Animal Behavior and Welfare I

Not required 

Classical exposure of the syllabus using powerpoint presentations, videos and/or documentaries visualization, followed by analysis and discussion  on the topics covered.
Guided bibliographic research.
Field trips.

• Understanding the concept of domestication and distinguish among domestic and wild species
• Knowledge of the main behaviour of most frequent companion and exotic pets: dog, cat, small mammals (ferret, guinea pig, rabbit), reptiles (chelonians and saurians) and birds (psittaciformes, fringillidae).
• Identification of positive and negative mental states in companion and exotic animals and their behavioral responses.
• Description of the 5 freedoms or principles recognized as essentials for animal welfare.
• Knowledge of the bases for assessing the well-being of pets, according to WSAVA.
• Recognition of stress as a response mechanism and its impact on welfare of companion animals.
• Knowledge of physiological and behavioral indicators to assess the well-being of companion and exotic animals.
• Identification of the main legislation concerning the welfare of companion and exotic animals.
• Description of the main ethical currents involving the use of companion and exotic animals.

Module 1. Animal behavior
Evolution of ethology.
Definitions and concepts.
Internal and external stimuli affecting animal behavior.
Types of learning.
Main social, eating, resting and reproductive behaviors.
Ethograms.
Most common behavioral disorders in companion animals.

Module 2. Animal Welfare
Concepts and their evolution.
The 5 freedoms.
Assessment of companion animal welfare, according to WSAVA: the 5 animal welfare needs, the 5 domains model and measures of quality of life.
Stress as a coping mechanism. Behavioral and physiological responses to stress and main stressors in companion animals.
Pain and behavior. Recognition of pain in companion animals. Pain rating scales.
Physiological and behavioral indicators for assessing the welfare of companion and exotic animals.
Ethical principles underlying living with companion and exotic animals.

Continuous evaluation

Modular assessment. 2 Modules:

• Module 1: Animal Behavior - 50% of the final grade
• Module 2: Animal Welfare - 50% of the final grade

At each module, the theoretical component will be evaluated through a written test (50% of the Module) and the practical component (50% of the Module), through guided research work, ethograms and/or interpretation of practical cases of behavior and animal welfare, to be developed during practical classes.

Final Classification = (0.25 x T1) + (0.25 x P1) + (0.25 x T2) + (0.25 x P2)

T1 = Classification of the theoretical component for Module 1
P1 = Classification of the practical component for Module 1
T2 = Classification of the theoretical component for Module 2
P2 = Classification of the practical component for Module 2

A student is approved when he has fulfilled the minimum value of attendance in classes (75% for each type of class), obtained a weighted average of the module classifications equal to or greater than 9.5 and a classification equal to or greater than 7.5 values, in each of the modules and in each theoretical and practical components. A student not approved during the teaching period has access to assessment by final exam at a time foreseen in the academic calendar.

Final exam assessment

Written test, evaluating theoretical (50%) and practical (50%) component.

Final Exam Grade = 0.5 × Theoretical assessment + 0.5 × Practical assessment

When approval is not obtained by continuous assessment, the student has access to the final exam. The conditions for assessment in the exam, normal season, recourse and special, are described in the regulation for assessing the achievement of students at the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, ref: RG_RAAE, revision A3 of 2018-03-14.

NAO