With this 100% online Master's Degree, you will master the most innovative strategies to optimize Animal Welfare in different areas. 

Animal Welfare has gained significant attention in recent years, becoming a priority for both society and veterinarians. For example, the growing concern over animal handling, transportation, and slaughter practices has driven the adoption of stricter standards and better techniques to minimize suffering. In this regard, professionals must have a deep understanding of the most up-to-date protocols to ensure that animals are treated ethically and that international standards are met.

In this context, the Master's Degree in Animal Welfare at TECH offers comprehensive and current training in a crucial area for society. Additionally, it thoroughly analyzes current legislation on Animal Welfare in livestock farms, zoos, animal shelters, and animal sales establishments. On the other hand, it dedicates a specific module to the ethics of Animal Welfare in Aquaculture, a relatively new and less explored topic. It also delves into key issues regarding welfare in transport and slaughter—critical moments in the animal's life that, although brief, have a significant impact. Thereby, veterinarians are prepared to face the challenges of ensuring Animal Welfare in different contexts.

Additionally, the university program offers a 100% online modality, allowing veterinarians to organize their schedules flexibly. To access the content, all that is needed is a device with an internet connection, facilitating knowledge updates from anywhere. Furthermore, an innovative approach based on Relearning is used, which favors a progressive and natural assimilation of essential concepts. In this way, graduates will be able to incorporate new concepts without the need for traditional memorization. They will also have access to a wide range of multimedia resources, such as detailed videos, interactive summaries, and specialized readings.

You will delve into the ethological foundations of the main animal species of interest” 

This Master's Degree in Animal Welfare contains the most complete and up-to-date scientific program on the market. The most important features include:

• The development of case studies presented by experts in Veterinary Medicine
• The graphic, schematic, and practical contents with which they are created, provide scientific and practical information on the disciplines that are essential for professional practice
• Practical exercises where self-assessment can be used to improve learning
• Special emphasis on innovative methodologies in Animal Welfare across different environments, both domestic and production-based
• Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments
• Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an internet connection

You will promote education and social awareness regarding the importance of Animal Welfare” 

The teaching staff includes professionals from the field of veterinary medicine, who bring their work experience to this program, as well as recognized specialists from leading societies and prestigious universities.

The multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide an immersive learning experience designed to prepare for real-life situations.

This program is designed around Problem-Based Learning, whereby the student must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise throughout the program. For this purpose, the professional will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts.

You will design individualized Welfare plans tailored to each environment, species, and production phase"

Through TECH's Relearning methodology, you will update your knowledge progressively and autonomously. At your own pace!"

This Animal Welfare program will provide veterinarians with the necessary competencies to apply best practices in animal care. Therefore, the syllabus will thoroughly address the physical and emotional health of zoo animals, with a special focus on issues related to nutrition and its impact on Welfare. Additionally, the syllabus will include the study of commercial capture methods, such as dragging, trawling, gill nets, and traps, evaluating their effects. The program will also delve into techniques for preventing stress and managing animals in captivity situations.  

You will evaluate Animal Welfare through physiological, behavioral, and productive indicators” 

Module 1. Animal Welfare. Concepts and Evolution

1.1. Evolution of the Concept of Animal Welfare, from Antiquity to Present Day

1.1.1. Animal Welfare in Antiquity
1.1.2. Introduction to the Concept of Welfare
1.1.3. Animal Welfare Today

1.2. Vision of the Concept of Animal Welfare from Different Cultures

1.2.1. Buddhism
1.2.2. Catholicism
1.2.3. Islam
1.2.4. Judaism
1.2.5. Orthodox Church
1.2.6. Protestantism

1.3. Concept of Animal Welfare, Approaches to Understanding It

1.3.1. Definitions of Animal Welfare
1.3.2. Emotion-Based Approach
1.3.3. Function-Based Approach
1.3.4. Ethology-Based Approach

1.4. Physiological Responses to Stress

1.4.1. Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal-Glands Axis

1.5. Acute and Chronic Stress Response

1.5.1. Physiological Responses to Chronic Stress
1.5.2. Physiological Responses to Acute Stress

1.6. Concepts of “Eustress” and “Distress”

1.6.1. Eustress: Optimal Stress
1.6.2. Distress: Negative Stress

1.7. The Role of Stress Response in Welfare
1.8. Freedoms and Needs

1.8.1. Concept of Freedoms
1.8.2. The Role of freedoms in Animal Welfare
1.8.3. Concept of Needs

1.9. Animal Welfare Assessment Systems

1.9.1. Direct Indicators
1.9.2. Indirect Indicators

1.10. Developing Animal Welfare Assessment Protocols

1.10.1. TGI 35 L
1.10.2. WelfareQuality ®
1.10.3. AWIN (Animal Welfare Indicators)

Module 2. Applied Animal Ethology

2.1. Applied Animal Ethology and Its Relation to Animal Welfare

2.1.1. General Information on Ethology
2.1.2. Origin of Applied Ethology
2.1.3. Fields of Applied Ethology

2.2. Organization of Behavior

2.2.1. Learning
2.2.2. Motivation

2.3. The Effect of Domestication on Animal Behavior

2.3.1. Definition of Domestication
2.3.2. The Environment in Domestication
2.3.3. Domestication and Animal Behavior

2.4. Individual Animal Behavior

2.4.1. Food Industry
2.4.2. Body Care
2.4.3. Examination
2.4.4. Reaction Behavior
2.4.5. Rest and Sleep

2.5. Social and Reproductive Behavior

2.5.1. General Social Behavior
2.5.2. Association
2.5.3. Social Interactions
2.5.4. Reproductive Capacity

2.6. Infant and Parental Behavior

2.6.1. Fetal Behavior and Childbirth
2.6.2. Maternal Behavior
2.6.3. Neonatal and Juvenile Behavior
2.6.4. Play, Practice and Exercise

2.7. Applied Ethology in Swine and Poultry

2.7.1. Origin and Domestication of Swine
2.7.2. Swine Signals and Communication
2.7.3. Biological Rhythms in Swine: Diet, Rest, Reproduction
2.7.4. Origin and Domestication of Birds
2.7.5. Signals and Communication in Birds
2.7.6. Biological Rhythms in Birds: Diet, Rest, Reproduction

2.8. Applied Ethology in Cattle, Sheep and Goats

2.8.1. Origin and Domestication of Beef Cattle
2.8.2. Signals and Communication in Cattle
2.8.3. Biological Rhythms in Cattle: Diet, Rest, Reproduction
2.8.4. Origin and Domestication of Sheep and Goats
2.8.5. Signals and Communication in Sheep and Goats
2.8.6. Biological Rhythms in Sheep and Goats: Diet, Rest, Reproduction

2.9. Applied Ethology in Dogs and Cats

2.9.1. Origin and Domestication of Dogs
2.9.2. Signals and Communication in Dogs
2.9.3. Biological Rhythms in Dogs: Diet, Rest, Reproduction
2.9.4. Origin and Domestication of Cats
2.9.5. Signals and Communication in Cats
2.9.6. Biological Rhythms in Cats: Diet, Rest, Reproduction

2.10. Environmental Enrichment

2.10.1. Concept of Environmental Enrichment
2.10.2. Functions of Environmental Enrichment
2.10.3. Types of Environmental Enrichment

Module 3. Animal Ethics

3.1. Concept of Animal Ethics: Bioethics

3.1.1. Concept of Animal Ethics
3.1.2. Principles of Animal Ethics

3.2. Social, Personal and Professional Ethics

3.2.1. Ethics and Logic behind Ethics

3.3. Ethics and Morals concerning Animals
3.4. Ethical Theories

3.4.1. Utilitarianism
3.4.2. Rights Ethics
3.4.3. Contractualism
3.4.4. Aristotelian Approaches
3.4.5. Ethics of Care
3.4.6. Egalitarianism

3.5. Debate on the Moral Status of Animals

3.5.1. Value Attached to Animals
3.5.2. Differentiation between Species

3.6. Animal Integrity

3.6.1. Animal Integrity and Zoocentric Animal Ethics
3.6.2. Biocentric Animal Integrity and Ethics
3.6.3. Aesthetics and Ethics

3.7. Animal Abuse

3.7.1. The Evolution of Animal Treatment
3.7.2. Types of Animal Abuse
3.7.3. Animal Abuse in Society Today

3.8. Distress and Happiness in Animals

3.8.1. Quality of Life in Animals
3.8.2. Interpreting Animal Pain

3.9. Animal Rights

3.9.1. The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights

3.10. Human-Animal Relationships

3.10.1. Qualities of the Human-Animal Relationships
3.10.2. Implications of the Human Animal on the Non-Human Animal

Module 4. International Animal Protection Legislation

4.1. European Union Treaties

4.1.1. Prior to the Treaty of Lisbon
4.1.2. The Treaty of Lisbon

4.2. The European Parliament, Its Role in Animal Protection

4.2.1. The European Parliament, First Stage prior to 1986
4.2.2. Second Stage of Animal Welfare in the European Parliament
4.2.3. The European Parliament and Animal Welfare Today

4.3. The European Council: Origin of Legislation in the European Union

4.3.1. Council of Europe
4.3.2. The Role of the European Council on Animal Welfare

4.4. The Role of International Agencies in Animal Welfare

4.4.1. The Role of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
4.4.2. The Role of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
4.4.3. The Role of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)

4.5. Animal Protection in Countries outside the European Union: North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania

4.5.1. Animal Protection Regulations in the Americas
4.5.2. Animal Protection Regulations in Africa
4.5.3. Animal Protection Regulations in Asia
4.5.4. Animal Protection Regulations in Oceania

Module 5. Livestock Establishments. Welfare in Swine, Beef Cattle and Poultry

5.1. Welfare in Swine Establishments: Facilities and Equipment

5.1.1. Accommodation
5.1.2. Environmental Needs
5.1.3. Management

5.2. Breeding Swine Welfare

5.2.1. Breeding Sow Welfare
5.2.2. Boar Welfare

5.3. Welfare in Swine Breeding

5.3.1. Nursing
5.3.2. Transition

5.4. Welfare in Fattening Pigs

5.4.1. Accommodation and Facilities
5.4.2. Management

5.5. Welfare in Beef Cattle Establishments: Facilities and Equipment

5.5.1. Accommodation
5.5.2. Environmental Needs
5.5.3. Management

5.6. Dairy Cow Welfare

5.6.1. Cow Comfort

5.7. Calf Welfare

5.7.1. Accommodation and Facilities
5.7.2. Management

5.8. Welfare in Poultry Establishments: Facilities and Equipment

5.8.1. Accommodation
5.8.2. Environmental Needs
5.8.3. Management

5.9. Laying Hen Welfare

5.9.1. Alternative Egg Production Systems

5.10. Welfare in Broiler Fattening

5.10.1. Accommodation and Facilities
5.10.2. Management

Module 6. Welfare in Others Species of Interest

6.1. Welfare in Dairy Sheep and Goats

6.1.1. Accommodation
6.1.2. Environmental Needs
6.1.3. Management

6.2. Sheep Feedlot Welfare

6.2.1. Accommodation
6.2.2. Environmental Needs
6.2.3. Management

6.3. Welfare in Equine Livestock

6.3.1. Accommodation
6.3.2. Environmental Needs
6.3.3. Management

6.4. Welfare in Rabbit Farms

6.4.1. Accommodation
6.4.2. Environmental Needs
6.4.3. Management

6.5. Welfare in Alternative Poultry Production

6.5.1. Accommodation
6.5.2. Environmental Needs
6.5.3. Management

6.6. Welfare of Game Species

6.6.1. Accommodation
6.6.2. Environmental Needs
6.6.3. Management

6.7. Camelid Welfare (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicunas and Guanacos)

6.7.1. Accommodation
6.7.2. Environmental Needs
6.7.3. Management

6.8. Welfare in Companion Animals: Dogs and Cats

6.8.1. Accommodation
6.8.2. Responsible Animal Ownership
6.8.3. Welfare Problems

6.9. Welfare in Other Companion Animals

6.9.1. Accommodation
6.9.2. Responsible Animal Ownership
6.9.3. Welfare Problems

6.10. Welfare in Beekeeping

6.10.1. The Importance of Bees as a Super Organism
6.10.2. The Environment
6.10.3. Feeding and Management

Module 7. Welfare in Zoos, Shelters and Other Facilities and Establishments

7.1. Welfare in Zoos

7.1.1. Functions of Zoos
7.1.2. Physical and Emotional Health in Zoo Animals
7.1.3. Fear Response

7.2. Wild Animal Response to Captivity

7.2.1. Accommodation
7.2.2. Behavior and Welfare
7.2.3. Species-Specific Response to Captivity

7.3. Welfare Indicators in Zoos

7.3.1. Behavioral Indicators
7.3.2. Animal-Related Indicators

7.4. Welfare Problems in Zoo Animals

7.4.1. Dietary Problems
7.4.2. Thermal Stress
7.4.3. Space Restrictions
7.4.4. Social Stress

7.5. Animal Welfare in Animal Shelters

7.5.1. Accommodation, Care and Environment

7.6. Problems in Animal Shelters

7.6.1. Animal Collection
7.6.2. Grouping and Sheltering

7.7. Animal Welfare in Shows

7.7.1. Fighting Bulls
7.7.2. Circus Animals
7.7.3. Dolphins

7.8. Animal Welfare in Commercial Animal Establishments

7.8.1. Accommodation, Care and Environment

7.9. Welfare in Research and Teaching Establishments

7.9.1. Housing, Care and Environmental Factors
7.9.2. Nutrition and Welfare

7.10. Welfare Problems in Research and Teaching Animals

7.10.1. Experimental Procedures: General Principles and Recommendations
7.10.2. Infections in Laboratory Animals: Significance and Control

Module 8. Animal Welfare in Fish Farming

8.1. Physiological Stress Response in Fish

8.1.1. Stress Response in Fish
8.1.2. Detecting and Measuring Stress Response
8.1.3. Cortisol as a Stress Index

8.2. Consciousness in Fish

8.2.1. Fish Are Capable of Suffering
8.2.2. Basic Brain Organization of Teleost Fish
8.2.3. Cognitive Capacity and Behavior Modification

8.3. Pain and Fear in Fish

8.3.1. Sensitivity and Consciousness
8.3.2. Pain
8.3.3. Fear

8.4. Fish Welfare Indicators

8.4.1. Based on the Group
8.4.2. Based on the Individual

8.5. Water Quality and Fish Welfare

8.5.1. Dissolved Oxygen
8.5.2. Ammonia, Nitrates, Nitrites
8.5.3. Carbon Dioxide, Gas Oversaturation
8.5.4. Suspended Solids, Heavy Metals
8.5.5. Acidity, Alkalinity, Hardness, Temperature, Conductivity
8.5.6. Water Flow

8.6. Fish Welfare under Different Production Systems

8.6.1. Pond Aquaculture
8.6.2. Continuous Flow Systems
8.6.3. Semi-Closed Water Circuit Systems
8.6.4. Water Recirculation Systems
8.6.5. Net Cages
8.6.6. Offshore Culture Systems using Sea Cages

8.7. Fish Management and Welfare Implications
8.8. Fish Welfare Problems due to Animal Density

8.8.1. Animal Density in Cages
8.8.2. Animal Density in Tanks, Ponds and Raceways
8.8.3. Animal Density and Behavior
8.8.4. Relation between Animal Density and Welfare

8.9. Welfare in Commercial Fishery Capture and Fish Farming

8.9.1. Stressors during Capture
8.9.2. Commercial Catching Methods: Trawling, Seining, Trammel Nets and Pots
8.9.3. Preparing for Capture, Crowding and Harvesting of Fish in Fish Farming

8.10. Aquarium Fish Welfare

8.10.1. General Considerations
8.10.2. Breeding and Capture
8.10.3. Destination Arrival
8.10.4. Food Industry
8.10.5. Health

Module 9. Animal Welfare during Transportation

9.1. Animal Behavior during Handling and Transportation

9.1.1. Animal Handling
9.1.2. Behavioral Features in Animals
9.1.3. Fear Response and Interaction with the Environment

9.2. Animal Transportation by Road: Vehicles and Drivers

9.2.1. Features of Road Transportation Vehicles
9.2.2. Driver Aptitude in Animal Transportation

9.3. Environmental Factors involved in Welfare during Transportation

9.3.1. Temperature
9.3.2. Humidity
9.3.3. Ventilation

9.4. Handling Factors Involved in Welfare during Transportation

9.4.1. Loading and Unloading
9.4.2. Social Mixing
9.4.3. Fasting

9.5. Transportation and Handling in Swine and Beef Cattle

9.5.1. Temperature in Swine Transportation
9.5.2. Loading Density, Diet and Microclimate in Swine Transportation
9.5.3. Cattle Behavior in Moving Vehicles
9.5.4. Loading Density and Diet in Cattle Transportation

9.6. Poultry Transportation and Handling

9.6.1. Loading and Unloading Poultry
9.6.2. Heat Stress: Energy Balance, Hunger, Thirst and Fatigue
9.6.3. Behavioral Responses: Fear, Aversion

9.7. Fish Transportation and Handling

9.7.1. Transportation Systems
9.7.2. The Impact of Transportation on Fish Welfare
9.7.3. Minimizing the Impact of Transportation on Welfare

9.8. Transportation and Handling in Other Species

9.8.1. Horse Transportation
9.8.2. Sheep Transportation
9.8.3. Rabbit Transportation
9.8.4. Dog Transportation
9.8.5. Wildlife Transportation

9.9. Animal Welfare in Rail, Air and Ship Transportation

9.9.1. Animal Transportation by Rail
9.9.2. Animal Transportation by Aircraft
9.9.3. Animal Transportation by Ship

9.10. Impact of Transportation on Animals: Health and Productivity

9.10.1. Consequences of Transportation and Handling on Health
9.10.2. Consequences of Transportation and Handling on Carcass and Meat Quality

Module 10. Animal Welfare during Slaughter

10.1. Scientific Basis of Consciousness and Being Stunned

10.1.1. Neural Basis of Consciousness
10.1.2. Behavior and Physical Reflexes
10.1.3. Criteria for Stunning and Stunning/Sacrifice Methods

10.2. Potential Causes of Pain during Slaughter

10.2.1. Pain Caused by Cutting Off Bleeding
10.2.2. Loss of Consciousness Time
10.2.3. Consequences of Cutting Off Animal Responsiveness

10.3. Neurophysiological Basis of Stunning and Stunning/Sacrifice Methods

10.3.1. Mechanical Method
10.3.2. Electrical Method
10.3.3. Gas-Mixture Method

10.4. Stunning and Stunning/Slaughtering Systems used in Slaughterhouses

10.4.1. Mechanical Stunning Equipment
10.4.2. Electrical Stunning Equipment
10.4.3. Gas-Mixture Stunning Equipment

10.5. Welfare in the Slaughter of Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Horses

10.5.1. Stunning or Stunning/Slaughtering Methods Employed
10.5.2. Assessing Effectiveness of Use
10.5.3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Such Methods

10.6. Welfare in Swine Slaughter

10.6.1. Stunning or Stunning/Slaughtering Methods Employed
10.6.2. Assessing Effectiveness of Use
10.6.3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Such Methods

10.7. Welfare in Poultry Slaughter

10.7.1. Stunning or Stunning/Slaughtering Methods Employed
10.7.2. Assessing Effectiveness of Use
10.7.3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Such Methods

10.8. Welfare in Fish Slaughter

10.8.1. Stunning or Stunning/Slaughtering Methods Employed
10.8.2. Assessing Effectiveness of Use
10.8.3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Such Methods

10.9. Impact of Stunning or Stunning/Slaughtering Methods on Carcass and Meat Quality

10.9.1. Impact on Carcass Quality
10.9.2. Impact on Meat Quality: Pale, Soft, Exudative (PSE) and Dark Cut Meats

10.10. Euthanasia in Production, Companion and Research Animals

10.10.1. Euthanasia Techniques
10.10.2. Euthanasia Agents

You will implement management systems that minimize stress and promote a good quality of life for the animals”