ECTS credits ECTS credits: 3
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Student's work ECTS: 49.5 Hours of tutorials: 1.5 Expository Class: 12 Interactive Classroom: 12 EEES Clinics: 8 Total: 83
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Science
Areas: Animal production
Center Faculty of Veterinary Science
Call: First Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable | 1st year (Yes)
The course includes two distinct parts: Ethnology and Animal Welfare.
The objectives of the Ethnology part are:
1. To know the basic principles for the identification and external valuation of domestic species.
2. To identify and differentiate the main breeds of veterinary interest, and to relate them to their usefulness or productive aptitude.
3. Understand and correctly use ethnological terminology.
With respect to Animal Welfare, the main training objectives are:
1. To understand the concept of animal welfare, and to understand the scientific basis that supports it.
2. To know the problems that affect the welfare of domestic animals.
3. To analyze the ethical, legal and economic implications of animal welfare.
THEORETICAL PROGRAMME (17 hours)
Block I: Ethnology (7 hours)
Subject 1.- Concepts of Ethnology (1h)
Subject 2.- Domestication of the domestic animals (0,5h)
Subject 3.- Denomination of the domestic animals according to their age (0,5h)
Subject 4.- External morphology of the domestic animals (3h)
Subject 5.- Main breeds of the domestic animals (2h)
Block II: Animal Welfare (10 hours)
Subject 6.- Concepts of Animal Welfare (2h)
Subject 7.- Main welfare indicators in the domestic animals (1h)
Subject 8.- Feeding and Animal Welfare (1h)
Subject 9.- Comfort and Animal Welfare (1h)
Subject 10.- Health and Animal Welfare (1h)
Subject 11.- Behavior and Animal Welfare (2h)
Subject 12.- Welfare in the transport of live animals and in slaughterhouse (1h)
Subject 13.- Welfare in experimental animals of experimentation (1h)
PRACTICES PROGRAMME (19 hours)
BAE PE1 (2 hours): Breeds of Domestic Animals. Place: Aulario.
BAE PE2 (3 hours): Animal Welfare Dilemmas. Place: Aulario.
BAE VA1 (1 hour): Identification in cattle. Place: Laboratory of Clinical Skills.
BAE OR1 (1 hour). Animal identification. Place: Computer Classroom. Central pavilion.
BAE CA1 (3 hours): Productive aptitudes in cattle. Place: Teaching Farm “Gayoso Castro”.
BAE OR2 (1 hour): Zoometry and Methodology for describing horses. Place: Computer Classroom. Central pavilion.
BAE VA2 (1 hour): Methodology for describing horses. Place: Rof Codina Foundation.
BAE OR3 (1 hour): Pain scales. Place: Computer room. Central Pavilion.
BAE VA3 (1 hour): Pain scales in cattle. Place: Rof Codina Foundation.BAE VA4 (5 hours): Animal Welfare in dog shelters. Place: Society for the Protection of Animals and Plants of Lugo.
ETHNOLOGY
Basic bibliography
• Sañudo, C. 2009. Valoración morfológica de los animales domésticos. MARM, Madrid.
• Sañudo, C. 2011. Atlas mundial de etnología zootécnica. Servet, Zaragoza
• Sotillo J.L. y Serrano V. 1985. Producción Animal: Etnología zootécnica Vol.I y II.Tebar-Flores, Madrid.
Complementary bibliography
• Hartley Edwards, E.1992. El gran libro del caballo. Ed. El Pais-Aguilar.
• Royal Canin. 2001. Enciclopedia del Gato. Ed. Aniwa, París.
• Royal Canin. 2001. Enciclopedia del Perro. Ed. Aniwa, París
• Sánchez Belda A. 1981. Identificación Animal. Ed. Publicaciones Extensión Agraria, MAPA, Madrid.
• Sánchez Belda A. 2002. Razas ganaderas españolas BOVINAS. FEAGAS-MAPA, Madrid
• Sánchez Belda A. 2003. Razas ganaderas españolas OVINAS. FEAGAS-MAPA, Madrid.
• Sañudo, C. 2008. Manual de diferenciación racial. Servet, Zaragoza.
Web pages of interest
• Catálogo Oficial de Razas de Ganado de España (MAPA):
• https://www.mapa.gob.es/es/ganaderia/temas/zootecnia/razas-ganaderas/ra…
• Real Federación Española de Asociaciones de Ganado Selecto (RFEAGAS): http://rfeagas.com
• Asoc. Caballo Español: https://www.ancce.es/
• Federación Cinológica Internacional http://www.fci.be/es/
• Federación Felina Internacional http://fifeweb.org/index.php
• The kennel Club: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
ANIMAL WELFARE
Basic bibliography
• Manteca, X. 2020. Bienestar Animal. Barcelona: Editorial Multimédica
Complementary bibliography
• Appleby, M.C., Olsson, I.A.S. and Galindo, F. 2018. Animal welfare (3ª Ed.) Wallingford: CAB International
• Broom, D.M. and Fraser, A.F. 2022. Domestic animal behaviour and welfare (6ª Ed.) Wallingford: CAB International
• Houpt, K.A. 2005. Domestic animal behavior (4ª Ed.) Oxford: Blackwell Publishing
• Manteca, X. 2009. Etología veterinaria Barcelona: Editorial Multimédica.
Web pages of interest
• Autoridad Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria (EFSA): https://www.efsa.europa.eu/es/topics/topic/animal-welfare
• Código de Protección y Bienestar Animal. Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado:
https://www.boe.es/biblioteca_juridica/codigos/codigo.php?id=204_Codigo…
• Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal: https://www.woah.org/es/que-hacemos/sanidad-y-bienestar-animal/bienestar-
animal/
• Farm Animal Welfare Education Center: http://www.fawec.org (información sobre bienestar animal y numerosos "links" con
otras páginas útiles).
(GVUSC) Generic
GVUSC01
GVUSC02
GVUSC04
GVUSC05
GVUSC07
(CEDVUSC) Train
CEDVUSC01
CEDVUSC03
CEDVUSC11
CEDVUSC13
CEDVUSC14
(D1VUSC) Professionals
D1VUSC03
D1VUSC16
D1VUSC17
(CEAVUSC) Academic
CEAVUSC01
CEAVUSC02
CEAVUSC03
CEAVUSC08
(CTVUSC) Transversal
CTVUSC01
CTVUSC02
CTVUSC03
CTVUSC04
CTVUSC06
EXPOSITORY SESSIONS
Lectures: 17 sessions of 50 minutes duration, with a distribution in hours that will be as close as possible to the one shown in the Contents section. The objectives are that the students acquire the knowledge of the subject by means of the participation in class, the compilation of personal notes, and the personal study of the explained topics.
INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
The objectives of the interactive sessions are to stimulate students to develop the skills of the veterinary profession, the application of acquired knowledge, group work and discussion, and the search for rigorous and updated technical-scientific information. The interactive sessions include active visits, computer practices, field practices and practical blackboard sessions.
Practical blackboard sessions (PE):
- BAE PE1. Identification and differentiation of domestic animal breeds. 2 sessions of 50 minutes where students, led by the teacher, will learn to identify and differentiate breeds of different species.
- BAE PE2. Animal Welfare Dilemmas. 3 sessions of 50 minutes, where students will discuss the resolution of various practical cases of Animal Welfare.
Active visits (VA):
-BAE VA1. Identification in cattle. Students will learn about the different animal identification systems, both in livestock species and pets. Simulation of identification in cattle will be performed using the bovine head simulator of the Clinical Skills Laboratory. Students will be able to repeat this activity on their own by going to the laboratory during the timetable established for this purpose.
-BAE VA2. Methodology for describing horses. Students will learn about the identification system of equines in Spain, with special attention to the international methodology for describing horses.
- BAE VA3. Pain scales in cattle. In this practice it is intended that students learn to assess pain in dairy cattle using a standardized pain scale for these animals. The learning objective of this practice will be “to know the main pain indicators, and how pain can be assessed by using pain scales” of the Competency by day 1, number 32: “Prevent, assess and manage pain”. THE LEARNING OBJECTIVE WILL BE ASSESSED.
- BAE VA4. Animal Welfare in Dog Shelters. A visit will be made to the Sociedad Protectora de Animales y Plantas de Lugo to assess the welfare of the shelter animals using a standardised Animal Welfare protocol. A safe walking and socialisation protocol will also be implemented with some of the shelter dogs.
Computer practices (OR):
-BAE OR1. Animal identification. The identification system will be described as part of the traceability system of the different livestock species. A practical case of identification of a livestock species will be carried out, describing how the farmer should act in different scenarios. For this purpose, information on Spanish and European Union regulations on identification and registration of livestock species will be used. The learning objective of this practice will be that students will be able to “access relevant information and legislation on identification and movement of animals on farms” of Competence day 1 number 26: “Access the appropriate sources of data on information and legislation relating to animal care and welfare, animal movement, notifiable and reportable diseases, use of medicines, including responsible use of antimicrobials”. THE LEARNING OBJECTIVE WILL BE ASSESSED.
-BAE OR2. Zoometry and Methodology for describing horses. Students will learn about the main body measurements of domestic animals, and the zoometric instruments with which they are measured.
- BAE OR3. Pain scales. Students will learn to assess pain in different species of domestic animals using pain scales commonly used in veterinary medicine.
Field practice (CA):
- BAE CA1. Productive aptitudes in cattle. The teaching farm "Gayoso Castro" will be visited to learn about 3 different breeds of cattle and compare the morphology of each of them according to their productive aptitude.
WORK ON ANIMAL WELFARE
Students will work in groups to produce a report on a case study on Animal Welfare. The work will consist of the selection and analysis of a current issue related to Animal Welfare. The objective of the work is that the students make a report where they reflect a deep analysis of this case from the point of view of welfare science, ethics and legislation. This work will be carried out following the rules indicated by the teachers of the course on the first day of the course, which will be available on the Virtual Campus. With this activity, it is intended that students understand the different areas from which animal welfare is evaluated.
Teaching will be carried out with the support of ICT and with the systematic use of the Virtual Campus as a support for teaching.
EVALUATION OF THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE (60% of the final grade)
At the end of the course there will be a written exam that includes the material taught in theoretical classes. The type of exam will consist of two parts: multiple choice and short answer. The elaboration of a document to identify a horse will be evaluated. A score of 5 out of 10 or more is required to pass the exam. The exam will consist of questions from each of the parts of the subject: Animal Welfare and Ethnology, and each part must be passed individually. Students who do not pass this exam may choose to take the whole exam at the second opportunity in June/July. If the student fails one of the parts (Animal Welfare or Ethnology) and the other part is passed, the mark of the part passed will not be saved for the next exam, and the student will have to take the full exam. If the theoretical exam is not passed, the grade that will be applied will be the grade obtained in this exam, relative to 10, and will not be added to the grade of the continuous assessment.
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT (40% of the final grade).
The continuous assessment will be made up of the assessment of the work and the assessment of the learning objective related to competence day 1, 26 and 32, and will be as follows:
- WORK ASSESSMENT (30% of the final grade):
The written report will be evaluated. The evaluation will be done by means of a rubric available in the Virtual Classroom. The work will be done in groups. In this way, unless there are justified reasons, all the members of the group will receive the same grade. It is a requirement to pass the work to obtain a score equal or higher than 5 out of 10. The work will not be kept from one year to another.
- ASSESSMENT OF THE LEARNING OBJECTIVE RELATING TO COMPETENCY DAY 1 NUMBER 26 (5% of the final GRADE):
Animal identification practice (BAE OR1): the student will deliver the solution of a practical case study raised during the activity, as well as the documents of the identification system required for each case, filled in with the relevant information. The assessment will be carried out by means of a rubric available in the Virtual Classroom. Passing this activity will be necessary to pass the course. In order to pass this activity, a score of 5 out of 10 or higher is required. In case of failing this activity, the revision can be done by requesting a face-to-face tutorial. Students who fail may retake the practical case study during the month following the tutorial, and always within 15 days of the exam. Once passed, the grade for this activity will be maintained during the following academic year.
- ASSESSMENT OF THE LEARNING OBJECTIVE RELATING TO COMPETENCY 32 A DAY 1 (5% of the final grade):
Practice of “Pain scales in cattle” (BAE VA3): the student will deliver the re-sults and conclusion obtained after the application of a pain scale in cows dur-ing the activity. The evaluation will be carried out by means of a rubric availa-ble in the Virtual Classroom. Passing this activity will be necessary to pass the course. In order to pass this activity, a score of 5 out of 10 or higher is re-quired. In case of failing this activity, the revision can be done by requesting a face-to-face tutorial. Students who fail may retake the practical case study during the month following the tutorial, and always within 15 days of the ex-am. Once passed, the grade for this activity will be maintained during the fol-lowing academic year.
- MANDATORY SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS WORKED ON DURING PRACTICAL SESSIONS CA1, VA2, AND VA4:
In order for the continuous assessment grade to be added to the final grade of the course, it is necessary to submit the worksheets completed during practi-cal sessions CA1, VA2, and VA4. These will not be graded, but submitting the work done during these sessions is mandatory.
Regular attendance at the lectures is recommended. It is necessary to attend 100% of the practical sessions (VA, OR, CA and PE). If a student misses a practical session, he/she must provide proof of attendance and make it up as soon as possible. If they fail to do so, the student will be considered to have failed the practical, and as a consequence will not be able to pass the course. Repeating students who have done the practicals the previous year will not have to repeat them, except for the practical blackboard sessions, which are compulsory for all students.
In this subject, full dispensation is not granted. Based on the “Instrución Nº 1/2017 da Secretaría Xeral”, those students who are granted partial dispensation will not be obliged to attend the lectures, but they will still be obliged to attend all the interactive activities, as it is necessary to attend them in person. Based on the “Instrución Nº 1/2017 da Secretaría Xeral”, the evaluation system will be the same for all students since the activities for which partial dispensation is granted do not include face-to-face evaluation activities.
In case of plagiarism, fraud, or improper use of technology during the tests, the provisions of Article 16 of the “Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión de cualificacións” will be applied.
Presencial work at the classroom (37h): Lectures (17h). Laboratory practices (3h). Field practices (3h). Active practices (8h). Computer practices (3h). Practices of blackboard (5h). Tutorships in groups limited or individualized (1h).
Personal work of the student (38h): Individual study (27h). Production of works (4h). Bibliographical review, library, etc. (3h). Oral presentations (2h). Accomplishment of examinations (2h).
Total hours spent by the student: 75 hours.
- Attend theory classes regularly.
- Actively participate in the development of teaching activities, raising doubts and making constructive comments on the subjects taught.
- Dedicate a planned weekly time to the study and understanding of the concepts of the subject.
- Use the tutorials to clarify doubts about the contents developed in the classes.
- To review the theoretical contents taught before doing the corresponding practices, in order to make the teaching more efficient.
- Consult the bibliography and other recommended sources as the topics are developed in order to broaden knowledge.
- Make use of the virtual classroom and e-mail as a tool for the study of the subject.
Silvia Rojo Montejo
Coordinador/a- Department
- Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Science
- Area
- Animal production
- silvia.rojo [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Intern Assistant LOSU
Nicolas Mejuto Vazquez
- Department
- Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Science
- Area
- Animal production
- nicolas.mejuto.vazquez [at] usc.es
- Category
- USC Pre-doctoral Contract
Elena Niceas Martinez Diez
- Department
- Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Science
- Area
- Animal production
- elenaniceas.martinez.diez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary supply professor for IT and others
| Monday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS05 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS08 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS11 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS03 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS06 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS09 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS12 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS01 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS04 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS07 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS10 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS13 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS02 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| Thursday | |||
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 1 |
| 01.19.2026 09:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 1 |
| 01.19.2026 09:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 2 |
| 01.19.2026 09:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 3 |
| 07.09.2026 09:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 1 |
| 07.09.2026 09:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 2 |