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Facts: Udder Madness

Photo: A young boy with a baby goat

Photo: A young boy with a baby goat (View larger version)

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  • The large surface of a rabbit's ears allows more sound waves to be detected in case a predator is in the area.

  • Veterinary school admission is extremely competitive; only 40 percent of applicants are accepted each year (2,400 out of 6,000 hopefuls) at the 28 veterinary schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

  • On average, Veterinarians complete about eight years of college, while specialists, Ph.D.'s and academicians will have completed between 11 and 15 years of higher education.

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of qualified veterinarians is expected to grow 36 percent between 2010 and 2020, with increased opportunities in government and farm animal care.

  • To become a certified veterinarian, one must graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited institution, and additionally be licensed by the state in which they practice.

  • At the start of 2012, the state of Michigan contained approximately 371,000 dairy cows and 109,000 beef cattle.

  • Michigan's food and agriculture system contributes an estimated 91.4 billion to state's economy, an increase of over 50% between 2004 and 2010.

  • Despite their many shapes and sizes all domestic dogs, from Newfoundlands to pugs, are members of the same species—Canis familiaris.

  • Once a female cow gives birth for the first time, her ability to produce milk from the udder is initiated with the primary purpose of providing food for her calf.

  • Similar to a humans nails, a horses' hooves never stop growing and need trimming about every four weeks. Blacksmiths stay busy as working horses require new metal shoes commonly know as horseshoes after every trimming.
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