208-409 Animal Welfare

This subject involves the use of animals. Students should be aware that this is an essential part of the subject and exemption from this component is not possible.

On completion of the course, students should have sound and broad understanding of the systems regulating body function and the behavioural and physiological responses utilised by animals in responding to environmental change. From this theoretical base, students should develop an appreciation of the scientific approaches available to assess animal welfare. Furthermore, students should understand the concepts of animal welfare and be aware of the main welfare issues confronting animals in modern livestock production systems.

Specific topics covered include:

• the current debate about animal usage and animal welfare;

• systems regulating the body (homeostasis, motivation and control systems, and development of regulatory systems);

• limits to adaptation (stimulation, tolerance and coping, variation in adaptation);

• stress and welfare (Selye's concept of stress and refinements to the concept, coping and fitness, definition of welfare and its assessment);

• assessing welfare using short- and long-term biological responses;

• assessing welfare using preference testing;

• assessing welfare by studying cognitive skills;

• ethical problems concerning welfare;

• welfare issues in agriculture and the general community; and

• codes of practice for the welfare of livestock; welfare solutions.

Three-hour examination (50%), a practical test (10%), and two assignments equivalent to 2500 words (each worth 20%).

• D M Broom and K G Johnson, Stress & Animal Welfare. Chapman & Hill, 1993.
• A F Fraser D M and Broom, Farm Animal Behaviour & Welfare. CABI, 1990.