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Animal Physiology

Course developer

Course abstract

Animal physiology is the science of Biology, which researches the principles of physiological processes of the organism – vital functional of the cells, organs and systems, its relationships and mechanisms of regulation. The purpose of the study course is for students knowledge of processes, which take place within the organism, when respecting and when violating animal welfare rules and how these processes affect animal behaviour and productivity.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After passing the course, the students will have:
•Knowledge about animal’s organism ongoing physiological processes and its control mechanisms; Assessment: 5 tests.
•Skills to use the acquired knowledge in the assessment of animals keeping and exploitation
•Competence in questions about organ work mechanisms, metabolic processes, how the sensor system works and how previously mentioned impacts the animal’s behaviour and productivity as a whole.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to physiology. Use of animals in research. A living, healthy organism. 1h lecture, 1h practical work.
2. The constancy of the internal environment- homeostasis. 2h lectures, 1h practical work.
3. Differentiation: cells, tissues, organs. The role of biological membranes. 1h lecture, 1h practical work.
Test 1.
4. Physiology of excitable tissues. Principles of muscle activity. 2h lectures, 1h practical work.
5. Basic principles of nerve and brain activity. 1h lecture, 1h practical work.
6. Regulatory mechanisms in the body, types, basic principles of operation. Factors affecting the environment and the body's response. 2h lectures, 1h practical work.
Test 2.
7. Blood, its composition and functions. Basic principles of vaccination. Blood groups. 1h lecture, 1h practical work.
8. Basics of blood circulation physiology. 2h lectures, 1h practical work.
9. Basics of the physiology of respiration. 1h lecture, 1h practical work.
Test 3.
10. Basics of digestive physiology for different species of animals. 2h lectures, 1h practical work.
11. Excretory processes in the body and factors affecting them. 1h lecture, 1h practical work.
12. Basic principles of metabolism. The effect of physiological factors on metabolic intensity. 2h lectures, 1h practical work.
Test 4.
13. Physiology of external sensor systems. 1h lecture, 1h practical work.
14. Physiology of internal sensor systems. 2h lectures, 1h practical work.
15. Animal behaviour patterns, types. 1h lecture, 1h practical work.
16. Factors influencing animal behaviour (stress, oestrus, physical activity). 2h lectures, 1h practical work.
Test 5.

Requirements for awarding credit points

To receive a credit point and obtain a "pass with grade" rating, the student must:
1. Visit at least 80% 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 (10-point system) 5 tests.
If all three of the above conditions are met at the end of the semester, the student automatically passes test with a grade. The final grade of this test is calculated as the average grade of the five tests.
If a student fails to comply with any of the three conditions, automatic "test with a grade" is not possible. After the debt is settled, the student must successfully pass the so-called Final Test, which summarizes all the topics covered in the training course. After receiving a positive assessment, the final assessment of the test is the assessment “Test with grade”. Upon receiving a positive evaluation (in a 10-point system), the final assessment is also the final course evaluation. If "passed with grade" is not passed by the end of the next semester (until the session), the study course must be taken again.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

At LBTU library and FVM information canter students get acquainted with special literature. Using the indicated literature sources and handouts, the student independently acquires separate study unit chapters: Types of Tissues and Cells, their functions; Animal behaviour patterns; Environmental impact on animal behaviour and health status. The student defends one of the topics by presenting the group members and lecturers. The student independently processes the results of laboratory works, draws up protocols (defines 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.VALTNERIS A. Cilvēka fizioloģija. Rokasgrāmata. Otrais izdevums. Rīga, Zvaigzne ABC, 2009., 252 lpp..
2.GARANČS A. Cilvēka un dzīvnieku fizioloģija jautājumos un atbildēs. Rīga, 2006., 340 lpp.
3.CUNNINGHAM J. (ed) Textbook of veterinary physiology. USA, Philadelphia: W.B.Saunders company, 2006., pp. 621.
4.WILLIAM O.REECE (ed) Duke’s Physiology of Domestic Animals, USA, Wiley Blackwol, 2015, pp 760.

Further reading

1.MELFI V., Hosey G., Pankhurst S. Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Management and Welfare. ISBN-13: 9780199233069, ISBN-10: 0199233063; Oxford University Press. 2009, pp. 661.
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. LEJNIECE S. Klīniskā hematoloģija.- Rīga, Nacionālais apgāds, 2005.- 324 lpp. 5.DANILĀNS A. Gastroenteroloģija.- Rīga, Nacionālais apgāds, 2005.- 126 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

“Agro Tops”, „Latvijas Lopkopis”

Notes

Intended for students of the 1st year of the academic bachelor's study program "Sustainable Agriculture" of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology in the 2nd semester of full-time studies.