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Animal Physiology

Course developers

Course abstract

The study course “Animal Physiology” provides students with fundamental knowledge of the functional organization of the animal body and the vital processes occurring at the cellular, organ, and systemic levels. The course develops understanding of how internal balance (homeostasis) is maintained and how physiological functions interact with environmental factors.
The aim of the course is to build students’ comprehension of the basic principles governing animal body functions, which are essential for ensuring animal health, welfare, and productivity in agricultural practice. Particular emphasis is placed on the practical relevance of physiological knowledge in farm management, crop production, and animal breeding.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Learning Outcomes:
After passing the course, the students will have:
• Knowledge about animal’s organism ongoing physiological processes and its control mechanisms; Assessment: 5 written 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. History. Use of animals in research. A living, healthy organism.
2. The constancy of the internal environment- homeostasis.
3. Differentiation: cells, tissues, organs. The role of biological membranes.
4. Physiology of excitable tissues. Principles of muscle activity.
5. Basic principles of nerve and brain activity.
6. Regulatory mechanisms in the body, types, basic principles of operation. Factors affecting the environment and the body's response.
7. Blood, its composition and functions. Basic principles of vaccination. Blood groups.
8. Basics of blood circulation physiology.
9. Basics of the physiology of respiration.
10. Basics of digestive physiology for different species of animals.
11. Excretory processes in the body and factors affecting them.
12. Basic principles of metabolism. The effect of physiological factors on metabolic intensity.
13. Physiology of external sensor systems.
14. Physiology of internal sensor systems.
15. Factors influencing animal behaviour (stress, oestrus, physical activity, etc.).

16. Animal behavior patterns, types. Animal

Requirements for awarding credit points

To receive credit points and a grade, the following requirements must be met:

1. At least 80% of lectures must be attended.
2. Participation in group work and practical assignments, confirmed by completed and defended work protocols. All missed classes must be made up.
3. Successful completion of 5 assessments (graded on a 10-point scale).
4. Successful completion of the exam.

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: Types of Tissues and Cells, their functions; Animal behavior patterns; Environmental impact on animal behavior 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 (defense at the end of the semester), and prepares for the tests.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Assessments are conducted both as tests and written assignments. Therefore, before each assessment, students are informed about the requirements for obtaining a passing grade.
The course concludes with an exam.

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. СМИРНОВ В.М., Будылина С.М. Физиология сенсорных систем и высшая нервная деятельность. Москва. 2004. - 303 стр.
4. 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”, “Lauku avīze”

Notes

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