Develop an understanding of basic ethological principles pertinent to domestic farm animals.
Learn species specific behavior of the domestic farm species.
Learn to apply ethological principles and species specific behavioral traits to the handling, housing and management of domestic farm species.
Learn what factors can influence the behavior of an animal or group of animals.
Develop observational skills and learn how to report behavioral observations.
Become proficient with some of the methods used in ethological research, current problems involving farm animal behavior, and major journals and references dealing with farm animal behavior.
Topic Outline
Part I: General Topics Some History, Basic Components of Behavior, The Physiology of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, Behavior and Domestication, Learning, Temperature and Behavior, Nutritional Wisdom, Stress, Handling and Welfare, etc.
Part II: Species Specific Behavior Cattle, Sheep & Goats, Horses, and Pigs. The exact order of species will vary each semester, depending on availability of animals, breeding schedules, etc.
