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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 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 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

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. 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.