Equine Genetics, Behaviour and Welfare

The aim of the course of "Equine Genetics, Behaviour and Welfare" is for students to develop knowledge and understanding regarding the genetic selection, behaviour and welfare protection of equines.
The student will acquire specific skills regarding the genetic selection programs of breeding stock of the main breeds bred in Italy, with reference to attitudes and different selection goals. They will also acquire basic principles on coat colour genetics and hereditary diseases and their management in populations.
Regarding equine behaviour and welfare, the course, starting from the principles of applied ethology and species-specific needs, will cover the behaviour of horses and donkeys and methods for assessing their welfare in different housing contexts. Particular attention will be paid to human-animal communication and the main welfare problems that can occur on farm.

1. Knowledge and understanding: the student, at the end of the course, should demonstrate knowledge and be able to explain with scientific terminology the principles of genetic selection in equids and recognise and define the genetics of equine coats. The student will know and should be able to explain, using specific terminology, the main characteristics of equine behaviour; the student should be able to describe the methodologies and main indicators for evaluating the welfare of horses and donkeys.
2 Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the student will have to demonstrate knowledge and concepts useful for the purpose of selecting breeding animals that improve the population, including for the purpose of managing genetically transmitted diseases. They will have to demonstrate the ability to recognise the phenotypes and genotypes of equine and asinine coats. The student will be expected to demonstrate the ability to describe observed behaviours and be able to perform welfare status assessment of horses and donkeys housed in different contexts; They will also be expected to be able to identify and to propose possible solutions for the improvement of specific welfare issues through discussion of cases presented during the course.
3. Critical and judgement skills: the student should demonstrate the ability to critically argue the acquired knowledge. Specific exercises on photographic material and visits on farms for the evaluation of welfare indicators are directed in this sense.
4. Ability to communicate what has been learnt: the student should demonstrate the ability to express, using scientifically appropriate terminology, in particular with regard to terminology relating to equine genetics, welfare and behaviour. The exercises and on farm visits are intended to stimulate the ability to express oneself correctly and the ability to discuss scientifically with peers.
5. Ability to pursue studies autonomously throughout life: at the end of the course, which integrates theoretical and practical training, students will acquire the ability to deal more critically and autonomously with the genetic management and assessment of equine behaviour and welfare, even in rapidly changing contexts other than those presented during the course.