self-repair, learning, memory, control architectures and self-regulation, locomotion in air, on land or in water, perception, cognition, control, and communication. Drawing on these advances the potential of biomimetics is revealed in devices that can harvest energy, grow or reproduce, and in animal-like robots that range from synthetic slime molds, to artificial fish, to humanoids. Biohybrid systems is a relatively new field, with exciting and largely unknown potential, but one that is likely to shape the future of humanity. This book surveys progress towards new kinds of biohybrid such as robots that merge electronic neurons with biological tissue, micro-scale machines made from living cells, prosthetic limbs with a sense of touch, and brain-machine interfaces that allow robotic devices to be controlled by human thought. The handbook concludes by exploring some of the impacts that living machine technologies could have on both society and the individual, exploring questions about how we will see and understand ourselves in a world in which the line between the natural and the artificial is increasingly blurred. With contributions from leading researchers from science, engineering, and the humanities, this handbook will be of broad interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Researchers in the areas of computational modeling and engineering, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, artificial life, biorobotics, neurorobotics, and human-machine interfaces will find Living Machines an invaluable resource.