ZOOTECHNIC ETHOLOGY
cod. 17025

Academic year 2011/12
3° year of course - Second semester
Professor
Francesca MARTUZZI
Academic discipline
Zootecnica speciale (AGR/19)
Field
Discipline delle produzioni animali
Type of training activity
Characterising
16 hours
of face-to-face activities
2 credits
hub: -
course unit
in - - -

Learning objectives

- Learn the differences in perception between the horse and man
- understand horse behaviour as it is shaped by evolution and natural selection
- learn the bases of horse communication
- know the principal causes of abnormal behaviour in horses for prevention purposes
This course has been designed to create the basis for managing a human-horse relationship based on respect and cooperation that involves the use of non-violent techniques in training and handling.

Prerequisites

Basics of Physiology

Course unit content

Equine perception: senses and pain perception.
Horse behaviour as it is shaped by evolution and natural selection. Concept of homeostasis.
Communication: horse language. Visual, tactile, acoustic and chemical signals.
Neonatal and maternal behaviour. Nursing. Abnormal neonatal behaviours, abnormal maternal behaviours. Imprinting.
Social behaviour and foal learning. Herd instinct and hierarchy. Feeding in free ranging and in stud farm. Sexual behaviour of mares and stallions. Sexual abnormal behaviours. Pathological stereotypic behaviours: causes, consequences and control.

Full programme

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Bibliography

D. Mills e K. Nankervis “Comportamento equino: principi e pratica” Calderini Edagricole
Mc Greevy “Equine Behavior” Saunders

Teaching methods

Classroom lectures with Power Point presentation

Assessment methods and criteria

Oral exam

Other information

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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development

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