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.

NAO

Main Bibliography:

Alcock, John (2009). Animal Behavior, Ninth edition. Sinauer Publishers, 546 p. ISBN 978-0-87893-225-2.

Broom, D. M., Fraser, A.M. (2015). Domestic Animal Behaviour and Welfare, 5th edition. CABI, 472 p., ISBN 9781780645636.

Yeates, J. (2013) Animal Welfare in Veterinary Practice. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Wiley-Blackwell. 212 p. ISBN 9781444334876

Teresa Bradley Bays, Teresa Lightfoot, Jorg Mayer (2006). Exotic Pet Behavior: Birds, Reptiles, and Small Mammals. Saunders, 384 p. ISBN 9781416000099

Horwitz D, Mills D, Heath S. (2009). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine. 2nd Edition 2009. 336 p. ISBN: 978-1-905-31915-2

Complementary  Bibliography:

Mason, G. & Rushen, J. (2008). Stereotypic Animal Behaviour. Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare. CABI 384 p. ISBN 9780851990040.

Del-Claro, Kleber (2004). Comportamento Animal. Uma introdução à ecologia Comportamental. Livraria Conceito, ISBN 85-89874-02-8.