ASC225 Animal Behaviour and Welfare 2 (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Animal and Vet Science (ANVET)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This course builds on VSC112 Animal Behaviour and Welfare 1 by developing interest, knowledge and understanding of animal welfare, management and husbandry. The course covers the assessment of animal welfare in the laboratory and on farms, methods used to improve animal welfare and the implementation of good animal welfare practices. This course will also develop the students’ knowledge of the scientific process through undertaking an applied animal behaviour research practical. Effective communication is essential for those involved in animal welfare, and in this course students will develop oral and written communication skills on emotive issues of animal use and production.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Wagga Wagga |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ASC225
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
Enrolment restrictions:
Restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Animal Science, Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours).
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- Explain the importance of animal motivation, cognition and consciousness to animal welfare.
- Conduct, interpret and present applied animal behaviour research.
- Describe how animal welfare is assessed, including the limitations of physiological and behavioural measures of welfare.
- Describe the solutions to improve animal welfare in modern production systems.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing and emerging techniques for improving animal welfare in production systems.
- Recognise the importance of market forces and legislation in promoting high animal welfare practices within the livestock industries.
- Describe the role of animal welfare farm assurance schemes in changing livestock practices.
- Communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, when confronted with emotionally charged material.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
Module 1: Understanding animal welfare
- Introduction, organisation, concepts, terminology, ethics and approach to animal welfare.
Module 2: Assessment of animal welfare
- Physiological assessment
- Behavioural assessment
- “On-farm” assessment
- Emerging forms of assessment
- Applied animal behaviour research
Module 3: Improving animal welfare
- Human-animal interactions, environmental enrichment, physical and social conditions, genetics, modification of phenotypes.
Module 4: Implementation of good animal welfare practices
- Requirements, farm assurance schemes, legislation, economics.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.