University certificate
The world's largest faculty of veterinary medicine”
Why study at TECH?
Want to get up to speed in Animal Welfare consulting in a zoo? Enroll in TECH's hybrid learning program to access a new job market"
The social changes that have occurred in society, linked to the increasingly deep-rooted commitment of people to the environment, has given rise to a growing solid movement of struggle to perpetrate and motivate Animal Welfare, especially in relation to captive breeding. As a result, governments have worked on legislative reform to create new regulatory frameworks that provide for the ethics that these species deserve. In this area, veterinary professionals play a fundamental role, as they act as analysts of the situation, ensuring that the agreed conditions are met and that, as a result, the animals enjoy a prosperous life in optimal conditions for their correct physical, emotional and behavioral development.
However, this is an area that is undergoing constant change, always in favor of perpetrating increasingly correct laws and actions, so these specialists must be continually updating their knowledge. In view of this, the Hybrid professional master’s degree in Animal Welfare arises as a response to the growing demand of society and veterinary professionals to maintain the physical and emotional health of species in captivity or destined for human consumption. Consequently, the aim is to minimize the suffering of these animals in environments that do not correspond to their natural habitat.
Therefore, the 1,500 of online mode hours of the program will begin by examining the basic concepts raised in the discipline, as well as the effect of eustress and distress on the comfort of animals. Next, the concept of "animal ethics" or bioethics will be developed in depth. This field of study is concerned with examining how nonhuman species should be treated. The current legislation for the livestock sectorwill also be taken into account, examining welfare problems in pigs, cattle and poultry.
At the end of the online modality, the graduate will be able to carry out an internship program of 120 hours in a center of international prestige. They will carry out a series of activities that will reinforce the knowledge acquired in the virtual classroom. In this way, they will improve the skills and abilities that every professional must master to work in zoos, shelters, slaughterhouses or even in the most important international sanctuaries.
Complete your professional experience as a veterinarian by completing a practical internship in a nationally renowned facility"
This Hybrid professional master’s degree in Animal Welfare contains the most complete and up-to-date scientific program on the market. The most important features include:
- Development of more than 100 clinical cases presented by veterinary professionals focused on Animal Welfare.
- 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.
- Assessment and monitoring of animals in captivity.
- Presentation of practical workshops on diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in the veterinary patient.
- An algorithm-based interactive learning system for decision-making in the clinical situations presented throughout the course.
- All of this will be complemented by 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
- Additionally, students will be able to carry out a clinical internship in one of the best hospitals in an international level
After the program you will be able to perform inspections of livestock facilities to improve the living conditions of animals with the security of having the most updated knowledge"
In this proposal for a Professional Master's Degree, of a professionalizing nature and hybrid learning modality, the program is aimed at updating veterinary professionals who develop their functions in Animal Welfare and who require a high level of qualification. The contents are based on the latest scientific evidence, and oriented in a didactic way to integrate theoretical knowledge in veterinary practice, and the theoretical-practical elements will facilitate the updating of knowledge and allow decision making in the management of animals in the enclosure.
Thanks to its multimedia content elaborated with the latest educational technology, it will allow the veterinary professional a situated and contextual learning, that is, a simulated environment that will provide an immersive learning programmed to train in real situations. The design of this program focuses on Problem-Based Learning, through which you will have to try to solve the different situations of professional practice that arise throughout the program. For this purpose, students will be assisted by an innovative, interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts.
The experience you will acquire in this program will help you to perfect your professional practice through an extensive and top-level update"
It defines all the links involved in the development of animal protection regulations through 1,500 hours of theoretical and additional content of the highest quality"
Teaching Planning
The entire content of this Hybrid professional master’s degree in Animal Welfare has been planned to meet the needs that a professional in the areashould have. Therefore, in the theoretical mode, the student will be able to get up to date on everything related to the evaluation of general and specific concepts of Animal Welfare in different centers, such as zoos, shelters, livestock farms, among others. In this way, they will be able to guarantee the rights of animals in environments that are not their natural habitat, in addition to ensuring compliance with international protocols for their protection.
The ideal program to bring you up to date on the factors to be considered in the achievement of Animal Welfare during transport"
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. Concept 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 WelfareIndicators)
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. Feeding
2.4.2. Body Care
2.4.3. Exploration
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. National and 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. European Parliament and Animal Welfare Today
4.3. The European Council: Origin of Legislation in the European Union
4.3.1. The European Council
4.3.2. The Role of the European Council on Animal Welfare
4.4. Legislation on Animal Protection on Livestock Farms
4.4.1. Animal Protection for All Livestock Farms
4.4.2. Animal Protection for Laying Hens
4.4.3. Animal Protection for Calves
4.4.4. Animal Protection for Swine
4.4.5. Animal Protection for Broilers
4.4.6. Protection of Other Agricultural Species
4.5. Legislation on Animal Protection during Transportation
4.5.1. Legislation on Animal Protection during Transportation
4.5.2. Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005, 22 December 2004 on the Protection of Animals during Transportation and Related Operations
4.6. Legislation on Animal Protection on Livestock Farms
4.6.1. Legislation on Animal Protection during Slaughter
4.6.2. Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009, 24 September 2009, on the Protection of Animals during Slaughter
4.7. Legislation on the Protection of Experimental Animals
4.7.1. European Parliament and Council 2010/63/EU Directive, 22 September 2010, on the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes
4.7.2. Royal Decree 53/2013, February 1, Establishing the Basic Rules Applicable for the Protection of Animals used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes, including Teaching
4.7.3. Royal Decree 1386/2018, November 19, Amending Royal Decree 53/2013, February 1, Establishing the Basic Rules Applicable for the Protection of Animals used in Experimentation and Other Scientific Purposes, including Teaching
4.8. Legislation on the Protection of Animals used for Other Purposes
4.9. The Role of International Agencies in Animal Welfare
4.9.1. The Role of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
4.9.2. The Role of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
4.9.3. The Role of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)
4.10. Animal Protection in Countries outside the European Union: North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania
4.10.1. Animal Protection Regulations in the Americas
4.10.2. Animal Protection Regulations in Africa
4.10.3. Animal Protection Regulations in Asia
4.10.4. 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. Cowcomfort
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 Other 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 Superorganism
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 Parks 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. Feeding
8.10.5. Health
Module 9. Animal Well-being during Transport
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 and Dark Cut Meats
10.10. Euthanasia in Production, Companion and Research Animals
10.10.1. Euthanasia Techniques
10.10.2. Euthanasia Agents
This academic itinerary is exclusive to TECH and you will be able to develop it at your own pace thanks to its 100% online Relearning methodology"
Hybrid Professional Master's Degree in Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is the physical and psychological state of animals in relation to the conditions in which they live and are treated. It is important to promote animal welfare to ensure a healthy and happy life for animals, managing to promote responsibility and respect for them. If you want to enhance your knowledge in this field, you have come to the right place. The Hybrid Professional Master's Degree in Animal Welfare created by TECH Global University will help you achieve this purpose. With this degree you will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for you to perform with solvency and success in this field. Our blended learning modality will allow you to attend classes and participate in practical activities in an enriching learning environment. In addition, you will have access to online learning materials, allowing you to learn at your own pace and from anywhere. This will help you interact with your classmates and professors through online forums and other communication tools.
Be an expert in animal welfare
Animals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, which is why animal welfare is an increasingly relevant issue in today's society. By instructing you with this TECH Hybrid Professional Master's Degree, you will learn everything related to this field, in a dynamic and innovative way. Here, we have an unparalleled methodology and expert professors in the field, who will provide you with their experience in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. This will allow you to participate in enriching discussions and debates on best practices in animal welfare. During the program, you will study topics of great interest, including animal ethics, animal behavioral science, nutrition, animal health, shelter management and wildlife protection. You will learn these and other concepts through rigorous preparation, including access to state-of-the-art educational equipment. Enroll now and renew your knowledge in the largest digital university in the world, this will allow you to achieve professional success and get better job opportunities.