Farm Animal Health and Welfare

Overview

This course is designed to provide an overview of topical areas of concern in relation to farm animal health and welfare. This will include outlining key diseases and animal welfare problems within the intensive and extensive agricultural sectors. In addition, fundamental information on the concept of animal welfare, on animal suffering, and on animal health issues such as immunity, disease transmission and biosecurity will be provided. The aim is also to provide an overview of relevant regulatory procedures, and of the role of research in improving farm animal health and welfare. This course is designed to build on Level 1 Applied Animal Science.

The course will consist of a series of lectures and a visit to a commercial fam. In addition, students will be required to prepare seminar presentations on areas related to animal health and welfare, and to do a practical assignment in parasitology. Individual written reports will also be assigned.

Learning Objectives

A student completing this course should have a good understanding of the basis of various disease syndromes and welfare problems in farm animals, and be familiar with management practices for the control of such issues. Students should also have a knowledge and understanding of fundamental issues relating to animal health and welfare. Students should be able to critically assess the role of research in improving farm animal health and welfare.

Skills

Oral and written communication; analysis and synthesis of information; problem solving.

Assessment

Presentation and submission of essay