Reproductive wastage is a major inefficiency in all livestock production with embryonic mortality accounting for a major portion of this loss. Accordingly the Commission of the European Communities encouraged the organisation of a seminar on embryonic mortality in farm animals which was held in Brussels on the 11th and 12th of December 1984. This book contains the text of the papers, discussions and final summary presented at that Seminar. As a background to the Seminar, the extent and timing of embryonic loss was described for farm animals. Particular consideration was then given to the various mechanisms and signals, both embryonic and uterine in origin, that are so far known to be involved in the establishment of pregnancy. Possible causes of embryonic death including physiological, endocrinological, genetic and immunological components were outlined and discussed. The final summary contains general conclusions from the Seminar and recommendations for future research work on this topic. J.M. Sreenan M.G. Diskin July 1985. ******************** THE EXTENT AND TIMING OF EMBRYONIC MORTALITY IN THE COW J. M. Sreenan & M. G. Diskin, The Agricultural Institute, Belclare, Tuam, Galway, Ireland ABSTRACT The extent and timing of embryonic mortality in heifers, normal cows and repeat breeder cows has been reviewed.

Contrary to common belief, infectious diseases are not as well under control as we would like. We are now at a crossroads regarding the impact of the environment on infectious diseases. Renewed interest in biological weapons and the emergence of new pathogens, coupled with a better understanding of the impact of infectious agents on other conventional diseases, has led us to realise that we can no longer remain complacent about the impact of infectious agents on human, animal and crop health. The present book first discusses current and emerging military and civilian policies on the environment. In addition, the impact of environmental biology on the future of space exploration is discussed, especially in reference to the Mars mission. There follows a discussion of the state of bacteria in the environment, with a presentation of current and emerging techniques of microbial investigation. Finally, two case studies are presented on the impact of these techniques on both political and environmental problems.

The most rewarding aspect of writing a book is receiving encouraging comments from one's colleagues, since one always wonders whether fair coverage was made of the work of others or whether some omissions were made. I feel very fortunate that many colleagues took the time to read the first edition of this book and chose to use it as a textbook in their teaching. During the past few years they have given me valuable suggestions by pointing out areas that needed to be added to improve the book. Toxicology is one of the fastest moving scientific fields. In the areas of insecticide toxicology many new advances have been made since this treatise first appeared. Therefore, it would not be easy to write even a review paper that would not be outdated by the time it was published. In revising this volume I have made a conscious effort to adhere to the basic principles which have been developed over the years. While I have retained the basic framework of the original book, advances that fundamentally change certain concepts or add a new horizon have been chosen for updating those fields where applicable. The main emphasis has been placed on the addition of new sections and new compounds developed since 1975. Since the first edition appeared, several books covering technical details in each group have been published. They are excellent encyclopedic resources in their chosen areas, and are listed in each section as recommended reading material.

"Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine Considered" is a book that belongs in your veterinary library. If you are a veterinarian wondering if you should incorporate complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) into your practice, if you have recently hired an associate eager to try such things as acupuncture or homeopathy, or if you have clients asking you about chiropractic, herbal, or magnetic field therapy for their pets, you'll want to understand the history, science and ethics behind such therapies.

In its 2001 "Guidelines for Complementary and Alternative Medicine," the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes the growing interest in CAVM, and encourages the critical examination of these therapies using the scientific method. Following the AVMA's lead on this subject, "Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine Considered" thoroughly examines a variety of CAVM therapies and asks important questions regarding alternative treatments. For example, is acupuncture effective in pain relief? What is homeopathy? What is the history behind chiropractic? What does the research say (and not say) about various CAVM modalities? And, just as importantly, what are the ethical and regulatory considerations concerning such therapies? This book has the answers to those questions and more.

"Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine Considered" will help practicing veterinarians to make informed decisions about specific CAVM therapies. This text evaluates various prevalent therapies, and will give veterinarians the ethical and scientific bases they need to make sound decisions regarding CAVM therapies

Coverage includes but isnot limited to:
Acupuncture and acupressure;
Energy medicine;
Manual therapy (chiropractic);
Manual therapy (massage);
Magnetic and electromagnetic therapy;
Laser and light therapy;
Homeopathy; and
Herbal therapy.

The use of ultrasonic imaging techniques for diagnostic purposes in veteri nary medicine and animal science has lagged far behind their use in human medicine. In the area of domestic animal reproduction, diagnostic ultrasono graphy has a relatively short history. Reports on B-mode scanning first appeared as late as 1969, when Stouffer and co-workers used it for counting foetal numbers in late gestation sheep. After Lindahl had re-evaluated the potential of two-dimensional ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis in sheep in 1976, results of the first large scale field-trials by Fowler and Wilkins on predicting foetal numbers during the first half of gestation in sheep were published as recently as 1980. In this year also the first paper, by Palmer and co-workers, on ultrasonic scanning of the uterus and ovaries in the mare appeared. The improvement of diagnostics which was achieved by the application of this technique is illustrated by its present routine use in clinical equine practice and sheep breeding. Besides offe ring an accurate early pregnancy diagnosis in species such as the horse, cow, sheep, goat, pig and dog, ultrasonography enables the visualization of ovarian and uterine structures for the identification of both physiological and pathological conditions. In this way it replaces or supplements the more common diagnostic techniques used by the general practitioner so far. Ultrasonography has also opened several new lines of research for clini cians and research workers."

Proceedings of a workshop held at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Aleppo, Syria, November 30 to December 3, 1987

This volume provides an overview of the latency strategies developed during the estimated 200 Myears long coevolution of Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaherpesvirinae and their host species. The main emphasis is on herpesviruses infecting humans. However, relevant cases if herpesviruses infecting animals are covered as well. Special emphasis is drawn on results on molecular mechanisms regulating latent promoters of herpesvirus genomes and signals and molecular pathways resulting in reactivation of latent viral genomes. To balance the volume, epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin structure) involved in cell type specific expression of growth-transformation-associated Gammaherpesvirus genes will also be discussed at length)

In recent years nobody could have failed to notice the frequent and often sensati- alist media headlines warning of the latest global disease threat to humankind. But behind all the hyperbole lie real challenges related to dealing with the increasing incidence of emerging zoonotic disease events, the majority of which are thought to originate in wildlife (Jones et al. 2008). There are also many important diseases of domestic livestock which also occur in wildlife (e. g. foot and mouth disease and classical swine fever in wild boar, bovine tuberculosis in deer, badgers or possums), some of which can have a devastating impact on the farming industry, the wider rural economy and ultimately the public purse. But we should also not forget that wildlife diseases may have serious implications for the conservation of biodiversity. For some of the rarest, most endangered species (such as the Ethiopian wolf) d- ease may pose the greatest threat to their survival. If we are to avoid or reduce these impacts then we must improve our ability to detect and manage the risks associated with disease in wildlife populations. This is a challenge that will require expertise from many different disciplines: veterinary, ecological, medical, economic, poli- cal and zoological. In such an interdisciplinary field it is difficult to stay up to date with contemporary ideas and with techniques that may be rapidly evolving.

Safety of Meat and Processed Meat provides the reader with the recent developments in the safety of meat and processed meat, from the abattoir along the processing chain to the final product. To achieve this goal, the editor uses five approaches. The first part deals with the main biological contaminants like pathogen microorganisms, specially E. coli and L. monocytogenes, toxins and biogenic amines that can be present either in meat or its derived products. The second part focuses on main technologies for meat decontamination as well as developments like active packaging or bioprotective cultures to extend the shelf life. The third part presents non-biological contaminants and residues in meat and meat products including nitrosamines, PAH, veterinary drugs and environmental compounds. The fourth part discusses current methodologies for the detection of microorganisms, its toxins, veterinary drugs, environmental contaminants and GMOs, and the final part deals with predictive models, risk assessment, regulations on meat safety, consumer perception, and other recent trends in the field. This book is written by distinguished international contributors with excellent experience and reputation. In addition, brings together advances in different safety approaches.

As aquaculture continues to expand there is a need for greater knowledge of medicinal treatments both for the prevention and treatment of disease and for the economic husbandry of fish. This book, the first of its kind, is written for a worldwide readership. It is a reference manual for anyone involved in the selection of medicines for administration to fish. It will also be useful to administrators concerned with the legal control of aquaculture. The first part covers issues which affect all medicine's methods of administering drugs to fish, the various aspects of safety and the relevant legislation in countries with important aquacultural industries. Subsequent parts review the range of available medicinal substances and present current knowledge of the pharmacology and methods of use for each. Particular attention is given to safety issues - for the fish, for the person administering the medicine, for the consumer of medicated fish and for the environment.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) cells are the key regulators of reproductive function in all vertebrate organisms. The GnRH molecule is synthesized in a small number of neurons in rostral hypothalamic regions of the brain. In mammals, these neurons release the GnRH decapeptide into the portal capillary system leading to the anterior pituitary gland. There, GnRH causes the release of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn act upon the gonads to stimulate their maturation, and to cause synthesis of sex steroid hormones, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Although each of the levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is critical for reproductive function, GnRH neurons play the primary role in the control of reproductive maturation and adult reproductive function, and may even play a role in reproductive senescence.

Since its discovery in 1970, there has been intense interest in GnRH-producing neurons, with more than 8000 papers and chapters in the last decade alone. Despite this activity of research in basic and clinical science, there has never been a book written specifically on GnRH neurons. GnRH: The Master Molecule of Reproduction aims to bring together the large and diverse literature of both laboratory and applied research that focuses on these unique cells.

This book will provide basic background into reproductive neuroendocrinology, as well as specifics regarding the role of GnRH neurons in the control of reproduction. Students studying endocrinology, reproduction, neuroendocrinology or molecular endocrinology will benefit from this book. In addition, this book will take a multi-species approach which will be useful both to basic researchers as well as clinicians. Whenever possible, species differences and similarities will be presented, and if possible, studies on humans, or the clinical relevance of basic research findings to humans will be discussed (such as the treatment of reproductive disorders such as abnormalities in pubertal development, or infertility).

Animal welfare is attracting increasing interest worldwide, but particularly from those in developed countries, who now have the knowledge and resources to be able to improve the welfare of farm animals. The increased attention given to farm animal welfare in the West derives largely from the fact that the relentless pursuit of ?nancial reward and ef?ciency has led to the development of intensive animal production systems that disturb the conscience of many consumers. In developing countries, human survival is still a daily uncertainty, so that provision for animal welfare has to be balanced against human welfare. Welfare is usually provided for only if it supports the output of the animal, be it food, work, clothing, sport or companionship. In reality there are resources for all if they are properly husbanded in both developing and developed countries. The inequitable division of the world's riches creates physical and psychological poverty for humans and animals alike in many sectors of the world. Livestock are the world's biggest land user (FAO, 2002) and the population is increasing rapidly to meet the need of an expanding human population. Populations of farm animals managed by humans are therefore incre- ing worldwide, and in some regions there is a tendency to allocate fewer resources, such as labour, to each animal with potentially adverse consequences on the a- mals' welfare.

The domestic pig is perceived as an animal with intelligence and character and yet, in the industrialized world, the majority of people have had little or no contact with them. Pigs are subject to a wide range of environments from the tropics to the sub-arctic, ranging from small-scale, extensive systems to large-scale intensive systems. They may spend their whole life on one farm or may be subject to long-distance transport multiple times. Not surprisingly, many aspects of their life experiences can impact their welfare.

This book brings together a team of leading pig welfare research scientists to review the natural history of the pig, the welfare of pigs at different stages of life and to indicate what the future holds in terms of pig welfare. The text is aimed at researchers and teachers working in veterinary and animal science together with those working in the pig industry and for governmental and non-governmental animal welfare organizations.

Man's attempts to learn about aspects of the human body and its functions by observation and study of animals are to be found throughout history, especially at times and in cultures where the human body was considered sacrosanct, even after death. This book describes the origins and later development, especially in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, of comparative medicine and its interrelationship with medicine and veterinary medicine and the efforts of its practitioners to understand and control outbreaks of infectious, epidemic diseases in humans and in domestic animals. In the nineteenth century their efforts and increasing professionalism led to the creation of specialised institutes devoted to the study of comparative medicine. Paradoxically the first such institute, the Brown Institution, opened in London in 1871, despite the fact that the study of this branch of medicine in Britain had always lagged behind that in France and Germany. The book discusses the rise and fall of this centre and describes how it was soon overtaken in importance by the great institutes in Paris and Berlin and then, from the turn of the century, by American institutes, funded by private fortunes. This book sheds much new light on the medical and veterinary history of this period and will provide a new perspective on the history of bacteriology.

Extend and enhance the quality of your pet's life

Be proactive about your pet's wellness and let Dr. Stacy show you how a reasonable combination of proven Western veterinary know-how and time-tested Eastern therapies can promote health and vitality for your furry companion.

Whether it's a matter of harnessing the healing properties of food, eliminating harmful elements from a pet's surroundings, restoring an animal's flow of energy, or treating bothersome symptoms, Dr. Stacy provides a revolutionary East-West approach, blending the best of both worlds to bring your pet's internal and external environments into perfect harmony.Written by a leading veterinarian schooled in both Western veterinary medicine and traditional Eastern medicinePacked with charts, quizzes, inspirational quotes, and moreAn appendix lists alternative veterinary practitioners around the U.S.

"Head to Tail Wellness" will show you how to make positive changes in your pet's life that will reduce the need for drugs and invasive therapies and, most importantly, yield a happy, healthy pet.

A current review of spinal disorders for the small animal practitioner! Topics will include clinical approach and lesion localization in patients with spinal disorders, differential diagnosis of spinal disorders, advanced imaging of the spine, degenerative myelopathy, acute spinal cord injury, inflammatory diseases of the spine, spinal neoplasia, cervical spondylomyelopathy, fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy, feline spinal cord diseases, vertebral fractures and luxations, intervertebral disk disease, congenital diseases of the spine, lumbosacral stenosis, and more!

GRACEY'S MEAT HYGIENE Gracey's Meat Hygiene, 11th edition, is the definitive reference for veterinarians working in meat hygiene control. This new edition of a classic text reflects the recent significant changes in science, legislation and practical implementation of meat hygiene controls in the United Kingdom, Europe and worldwide since the 10th edition was published in 1999. This book is an excellent practical guide for teaching food hygiene to veterinary students worldwide, laying the foundations of food animal anatomy, the humane slaughter of animals for food and practical production hygiene. New chapters address the increased concern of operators, inspectors and the public to issues of animal welfare and recognise the role of the profession, and interest from the consumer, in environmental protection. Key features include the following Fully updated new edition, in a refreshed design with colour photographs and illustrations throughout Includes new content on meat hygiene inspection covering the components of an integrated food safety management system as well as animal health and welfare controls in the 'farm to fork' system A practical approach to health and safety in meat processing is outlined by identifying the hazards and then describing how these can be best controlled With contributions from veterinary and industry experts, this edition is both a valuable teaching aid and a practical reference for veterinarians and all food business operators and their staff

Written for veterinary undergraduates, this comprehensive text explores the often obscured link between disease at the cell and tissue level, and that encountered by the working clinician. Based on a course taught by the editors, the book attempts to strike a balance between the needs of the student and specialist knowledge. Each chapter explains patterns of disease in particular organs and relates them to both the pathophysiologic changes and the outward appearance of the sick animal.

First published in 1936, Colyer's Variations and Diseases of the Teeth of Animals drew extensively on the material housed in the Odontological Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and quickly became an indispensable reference for students and research workers in zoology, archaeology and veterinary science, as well as human dentistry. In this second edition, Colyer's successors at the Odontological Museum have fully revised the text in the light of new knowledge, while preserving the best of Colyer's own material. The text has been rearranged taxonomically and a new introduction reviewing conceptual advances in the field since Colyer's time has been added. The numerous illustrations, classics of their kind, have been reproduced to a high standard from Colyer's originals and many new figures have been incorporated. This revision will introduce Colyer's material to a new audience, for whom it represents a comprehensive and fully-referenced survey of abnormalities and diseases of the teeth and jaws of animals.

Advances in the Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament, Second Edition presents in-depth, focused, and updated coverage of current knowledge on cruciate ligament rupture, using a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach. * Presents a state-of-the-art summary of the most recent knowledge on this important cause of lameness in dogs * Led by a highly respected surgeon and researcher, with chapters written by leading experts in the field * Provides an update to the groundbreaking first edition, with six new chapters

The Handbook of Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: Techniques and Differential Diagnoses provides a user-friendly reference for a wide range of radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in dogs and cats. Key features Enables successful and clear interpretation of radiographs and ultrasonograms Offers clearly sequenced text arrangement from the identification of the radiographic or sonographic abnormalities to a list of subsequent considerations for each sign Prioritizes different clinical findings to tailor further diagnostic tests or therapeutic interventions Takes imaging abnormalities from the descriptive to the interpretative New to this edition Colour throughout enhances user-friendliness Many new conditions Extra illustrations show techniques and normal anatomy Additional information on techniques, normal appearance and disease processes Expanded Further Reading sections This book is intended for all users of small animal diagnostic imaging, from radiologists through to general practitioners to veterinary students, and will be an invaluable supplement to existing references in the subject.

Animal welfare is attracting increasing interest worldwide, but particularly from those in developed countries, who now have the knowledge and resources to be able to offer the b est management systems for their farm animals, as well as potentially being able to offer plentiful resources for companion, zoo and laboratory animals. The increased attention given to animal welfare in the West derives la rgely from the fact that the relentless pursuit of financial reward and efficiency has lead to the development of intensive animal production systems that offend the conscience of many consumers in those countries. In devel oping countries, human survival is still a daily uncertainty, so that provision fo r animal welfare has to be balanced against human welfare. Welfare is usua lly provided for only if it supports the output of the animal, be it food, work, clothing, sport or companionship. In reality there are resources for all if they are properly husbanded in both developing and developed countries. The inequitable division of the world s riches creates physical and psychological poverty for humans and animals alike in all sectors of the world. Liv estock are the world s biggest land user (FAO, 2002) and the population, particularly of monogastric animals, is increasing rapidly to meet the need of an expanding human population. Populations of animals managed by humans are therefore increasing worldwide, so there is the tendency to allocate fewer resources to each one."

Taken from his popular column in The Yorkshire Post, Julian Norton's On Call with a Yorkshire Vet is the follow up to his successful The Diary of a Yorkshire Vet and features more anecdotes from his veterinary work in North Yorkshire. Through the snows of the beast from the east, Julian visits sheep in Nun Monkton and a pony in Dallow Gill. He treats a Meerkat with a broken tail from Great Ouseburn, A lame horse next to Almscliffe crag, a wagyu in Topcliffe and a Clydesdale horse in York. These and many more adventures are contained within. Written in the delightful manner that he is well-known for in the Channel 5 hit series The Yorkshire Vet, this book is a fun and wonderful read. Beautifully produced and illustrated throughout.

Completely updated with the latest information on infectious diseases, parasites, breeding and foaling, and alternative therapies, the "Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook, Third Edition" is still as useful and easy to navigate as the original, classic text. With an index of signs and symptoms, a guide to the organs and body systems, a general index, cross-references, and a helpful glossary, this book will help you diagnose and treat your horse. You will appreciate the well-organized contents, which will help you find the information you need quickly, when your horse needs your help most.

Handbook of Avian Medicine, 2/e has been written to give the small animal practitioner a complete information source for the basics of avian medicine and surgery. It pulls together the international expertise of the avian veterinary community by incorporating the knowledge of authors world-wide. The first six chapters cover the basic medical information needed to run a primary care avian practice. The focus here is on introductory level material and the average companion animal practice. If you see between one and five birds a week, this text is for you. The later chapters are species-specific and help the veterinarian in evaluating, treating, and/or referring various bird species. The new edition builds on the success of the first edition and includes full colour illustrations throughout. First 6 chapters: cover basic information needed to run a primary care avian practice Later chapters: species-specific helping veterinarians to build up their knowledge in order to evaluate, treat and/or refer Multi-author text combining best practice tips and different techniques from avian experts worldwide: the editors are from 3 different countries and the chapter authors from many more Provides quick access to crucial information for the non-specialist Offers the basics of avian medicine and surgery Fully up-dated throughout Full colour throughout Increase of line drawings and illustrations in general Better quality images Includes practice tip highlights throughout