Role of the Veterinarian in the Assessment of Animal Welfare in Livestock Systems
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide practical knowledge in the recognition, classification and interpretation of the main animal-based indicators that can be correlated, directly or indirectly, with conditions of poor or lack of welfare, in particular in relation to the identification of management and structural critical points and the application of European legislation on the protection of animals on farm, during transport and at the time of killing.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to determine the typology of some behavioral and health problems linked to the level of well-being on the farm, during transport and at the time of slaughter.
Autonomy of judgement
At the end of the course the student will have to demonstrate the ability to autonomously interpret the result of the assessment of the well-being problems covered by the course.
Communication skills
The student will be able to draw up a report with behavioral observations, any correlations with animal welfare and probable causes.
The student will be able to determine the typology of some behavioral and health problems linked to the level of well-being on the farm, during transport and at the time of slaughter.
Autonomy of judgement
At the end of the course the student will have to demonstrate the ability to autonomously interpret the result of the assessment of the well-being problems covered by the course.
Communication skills
The student will be able to draw up a report with behavioral observations, any correlations with animal welfare and probable causes.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
It is not available
Prerequisites for admission
they are not necessary
Assessment methods and Criteria
Discussion and proposed solutions of case studies and cases observed on the farms where the practical activities will take place.
The test will be evaluated out of thirty and will take into account both the quality of the answers and the ability to adequately motivate them. The student's critical approach and ability to solve problems will be assessed, as well as presentation skills and the use of appropriate terminology
The test will be evaluated out of thirty and will take into account both the quality of the answers and the ability to adequately motivate them. The student's critical approach and ability to solve problems will be assessed, as well as presentation skills and the use of appropriate terminology
Welfare of farmed animals: regulatory principles, ethical profiles, and professional responsibility
Course syllabus
Focus group, aimed at identifying unresolved issues from a medical-veterinary point of view in the EU Legislative Framework on animal welfare (4 hours)
- Focus group on concerns for the welfare of farmed animals and development of possible proposals for regulatory solutions - updates on the Green Deal commitment and the cage free objective for a globalized world (6 hours)
- Research and analysis of the different definitions given to the word "animal" in regulations relating to zootechnics and reflections on the applicative and ethical meaning of inhomogeneity (2 hours)
- Group discussion on the topic from Silent Spring and Animal machine to the Treaty of Lisbon: ethical reflection on the evolution of the relationship between humans and animals of zootechnical interest and implications for the responsibilities of the veterinary profession (4 hours)
- Analysis of case studies professional responsibilities of the veterinary doctor in relation to the welfare of farmed animals (16 hours
- Focus group on concerns for the welfare of farmed animals and development of possible proposals for regulatory solutions - updates on the Green Deal commitment and the cage free objective for a globalized world (6 hours)
- Research and analysis of the different definitions given to the word "animal" in regulations relating to zootechnics and reflections on the applicative and ethical meaning of inhomogeneity (2 hours)
- Group discussion on the topic from Silent Spring and Animal machine to the Treaty of Lisbon: ethical reflection on the evolution of the relationship between humans and animals of zootechnical interest and implications for the responsibilities of the veterinary profession (4 hours)
- Analysis of case studies professional responsibilities of the veterinary doctor in relation to the welfare of farmed animals (16 hours
Teaching methods
Analysis of case studies, focus groups
Teaching Resources
Teaching material provided by the teacher during the course
Animal welfare in relation to housing and management systems on the cattle farm and during transport
Course syllabus
Behavior as an indicator of animal welfare (4 hours)
- Main animal-based indicators for the bovine species (8 hours)
- Structural and management risk factors that influence the welfare of cattle on farm (8 hours)
- Animal-based and resource-based indicators in relation to the application d. lgs 146 of 2001 implementing Directive 98/58/EC (8 hours)
- Direct indicators on animals and risk factors during transport and at the time of killing in relation to the application of Reg. (EC) 1/2005 and Reg. (EC) 1099/2009 (4 hours)
- Main animal-based indicators for the bovine species (8 hours)
- Structural and management risk factors that influence the welfare of cattle on farm (8 hours)
- Animal-based and resource-based indicators in relation to the application d. lgs 146 of 2001 implementing Directive 98/58/EC (8 hours)
- Direct indicators on animals and risk factors during transport and at the time of killing in relation to the application of Reg. (EC) 1/2005 and Reg. (EC) 1099/2009 (4 hours)
Teaching methods
Case studies and animal welfare assessment tests using images and videos. Practical training on the evaluation of resource-based and animal-based indicators on farms.
Teaching Resources
The material used during the lessons will be available on the MyAriel website
Animal welfare in relation to housing systems and management in pig farming and during transport
Course syllabus
-Behavior as an indicator of animal welfare (4 hours)
- Main animal-based indicators for the porcine species (8 hours)
- Relationship between animal-based indicators and structural and management aspects (8 hours)
- Direct and indirect indicators in relation to the application of Legislative Decree 146/2001 and Legislative Decree 122/2011 (8 hours)
- Direct indicators on animals and risk factors during transport and at the time of killing in relation to the application of Reg. (EC) 1/2005 and Reg. (EC) 1099/2009 (4 hours)
- Main animal-based indicators for the porcine species (8 hours)
- Relationship between animal-based indicators and structural and management aspects (8 hours)
- Direct and indirect indicators in relation to the application of Legislative Decree 146/2001 and Legislative Decree 122/2011 (8 hours)
- Direct indicators on animals and risk factors during transport and at the time of killing in relation to the application of Reg. (EC) 1/2005 and Reg. (EC) 1099/2009 (4 hours)
Teaching methods
Case studies and animal welfare assessment tests using images and videos. Practical training on the evaluation of direct indicators on animals. If the health situation allows, practical exercises on the field
Teaching Resources
The material used during the lessons will be available on the MyAriel website.
Animal welfare in relation to housing systems and management in poultry farming and during transport
Course syllabus
- Behavior as an indicator of animal welfare (6 hours)
- Main behavioral indicators for poultry species (broilers, layers, turkeys) (8 hours)
- Main health indicators for avian species (6 hours)
- Structural and management risk factors that influence the welfare of poultry on farm (6 hours)
- Data collection systems relating to welfare indicators during transport and in slaughterhouses of broiler chickens based on current legislation (6 hours)
- Main behavioral indicators for poultry species (broilers, layers, turkeys) (8 hours)
- Main health indicators for avian species (6 hours)
- Structural and management risk factors that influence the welfare of poultry on farm (6 hours)
- Data collection systems relating to welfare indicators during transport and in slaughterhouses of broiler chickens based on current legislation (6 hours)
Teaching methods
Case studies and animal welfare assessment tests using images and videos. Practical training on the evaluation of direct indicators on animals. If the health situation allows, practical exercises on the field.
Teaching Resources
The material used during the lessons will be available on the MyAriel website.
Animal welfare in relation to housing and management systems on the cattle farm and during transport
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 2
Practicals: 32 hours
Animal welfare in relation to housing systems and management in pig farming and during transport
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 2
Practicals: 32 hours
Animal welfare in relation to housing systems and management in poultry farming and during transport
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE - University credits: 2
Practicals: 32 hours
Welfare of farmed animals: regulatory principles, ethical profiles, and professional responsibility
VET/08 - VETERINARY CLINICAL MEDICINE - University credits: 2
Practicals: 32 hours