Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student should have acquired knowledge regarding general ethology mainly in domestic animal. In detail, the student should be able to:.
Know the main principles of Ethology. The student should be able touse the specific language and use the scientific terms (knoledgement and understanding)
3. explain the results of the studies and toxic or antidote properties also to an audience of non-experts. (communication skills)
4. choose the right antidote on the basis of the acquired knowledge and clinical needs. (making judgements)
5. link the different topics treated in the course among themselves and to other disciplines of the academic degree course. (learning skills)
Prerequisites
Not as for the degree corse
Course unit content
Functional organization of the nervous system.
Regulation of emotional and behavioral patterns by the hypothalamus and the lymbic system. Biological rhythms. Motivation and learning. Classic conditioning. Trial and error learning: reward and punishment. Social behavior and hierarchy. Territorial behavior and marking. Pheromones. Stress and distress in domestic animals. Fight or flight reaction. Welfare in farm animals.
Full programme
History of the study of animal behaviour, Aristotele, Darwin, Skineer, Pavlov Lorenz et al.
Domestication
Physiology of behaviour of nervous system and neuroendocrine system.
Homeostasis
Reproduction
The cost/advantages curve of animal behaviour
Reproductive behaviour of domestic species. Ritms, pheromones, and other behaviours linked to the reproductive courtship
Interaction between genetic and environment in the animal behaviour
Farrowing, calving and maternal care of newborn
The control of territory and its impact on domestic animal behaviour
Limbic system and sleep
Instinct
Learning
Social organization
The sense, sight, hearing, smelling, ultrasound, tavt
The behaviour of Dog, Cat, Horse, Cow (dairy and beef) Buffalo, swine , rabbit, birds
Suggestes lectures
Verga M., Carenzi C.: Il comportamento degli animali domestici. Edagricole. Bologna.
Papalia S.: Il benessere degli animali. Esseditrice
Bibliography
Etologia degli animali domestici, Per Jensen, McGraw-Hill, Milano.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons by using slides, film and practical lessons in laboratory and classroom
Assessment methods and criteria
Written and Oral exam. The teaching mode and teaching methodologies in relation to learning outcomes stated above consist of tre written question followed an orale xams wth the aim to investigate the link between the written question and the practical application of the subject discussed.
Other information
9 examination sessions are scheduled throughout the academic year, as reported on ESSE3 platform website. 5 more sessions are scheduled for so called "fuori corso e ripetenti" students. A minimun of 14 days is required between two subsequent examination sessions. The examining board consists of at least two teachers.
