Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course the students will be able to:
1. recognize specific behavioural patterns in the domestic animals which indicate initiation of reproductive activity, periparturition time, introduction of a new member to the herd/flock etc.,
2. identify possible aggressive behaviour towards other members of the herd/flock or towards humans and be able to manage such dangerous ethological cases,
3. investigate the causes/reasons of expression of distinct behavioural patterns,
4. apply functional and acceptable husbandry on the livestock in order to minimize the activation of stress-born factors,
5. raise and manage livestock as part of their own ecosystem biodiversity and not as automated livestock products engines
Course Content (Syllabus)
Part I. The basic aspects (instincts, learning), periodical rhythms (photoperiod). Hormones and reproductive behaviour of animals. Behaviour during ingestion of food. Aggressiveness, frustration and playing behaviour. Motivation. Adaptation. Ethological patterns (feeding, reproductive, periparturition time) of farm and wildlife animals. Chemical sensation and behaviour (pheromones). The function of vision and the behaviour. Acoustic communication. The orientation of motivation and migration. The evolution of the behaviour of animals.
Part II. The concept of the animal well-being. Animal husbandry regulations. Measures and actions to minimize stress and eliminate stress-born causes and factors. Appropriate confinement environment, Animal Transportation, Natural Disasters.