Animal Behavior and Welfare II

Animal Behaviour and Welfare I

• Classical exposure of the syllabus using powerpoint presentations, videos and/or documentaries visualization, followed by analysis and discussion on the topics covered.
• Practical classes at ESAC livestock farm.
• Study visits to other livestock farms.
• Guided bibliographic research.

• Knowledge of behaviour repertoire of livestock species.
• Identification of the most frequent stereotypes of livestock species and their predisposing factors.
• Recognition of stress as a cope mechanism.
• Knowledge of ethology concepts for the proper handling of animals, to lower stress and fear and to provide a good welfare to livestock species.
• Describe the origins of farm animal welfare science
• Discriminate the three dimensions of the animal welfare concept.
• Knowledge of physiological, productive and/or behavioural indicators to assess the welfare of the main production species.
• Identification of the main legislation related to the welfare of farm animals on the farm, transport and slaughterhouse.

1. Behavioural repertoire of the main livestock species: main social, feeding, resting and reproductive behaviours.

2. Behaviour disorders of the main livestock species.

3. Physiological, behaviour and productive indicators for the assessment of animal welfare in livestock farms, in transport and at the slaughterhouse.

4. Ethograms of cattle, sheep, goat, poultry, swine, rabbits, equine and donkeys.

5. Legislation in force regarding the welfare of production animals on the farm, during transport and at slaughter.

 The described Program will be applied to the main livestock species, that will be addressed sequentially, in a modular way:

Module 1: Behaviour and welfare of ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats). Rules during transport and slaughterhouse (50%).

Module 2: Behaviour and welfare of poultry, equidae, rabbits and swine (50%).

Continuous evaluation

Modular assessment. 2 Modules:
Module 1: Behaviour and welfare of ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats). Rules during transport and slaughterhouse - 50% of the final grade
Module 2: Behaviour and welfare of poultry, equidae, rabbits and swine - 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 behaviour 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 (67% 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.

Students who have obtained a score of 9.5 or higher on the assessment instruments during the continuous assessment are exempted from taking that assessment instrument in the final exam.

Only assessment instruments scored as 9.5 or higher can be considered from the previous year, in case of failing students.

Final exam

Written test(s) with the same components and weightings proposed for continuous assessment.

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 first cycle studies regulation from ESAC.

NAO