Unit information: Animal Welfare in 2015/16

Unit name	Animal Welfare
Unit code	VETSM0003
Credit points	15
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Mr. Wotton
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

Large numbers of cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry are reared and killed for meat. This unit describes the major factors influencing on-farm animal welfare, and animal welfare at stunning and slaughter, and the consequences for carcase and meat quality. The legislative framework is also described.

Aims:

This Unit aims to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of:

i) the factors that improve or adversely affect animal welfare on-farm, post-farm and at slaughter, and their effects on carcase and meat quality

ii) methodology used to assess welfare and the legislative framework

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:

i) the factors that improve or adversely affect animal welfare on-farm, post-farm and at slaughter, and the relationship between good welfare and good meat quality

ii) methodology used to assess welfare and the legislative framework

2. Students will be able to:

i) analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically.

ii) apply knowledge and understanding to address industry problems.

iii) apply critical thinking to published information.

Teaching Information

Knowledge and understanding is developed through pursuing a structured syllabus, evaluating directed reading, and engaging in problem solving exercises. From 2009/10 the unit will be taught in two formats.

1. Residence based. The unit will be taught conventionally through lectured material, practical/laboratory work and tutorials. Lectures are given by research staff who are experts in their own fields.
2. e-learning. Existing lectured material is available in an audio format using bespoke software (Camtasia), which allows Powerpoint-based lectures to be recorded with audio overlaid. Audio lectures are supplemented by written notes and selected further reading. Teaching materials are hosted on a web-based platform (Blackboard) and also made available in CD format. . A discussion forum is hosted on Blackboard

Assessment Information

Knowledge and understanding is assessed by a combination of coursework (30% of available marks) and a 3 hour written examination (70% of available marks). Coursework usually consists of a fully referenced essay (2500 words max.) and a critique of a research paper.

Reading and References

There will be a strong reliance on original research papers. The following books are also helpful:

1. Gregory, NG. (2007). Animal welfare and meat science (2nd ed.), CABI Publishing, Wallingford.
2. Grandin, T. (2007). Livestock handling and transport (3rd ed.), CABI Publishing, Wallingford.
3. Webster, J. (1994). Animal welfare: a cool eye towards Eden. Blackwell Science.