COMPANION ANIMALS SYMPOSIUM: Living beyond 20: Discoveries in geriatric companion animal biology1

Abstract

The Companion Animal Symposium titled “Living Beyond 20: Discoveries in Geriatric Companion Animal Biology” was held at the Joint Annual Meeting of the American Society of Animal Science and the American Dairy Science Association on July 10 to 14, 2011, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The objectives of this symposium were 1) to explore the scientific discoveries specific to the quality of life, nutrition, and well-being of geriatric companion and exotic animals and 2) to promote future research related to these growing animal populations. Both companion and exotic animals are managed for longevity and conservation, as opposed to production purposes; therefore, both animal populations were included in the symposium. The landscape of the animal science community has evolved over the past several decades to include not only those animals managed for end product value but also those animals with value unrelated to production. Companion animals have become increasingly valued in homes for companionship and service, whereas exotic animals in zoological institutions are managed for species conservation, education, and research programs. It is estimated that more than 25% of the dog and cat population in the United States is over the age of 7 yr, and many exotic species live longer in zoological institutions compared with their wild counterparts as a result of improved disease management, nutrition, genetics, and husbandry practices that have largely been developed from traditional animal science inquiry. As these populations continue to grow, so does the need for advancements in all areas of animal science research and education.