932011 Journal club animal husbandry

Type
Seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Hintze, Sara , Ferroni, Giulia , De Angelis, Fabiana
Organisation
Offered in
Wintersemester 2024/25
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Animal welfare science is shifting its focus from the pure alleviation of suffering to providing animals opportunities for positive experiences. To do so, we need to understand how animals feel. Since animals cannot tell us directly how they feel, we need to infer their feelings from physiology, behaviour and cognition. Knowledge of the emotional states of farmed animals has the potential to identify both what should be avoided, but also what should be provided to animals if we aim for a good life for farmed animals.

In this journal club, we will discuss scientific articles relevant to the field of farmed animal emotional states and positive animal welfare. Potential topics include agency and competence, play behaviour, social dynamics, behavioural complexity and cognitive abilities of farmed animals. Students are encouraged to suggest their own topics, e.g., concerning their own (future) MSc or PhD projects. Additionally, topics on non-farmed animals are welcome.
Previous knowledge expected

No, but willingness to critically read and discuss scientific literature is expected.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

There are two main course objectives. The first one is to discuss what we know about farmed animals’ emotional states and cognitive characteristics and how this knowledge may positively affect current farming practices. For example, what does it mean for inquisitive social animals, such as pigs, to be engaged with their environment? The second objective is to gain more experience in critically evaluating scientific publications, including questions related to the methods and conclusions, e.g., what would we do differently, if we were to repeat the experiments.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.