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Animal Anatomy and Physiology

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Vete2022, Animal Physiology

Replaced course

Vete2023 [GVET2023] Animal Anatomy and Physiology

Course abstract

The study course “Animal Anatomy and Physiology” provides students with an understanding of the interaction between the structure and functions of farm animals, which ensures their health, productivity, and adaptability to different housing and feeding conditions.
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge about the anatomy of the main organ systems and the physiological processes that underlie animal growth, reproduction, metabolism, and productivity. Emphasis is placed on the practical importance of these processes in agriculture – ensuring animal welfare, efficient resource utilization, and the promotion of sustainable production.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Learning Outcomes:
After passing the course, the students will have:
• Knowledge of the animal's body anatomical structure, the physiological processes taking place and mechanisms for managing these processes;
Assessment: 6 tests;
• Skills to use the acquired knowledge in the assessment of animals keeping and exploitation. Assessment: Use of skills in the FVM Agricultural Stationary;
• Competence in matters relating to the welfare of domestic animals, taking into account the anatomical structure and physiological characteristics of the animals. Assessment: Independent work and presentation.

Course Content(Calendar)

Introduction. Basic principles of welfare. Factors influencing animal productivity.
Concept of animal organs, organ systems and apathy. Body parts, areas, directions.
Bones learning. Axis skeleton (spine, skull, chest forming bones).
Peripheral skeleton (forelegs, hind legs, hip-forming bones).
Movement components: bones, joints, ligaments, muscles. Animal exterior and factors affecting it.
Heart anatomy and basic principles of action.
The anatomical division of circulatory system organs and the basic principles of their operation.
Circulatory system regulating and influencing factors. Basic methods of physiological examination.
Anatomy of respiratory organs and basic principles of operation.
Breathing gas exchange process in lungs and tissues, factors that regulate and influence it.
Functional examinations of respiratory organs (vital lung capacity, volume of breathing, etc.) and examination.
Effects of compliance and non-compliance with welfare requirements on circulatory and respiratory function.
Anatomy and basic principles of the digestive tract (oral cavity, stomach, thin, large intestine) functioning.
Anatomy of the organs involved in the digestive process and basic principles of action (saliva, liver, pancreas, etc.)
Digestive juices. Digestion and absorption processes in the digestive tract.
Anatomical and physiological peculiarities of digestive organs of ruminants.
Influence of welfare requirements (feeding, keeping conditions) and non-compliance on digestive function and metabolism.
Anatomy and basic principles of physiological functioning of male reproductive organs.
Anatomy and basic principles of physiological activity of reproductive organs of females.
Process of sexual cycle, its regulation possibilities. Basic principles of oestrus synchronization.
Effects of compliance and non-compliance with welfare requirements on reproductive organs.
The anatomy of the udder and its basic principles. Anatomical peculiarities of udder of different species.
Lactation physiology: factors influencing milk formation and excretion, composition, composition changes during lactation.
Influence of welfare requirements on qualitative and quantitative lactation. Impact of stress on quality of life, health and productivity.
Introduction of the 'five animal freedoms' principle in livestock farming.

Requirements for awarding credit points

To receive a credit point, the student must:
1. Visit at least 85% of lectures.
2. Participate in group work and laboratory works, as evidenced by completed and defended protocols. All delayed sessions must be done.
3. Successfully completed 6 tests. At the end of the semester, the average grade of the tests is calculated.
If all three of the above rules are met at the end of the semester, the student is admitted to the oral examination.
If a student fails to comply with any of the three rules, the exam is not admitted.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

At LLU library and FVM information center students get acquainted with special literature. Using the indicated literature sources and handouts, the student independently acquires separate study unit chapters: Anatomical and physiological basis of welfare conditions for farm animals of different species.
The student independently processes the results of laboratory works, draws up protocols (defense at the end of the semester), and prepares for the tests.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Testing is designed as both tests and written tests, so before each test students are informed about the requirements for successful assessment.

Compulsory reading

1. GARANČS A. Cilvēka un dzīvnieku fizioloģija jautājumos un atbildēs. Rīga, 2006., 340 lpp.
2. 1.VALTNERIS A. Cilvēka fizioloģija. Rokasgrāmata. Otrais izdevums. Rīga, Zvaigzne ABC, 2009., 252 lpp..
3. Racionālu piena lopkopības ražošanas modeļu rokasgrāmata. Rokasgrāmata/portals. LLKC (Lauku tīkls). https://www.laukutikls.lv/racionalu-piena-lopkopibas-razosanas-modelu-rokasgramata
4. CUNNINGHAM J. (ed) Textbook of veterinary physiology. USA, Philadelphia: W.B.Saunders company, 2006., pp. 621
5. WILLIAM O.REECE (ed) Duke’s Physiology of Domestic Animals, USA, Wiley Blackwol, 2015, 5.pp 760

Further reading

1. Siltumnīcefekta gāzu emisiju samazināšanas iespējas ar klimatam draudzīgu lauksaimniecību un mežsaimniecību Latvijā” (monogrāfija; galv. red. P. Rivžā, LLU/LBTU, 2018), SIA „Drukātava”, ISBN: 978-9984-48-308-5.
2. DENBOW M. D., Akers R. M. Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals illustrated edition. ISBN-13: 9780813803296, ISBN-10: 0813803292; Iowa State University Press, 2009, pp. 654.
3. MELFI V., Hosey G., Pankhurst S. Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Management and Welfare. ISBN-13: 9780199233069, ISBN-10: 0199233063; Oxford University Press. 2009, pp. 661.

Periodicals and other sources

“Agro Tops”, „Latvijas Lopkopis”, “Lauku Avīze”, LVB izdotais “Veterinārais žurnāls”.
“Rokasgrāmata par labu lauksaimniecības praksi amonjaka emisijas samazināšanai” — PDF rokasgrāmata Zemkopības ministrijas lapā:
https://www.zm.gov.lv/lv/media/966/download?attachment=

Notes

Basic study course of academic study program “Sustainable agriculture”, 1st year 2nd semester full-time and part-time studies in compulsory part.