B8456 - Veterinary Ethology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student gains knowledge on the physiological bases of animal behavior, ethology and animal welfare. In particular, the student: knows the basics of animal behavior, including ethogram, communication and learning processes; knows physiological responses to stress and detection methods; is able to evaluate the physiological behavior of an animal.

Course contents

This teaching is part of the integrated course "ETHOLOGY, COMPANION ANIMAL NUTRITION AND WELFARE"

This teaching is part of the integrated course "ETHOLOGY, COMPANION ANIMAL NUTRITION AND WELFARE"

The integrated course "Ethology, companion animal nutrition and welfare" aims to provide the student with fundamental knowledge of animal behaviour and genetics, as well as the related ethical aspects, in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains specific expertise in the nutrition and feeding of companion animals, as well as their breeding and welfare.

The Integrated Course "Ethology, companion animal nutrition and welfare" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.7; 1.12; 1.16; 1.17; 1.21; 1.26

Specific Contents of Veterinary Ethology

The teaching is divided into 16 hours of theoretical lessons and 4 hours of practical activities.

Theorethical lessons (16h):

Principles of etholgy (6h)

• Methods for the study of animal behaviour
• Genes and environment
• Neurobiology and endocrinology in animal behaviour
• Motivation & drive theory
  
• Animal personality, mood and emotions
  
• Learning, training and memory

Behaviour of Dog & Cat (4h)

• Developmental and critical periods
• Breed selection and motivation
• Sensory system and Communication
• Recognition of pain and stress signals
• Human–animal relationship

Behaviour of Horses (2h)

• Developmental and critical periods
• Social organization
• Sensory system and Communication
• Recognition of pain and stress signals
• Human–animal relationship

Behaviour of Farm animals (Ruminants and Swine) (4h)

• Development of behaviour
• Social organization
• Sensory system and Communication
• Recognition of pain and stress signals
  

Practical activities (4 hours)

Working Dogs (2 hours)

• Breed motivation and training techniques in working dogs

Cattle Behaviour and Behavioural Data Collection in the Field (2 hours)

• Observation of cattle behaviour
• Practical collection and recording of behavioural data in the field

Readings/Bibliography

Textbooks

Breed, M. D., & Moore, J. (2021). Animal behavior (3rd ed.). USA : Academic Press. ISBN: 978-0-12-819558-1

Houpt, K. A. (2024) Domestic animal behavior for veterinarians and animal scientists (7th ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey : Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 9781119861126

Additional readings

Wynne, C.D.L., and Udell, M.A.R (2020). Animal cognition: Evolution, behavior and cognition (3rd ed.). London, UK: Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-137-61126-0

Dugatkin, L. A. (2020) Principles of animal behavior (4th ed.) Chicago, USA : The University of Chicago Press. ISBN: 9780226448381

Nordell, S. E., and Valone, T.J. (2024). Animal behavior: concepts, methods, and applications (2nd ed.). New York, USA : Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0-19-027674-4

Herron, M. E., (2024) Introduction to animal behavior and veterinary behavioral medicine Hoboken, New Jersey : Wiley-Blackwell.

On-line resources

The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness [https://sites.google.com/nyu.edu/nydeclaration/declaration]

Behavioral Observation Research Interactive Software - BORIS [https://www.boris.unito.it/]

AnimalFACS | A repository to access AnimalFACS information and documentation [https://animalfacs.github.io/AnimalFACS/]

 

Teaching methods

The course unit consists of theoretical lectures and practical classes.

During the theoretical lessons, presentations (.ppt, .pdf), digital materials available online, and videos will be used. All teaching materials will be available on the Virtuale platform [https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en].

Participation in practical activities carried out in the University’s experimental farm facilities requires the use of a lab coat and suitable footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course consists of two parts:

• Practical examination (ration formulation and nutrient requirement calculations, modules of Dr Vecchiato) is compulsory to access the written test part (from 1 to 3 pt.). The assignment will take place on digital platform lasts 45min and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 1.5/3.
• The written part is a test comprising 30 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter. Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The test assignment will last 45 min and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

Supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) can be used only if explicitly permitted by the instructor.

With regard to the assessment, the use of generative AI is prohibited and any use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available upon request for students beyond the standard program duration.

If a student receives a borderline result in no more than one part of the written test the instructor may—depending on the seriousness of the mistakes—offer the opportunity to take a brief compensatory oral exam for that module within the next two working days. In this case, the instructor will contact the student as soon as possible after the end of the exam.

Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami [http://almaesami.unibo.it/] platform. The results will be published within 5 working days in the Virtuale [https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en] Learning Environment platform by the designated course contact.

In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion. Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record. Students willing to reject the final grade must promptly informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities must contact the dedicated office [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students] responsible as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturers, who will assess the appropriateness of the proposed adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, videos, and online resources will be used during face-to-face lessons and will be made available through the official UNIBO repository (Virtuale: https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ).

Questionnaires will be used for self-assessment.

Practical lessons will consist of non-invasive observations of animals. Appropriate data collection sheets will be provided for recording behavioural data during these activities.

The professor is always available to provide further clarification. Students are kindly requested to arrange an appointment by email.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Marliani