Animal Welfare

Subject 208-409 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Paul Hemsworth
Subject Overview:

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 and welfare solutions.

Assessment: Three-hour examination (50%), a practical test (10%), and two assignments equivalent to 2500 words (each worth 20%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

  • Stress & Animal Welfare (D M Broom and K G Johnson), Chapman & Hill, 1993
  • Farm Animal Behaviour & Welfare (A F Fraser D M and Broom), CABI, 1990
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Information Not Available

Notes:

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.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Animal Science and Management with Honours
Master of Agricultural Science

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