BHE-31306 Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Behavioural Endocrinology (HAP-21806).

Contents:

The course links concepts of animal behaviour to welfare issues in modern husbandry of productive and companion animals. Major questions of modern applied animal behaviour are addressed focusing on how the behaviours of animals determine and mirror welfare in a given environment. A review of affective states and concepts of animal welfare is provided, and human-animal relations are discussed as to provide insight in the ways husbandry animals respond to their captive environment. Theory on motivation and the organization of behaviour is given and translated into explanations why animals show abnormal behaviour, experience stress, and how this is regulated. The assimilated knowledge is applied in practical assignments on the assessment, evaluation and monitoring of animal welfare, and in writing about an ongoing welfare issue.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain how affective states and motivations determine behaviour and vice versa;
- argue what animal welfare is about and what are its main determinants;
- develop a science-based welfare assessment protocol, originating from a theoretical framework on welfare, and formulating ways to validate candidate welfare indicators;
- write a fact-based opinion on the 'animal-side' of contemporary welfare issues.

Activities:

Lectures, practical assignments (formulating a welfare monitoring instrument, validating candidate welfare indicators), writing an opinion paper.

Examination:

A written exam with multiple choice and essay questions.
Grades on the performance and presentation of the practical group assignment, and the individually written opinion paper.

Literature:

Handouts of lectures and accompanying scientific articles.