animal ethics and welfare

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on the physiology of stress and production animal welfare.

What are the two main components of the Autonomic Nervous System?

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).

What does the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) prepare the body for?

Stressful or emergency situations, commonly referred to as fight or flight.

What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)?

To prepare the body for rest and digest, promoting calm.

Define homeostasis in the context of animal physiology.

A self-regulating, stable internal state that maintains equilibrium and proper function.

When does stress become a concern for animals?

When it is chronic and the animal is continually challenged beyond its ability to cope.

List some negative impacts of prolonged stress on animals.

Decreased immune function, distress, suffering, and possible disease or dysfunction.

What are common examples of stressors in animals?

Predator/prey interactions, extreme temperatures, food and water availability, overcrowding, isolation, and handling.

How might animals display signs of stress?

Hiding, running away, vocalizing, pacing, and other behavior changes such as aggression.

What is anthropomorphism?

Attributing human characteristics, emotions, and motivations to animals.

What is the primary focus of the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC)?

To develop codes and promote welfare practices for farm animal care in Canada.

What are the welfare concerns for cattle production?

Processing, transport, slaughtering, temperature extremes, respiratory disease, and inadequate conditions.

What challenges are faced in pig welfare?

Food restriction during pregnancy, overcrowding, and mutilations such as tail docking.

What are the key welfare challenges for broiler chickens?

Rapid growth leading to lameness, heat stress due to high metabolic rates, and pathogens from crowded conditions.

What happens to male chicks in commercial egg production?

They are destroyed since they do not lay eggs.

What welfare challenges are associated with commercial laying hens?

Destroying male chickens, beak trimming to avoid feather pecking, and egg peritonitis.

What are sources of stress for animals in the vet clinic (name 5)

• noises

• Separation/ isolation

• Change in routine

• Transport

• Smells

• Owner stress

• Handling

• Overcrowding

What are sources of stress for in the grooming parlour (name 3)

• Noises

• Separation/isolation Change

• Change in routine

• Transport

• Smells

• Handling

• Boredom

• Owner stress

Why is being feline friendly important

Cats can be anxious

• aggressive behavior is due to stress

• Positive experience for cats and owners

• Safe work environment for staff

• Cats are not small dogs

Who created a cat friendly practice

Created by the feline Veterinary Medical association (FVMA) and the International Cat Care (ICF)

What i the goal of cat friendly practices

Reduce stress around veterinary visits for both cats and clients

What can you do for feline friendly handling

• snacks

• Soft towels and blankets

• Somewhere to hide

• Quiet

• Minimal restraint

• Pre-Medication

• Touch gradient

What are health and safety risks with cats

• rabies risk

• Cat scratch disease

• Infected bite wound or scratch wounds

• Flight risk

What are some ways you can do fear free handling

• Puppy socialization

• Friendly visits

• Pre-Medication

• Distraction

• Cage muzzles

• Proper techniques

• Touch gradient

• Minimal Examination

• Confident staff

What is low stress Handling

• Techniques to reduce stress

• Quality of handling

Why low stress handling

• can influence incidence of disease, overall health and reproduction

• Can avoid injuries to animals and humans

• Can influence quality of beef and pork

How can you minimize stress with handling

• Use of veterinary Drugs

• Training and experienced individuals

• Proper equipment

• Animal specific protocols