Vet Assistants’ Course Animal Husbandry Animal Welfare

VETERINARY ASSISTANTS’ COURSE

ANIMAL HUSBUNDRY

LECTURE B2: ANIMAL WELFARE

INTRODUCTION

1. Animal welfare is the scientific study of the well being of animals as pets in
zoos, laboratories, on farms and in the wild. Animal welfare concerns includes
how animals are slaughtered for food, how they are used in scientific research,
how they are kept, and how human activities affect the welfare and survival of
wild species.

AIM

2. The aim of this lesson is to teach students the principles of animal welfare with
specific reference to horses.

SCOPE

3. This lesson will cover the following aspects;

a) Animal freedoms
b) Principles of animal welfare
c) Veterinary care
d) Malnutrition
e) Conclusion

ANIMAL FREEDOMS

4. Providing good animal welfare is defined by a list of freedoms and principles

which are as follows:
a) Freedom from thirst and hunger- by ready access to fresh water and a
diet to maintain health and vigor.

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Vet Assistants’ Course Animal Husbandry Animal Welfare

b) Freedom from discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment

including shelter and comfortable resting area.
c) Freedoms to express most normal behavior – by providing sufficient
space, proper facilities and company of animals own kind.
d) Freedom from fear and distress- by ensuring conditions and treatment
which avoid mental suffering.

PRINCIPLES OF ANIMAL WELFARE

5. Animal welfare is provided for by the following principles

a) The responsible use of animals for human purposes such as
companionship, food, fiber, education, exhibition
b) Decisions regarding animal care, use and welfare shall be made by
considering ethical and social values.
c) Animals must be provided water, food, proper handling, health care,
and an environment appropriate for their care and use
d) Animals should be cared for in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress and
suffering.
e) Animals should be treated with respect and dignity throughout their
lives, and when necessary provided human death.
f) The veterinary profession shall continually strive to improve animal
health and welfare

VETERINARY CARE

6. The Veterinarians implements disease prevention programes like vaccinations,

parasite control and routine physical examination of animals.
7. These disease prevention programs ensure the well being of animals and thus
minimise suffering due to disease causing organisms.

MALNUTRITION

8. When inadequate food is given, an animal begins to utilize body reserves until
they are exhausted, then emaciation (poor body condition) sets in. When
emaciated, an animal has a lowered immunity against diseases; hence it

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Vet Assistants’ Course Animal Husbandry Animal Welfare

becomes susceptible to infection. An emaciated animal cannot work or

reproduce and so adequate feed should always be provided.
9. The maintenance of a constant body mass is the result of equilibrium between
nutrient input and output. Animals become thin due to;
a. Lack of feed, water or both.

b. Poor quality of food and water.

c. Failure to eat or swallow food.

d. Failure to digest or absorb food.

e. Abnormal loss of nutrients once absorbed.

f. Increased utilization of nutrients once absorbed.

CONCLUSION

10. Animal welfare provides for human care for animals for the social and ethical
standards of living and species continuity.