2009 JAN 12 - (VerticalNews.com) -- "Teaching has a long and varied history in the life of departments of animal science and the American Society of Animal Science. Some of the earliest reports from meetings of the society have strong indication that planning the curriculum was a prominent feature of the meetings," scientists writing in the Journal of Animal Science report.

  "Teaching symposia were also included almost from the beginning. The society went through a lengthy period from the 1940s through most of the 1960s when teaching was not a prominent focus, but a symposium in 1968 appeared to be a catalyst for change, and, since that date, teaching has again been important part of the meetings. In recent years, outstanding symposia and contributed papers have made the teaching section a vibrant entry. Departments of animal science have changed considerably since the early days in which ''men taught boys'' and the primary goal was to produce farmers. More female students, more urban students, interest in a wide variety of animals, and greatly diversified career goals have been emerging during the last few decades," wrote D.S. Buchanan and colleagues, North Dakota State University ...read more

  2009 JAN 12 - (VerticalNews.com) -- In this recently published article, scientists in the United States conducted a study "To characterize health and behavior problems in dogs and cats 1 week and 1 month after adoption from animal shelters and identify factors associated with the likelihood that owners of adopted animals would visit a veterinarian. Cross-sectional study. Sample Population-2,766 (1 week) and 2,545 (1 month) individuals who had adopted an animal from a shelter. ...read more

  2009 JAN 12 - (VerticalNews.com) -- "In veterinary medicine, technicians provide primary nursing care and function as patient advocates," researchers in the United States report.

  "In this role, veterinary technicians have great influence over animal pain management. This article focuses on assessing patients for comfort, providing appropriate nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy, and general concepts of providing optimal analgesia," wrote N. Shaffran and colleagues ...read more