Understanding Equine Action: from Anatomy to Behaviour

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major anatomical structures that comprise the head, the locomotory, cardiovascular and respiratory systems of the horse.
2. Discuss the functional aspects of the gross and histological anatomy associated with each of the systems and how they interact and complement each other's performance.
3. Critically assess the ontogeny of equine behaviour, the motivation of behaviour, the role of the senses, particularly in relation to learning and abnormal behaviour.
4. Critically evaluate the link between animal welfare and behaviour with particular reference to the horse.
5. Critically evaluate current research developments in equine behaviour studies.

This module will combine equine anatomy and behavior. The anatomy component will be presented as a lecture course with two four-hour dissections and one live horse practical (dependent on material available), and will be supported by presentations on exercise physiology at the Gregynog equine colloquium. It will consider classification and evolution of the equid, the skeletal structure of the head, locomotory, cardiovascular and respiratory systems along with muscle structure, and function specifically related to movement. The second part of this module focuses on the ontogeny of equine behaviour, behavioural motivation, the role of the senses, learning and abnormal behaviour. This will develop on to the recognition of the major behavioural abnormalities in the domestic horse. Animal welfare issues including bioethics, behavioural needs, suffering, cruelty, stress and legislation will also be discussed.

The aims of this module will be two-fold: To provide a detailed understanding of the structures and functions of the major body structures and how anatomy limits and allows advanced equine performance. To provide an understanding of equine behavior and learning and so allow the student to recognize equine major behavioural abnormalities and have an awareness of animal welfare issues including bioethics, behavioural needs, suffering, cruelty, stress and relevant aspects of animal welfare legislation.

A series of approximately 14 lectures and 7 practicals and student seminars.

Lectures will cover the following topics :

* Evolution of the horse; anatomy and behavior - 1 lecture
* Introduction to anatomy; terminology - 1 lecture
* Appendicular attachment - 1 lecture
* Musculo-skeletal anatomy: Head - 1 lecture
* Musculo-skeletal anatomy: neck and back - 1 lecture
* Musculo-skeletal anatomy: Forelimb and Equine hoof - 1 lecture
* Musculo-skeletal anatomy: Hindlimb - 1 lecture
* Muscle and movement - 1 lecture
* Introduction including measuring behavior - 1 lecture
* Neurophysiology of behavior - 1 lecture
* Stereotypy: causes, prevention and alleviation - 1 lecture
* Learning Theory and its application to horse management - 1 lecture
* Equine temperament - 1 lecture
* Equine welfare - 1 lecture

Practicals will cover the following topics:

* Whole horse dissection (8hrs independent of timetable)
* Head anatomy
* Forelimb anatomy
* Hindlimb anatomy
* Hoof anatomy
* Learning behavior - 1
* Learning behavior - 2

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 7