ZOOTECHNIC ETHOLOGY
cod. 17025

Academic year 2007/08
2° year of course - Second semester
Professor
Academic discipline
Zootecnica speciale (AGR/19)
Field
Zootecnia e produzioni animali
Type of training activity
Characterising
24 hours
of face-to-face activities
2 credits
hub: -
course unit
in - - -

Integrated course unit module: CONDUCT OF HORSES

Learning objectives

<br />- Learn the differences in perception between the horse and man <br />- understand horse behaviour as it is shaped by evolution and natural selection <br />- learn the bases of horse communication<br /> - know the principal causes of abnormal behaviour in horses for prevention purposes<br />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. <br /> 

Prerequisites

Veterinary Ethology  and Physiology of Equines are a prerequisite for this course.

Course unit content

<br />
<br />
Perception in horses: the senses<br />
Horse behaviour as it is shaped by evolution and natural selection. Concept of homeostasis <br />
Communication: Language of the horse. Visual, tactile, acoustic and chemical signals<br />
Neonatal behaviour in the foal and maternal behaviour of the mare. Suckling. Abnormal neonatal behaviour; abnormal maternal behaviour. Imprinting. <br />
Social behaviour and learning in the foal; social and hierarchical instinct.<br />
Feeding behaviour while grazing and in the stable. <br />
Sexual behaviour of the mare and stallion. Abnormal sexual behaviour<br />
Pathological stereotipies: causes, consequences and possible controls

Full programme

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Bibliography

<p><br />
D. Mills e K. Nankervis. Comportamento equino: principi e pratica. Calderini Edagricole<br />
P.McGreevy. Equine behavior. Sauders</p>
<p> A. F. Fraser.Comportamento del cavallo. Edagricole<br />
 M. Roberts. From my hands to yours.   </p>

Teaching methods

<p>lecture with Power Point presentation</p>
<p>visits to stud-farms</p>

Assessment methods and criteria

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Other information

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