Role of the Veterinarian in the Assessment of Animal Welfare
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide practical knowledge in the recognition, classification and interpretation of the main animal-based indicators that can be correlated, directly or indirectly, with conditions of poor or lack of welfare, in particular in relation to the identification of management and structural critical points and the application of European legislation on the protection of animals on farm, during transport and at the time of killing.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to determine the typology of some behavioral and health problems linked to the level of well-being on the farm, during transport and at the time of slaughter.
Autonomy of judgement
At the end of the course the student will have to demonstrate the ability to autonomously interpret the result of the assessment of the well-being problems covered by the course.
Communication skills
The student will be able to draw up a report with behavioral observations, any correlations with animal welfare and probable causes.
The student will be able to determine the typology of some behavioral and health problems linked to the level of well-being on the farm, during transport and at the time of slaughter.
Autonomy of judgement
At the end of the course the student will have to demonstrate the ability to autonomously interpret the result of the assessment of the well-being problems covered by the course.
Communication skills
The student will be able to draw up a report with behavioral observations, any correlations with animal welfare and probable causes.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Prerequisites for admission
Basic subjects:
Animal husbandry
Anatomical pathology
Forensic medicine
Animal husbandry
Anatomical pathology
Forensic medicine
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning assessment will consist of a discussion of proposed case-studies and the ones observed in the facilities where the practical activities will take place. The exam will be evaluate out of 30 and the final grade will take into account the quality of the answers and the ability to adequately justify them. The critical approach and problem-solving skills, as well as the presentation skills and use of appropriate terminology, will be assessed.
Benessere degli animali allevati: principi normativi, profili etici e responsabilità professionale
Course syllabus
- Focus group to identify unresolved veterinary issues within the EU Legislative Framework on Animal Welfare (4 hours)
- Focus group on concerns about farm animal welfare and development of possible proposals for regulatory solutions - updates on the Green Deal commitment and the cage-free goal in a globalized world (6 hours)
- Research and analysis of the different definitions given to the word "animal" in livestock regulation and reflection on the practical and ethical meaning (2 hours)
- Group discussion on topics from Silent Spring and Animal Machine to the Treaty of Lisbon: ethical reflection on the evolution of the relationship between humans and livestock and on the implication for the veterinary profession (4 hours)
- Case study analysis on professional responsibilities of veterinarians in relation to the welfare of farmed animals (16 hours)
- Focus group on concerns about farm animal welfare and development of possible proposals for regulatory solutions - updates on the Green Deal commitment and the cage-free goal in a globalized world (6 hours)
- Research and analysis of the different definitions given to the word "animal" in livestock regulation and reflection on the practical and ethical meaning (2 hours)
- Group discussion on topics from Silent Spring and Animal Machine to the Treaty of Lisbon: ethical reflection on the evolution of the relationship between humans and livestock and on the implication for the veterinary profession (4 hours)
- Case study analysis on professional responsibilities of veterinarians in relation to the welfare of farmed animals (16 hours)
Teaching methods
Case studies, focus groups
Teaching Resources
Learning material provided by the teacher during the course.
Aspet. benes. anim. in relaz. ai sist. di gest. del cane e del gatto in allev., can., gattile e strut.
Course syllabus
- Structural characteristics of shelters/breeding kennels/catteries/boarding facilities (1 hour)
- Behaviour as an indicator of animal welfare (4 hours)
- Structural and management risk factors affecting the welfare of dogs and cats in shelters/breeding kennels/catteries/boarding facilities (11 hours)
- Behaviour as an indicator of animal welfare (4 hours)
- Structural and management risk factors affecting the welfare of dogs and cats in shelters/breeding kennels/catteries/boarding facilities (11 hours)
Teaching methods
Case studies and exercise on animal welfare assessment with pictures and video demonstration. Practical training on the use of resources-based and animal-based indicators on farm/shelter; in field exercise.
Teaching Resources
The materials used during the lessons will be available will be available on MyAriel platform.
Aspetti di benes. animale in relazione ai sistemi di stab. e gestione nell'allevamento bovino e durante il trasporto
Course syllabus
- Behavior as an Indicator of Animal Welfare (4 hours)
- Main animal-based indicators for bovine (8 hours)
- Structural and management risk factors affecting cattle welfare on farms (8 hours)
- Animal-based and resource-based indicators in relation to the application of Legislative Decree 146 of 2001 implementing Directive 98/58/EC (8 hours)
- Animal-based indicators s and risk factors during transport and at slaughter in relation to the application of Regulation (EC) 1/2005 and Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 (4 hours)
- Main animal-based indicators for bovine (8 hours)
- Structural and management risk factors affecting cattle welfare on farms (8 hours)
- Animal-based and resource-based indicators in relation to the application of Legislative Decree 146 of 2001 implementing Directive 98/58/EC (8 hours)
- Animal-based indicators s and risk factors during transport and at slaughter in relation to the application of Regulation (EC) 1/2005 and Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 (4 hours)
Teaching methods
Case studies and animal welfare assessment tests using images and videos. Practical training on assessing indirect and direct indicators of animal welfare on farms.
Teaching Resources
The materials used during the lessons will be available on the MyAriel website.
Aspetti di benes. animale in relazione ai sistemi di stab. e gestione nell'allevamento suinicolo e durante il trasporto
Course syllabus
- Behavior as an Indicator of Animal Welfare (4 hours)
- Main animal-based indicators for pigs (8 hours)
- Housing and management risk factors affecting pigs welfare on farms (8 hours)
- Animal-based and resource-based indicators in relation to the application of Legislative Decree 146/2001 and Legislative Decree 122/2011 (8 hours)
- Animal-based indicators and risk factors during transport and at slaughter in relation to the application of Regulation (EC) 1/2005 and Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 (4 hours)
- Main animal-based indicators for pigs (8 hours)
- Housing and management risk factors affecting pigs welfare on farms (8 hours)
- Animal-based and resource-based indicators in relation to the application of Legislative Decree 146/2001 and Legislative Decree 122/2011 (8 hours)
- Animal-based indicators and risk factors during transport and at slaughter in relation to the application of Regulation (EC) 1/2005 and Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 (4 hours)
Teaching methods
Case studies and exercise on animal welfare assessment tests with pictures and video demonstration. Practical training on the assessment of resource-based and animal-based welfare indicators. Subject to public health restrictions, practical in-field exercises will take place.
Teaching Resources
The teaching material discussed during the course will be available on MyAriel platform.
Aspetti di benes. animale in relazione ai sistemi di stab. e gestione in allevamento avicolo e durante il trasporto
Course syllabus
- Behavior as an Indicator of Animal Welfare (2 hours)
- Main behavioural welfare indicators for poultry (broiler, laying hens, turkeys) (6 hours)
- Main health welfare indicators for poultry (2 hours)
- Housing and management risk factors affecting poultry welfare on farms (4 hours)
- Data collection systems for welfare indicators during transport and at broiler slaughterhouse in accordance with current legislation (2 hours)
- Main behavioural welfare indicators for poultry (broiler, laying hens, turkeys) (6 hours)
- Main health welfare indicators for poultry (2 hours)
- Housing and management risk factors affecting poultry welfare on farms (4 hours)
- Data collection systems for welfare indicators during transport and at broiler slaughterhouse in accordance with current legislation (2 hours)
Teaching methods
Case studies and exercise on animal welfare assessment tests with pictures and video demonstration. Practical training on the assessment of animal-based welfare indicators. Subject to public health restrictions, practical in-field exercises will take place.
Teaching Resources
The teaching material discussed during the course will be available on MyAriel platform.
Modules or teaching units
Aspet. benes. anim. in relaz. ai sist. di gest. del cane e del gatto in allev., can., gattile e strut.
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Canali Elisabetta Maria Bianca Francesca A
Aspetti di benes. animale in relazione ai sistemi di stab. e gestione in allevamento avicolo e durante il trasporto
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Ferrante Valentina
Aspetti di benes. animale in relazione ai sistemi di stab. e gestione nell'allevamento bovino e durante il trasporto
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 2
Practicals: 32 hours
Professor:
Barbieri Sara
Aspetti di benes. animale in relazione ai sistemi di stab. e gestione nell'allevamento suinicolo e durante il trasporto
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 2
Practicals: 32 hours
Professor:
Cannas Simona
Benessere degli animali allevati: principi normativi, profili etici e responsabilità professionale
VET/08 - VETERINARY CLINICAL MEDICINE - University credits: 2
Practicals: 32 hours
Professor:
Fossati Paola
Professor(s)
Reception:
on appointment
Reception:
By appointment
To be agreed