Class Exognosis and Animal Identification

The curricular unit introduces students to the fundamental principles of exognosis and animal identification, focusing on the observation, description and morphological appraisal of the main domestic species and exotic companion animals. The UC integrates knowledge of external anatomy, body regions, coats, limb conformation, locomotion, productive aptitudes, age determination, animal identification and breed recognition. The course covers livestock species, equines, companion animals and exotic species, promoting the correct use of technical and scientific terminology, as well as the development of systematic observation skills and functional animal appraisal. The UC has an introductory and pre-clinical nature, providing a relevant foundation for curricular units in the areas of clinical sciences, animal production, behaviour, animal welfare and animal handling, contributing to essential competences in animal observation, identification and evaluation.

Not applicable

  Fundamentals of exognosis and animal identification Anatomical nomenclature and body regions Integumentary structures and coat types Morphology, functional appraisal, posture, locomotion and limb conformation Age determination through dental and external characteristics Animal identification methods and systems Descriptive identification by signalment Morphological characteristics, aptitudes and breed recognition of the main domestic species Exognosis of exotic companion animals Species covered: equines, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and exotic companion mammals.

Teaching methodologies focused on active learning and practical application of the contents are used, promoting systematic observation, morphological identification and functional appraisal of animals. Theoretical classes include the analysis of images, videos, anatomical diagrams and illustrative case studies of the different species covered. In theoretical-practical classes, emphasis is placed on direct observation, identification of external anatomical structures, breed recognition, evaluation of coat types, limb conformation and locomotion, as well as the practical application of animal identification methods. Hybrid teaching methodologies and digital resources are also used to support autonomous learning, including online platforms and interactive multimedia materials.

DYCE, K. M.; SACK, W. O.; WENSING, C. J. G. - Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. 5th ed. St. Louis : Elsevier, 2017. 872 p. ISBN 9780323442640. EKARIUS, Carol - Storey's Illustrated Breed Guide to Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Pigs. North Adams : Storey Publishing, 2008. 400 p. ISBN 9781580176958. EDWARDS, Elwyn Hartley - The Horse Encyclopedia. New York : DK Publishing, 2016. 360 p. ISBN 9781465451439. AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB - The Complete Dog Book. 20th ed. New York : Ballantine Books, 2017. 912 p. ISBN 9781101882122. O'MALLEY, Bairbre - Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Species. Edinburgh : Elsevier Saunders, 2005. 452 p. ISBN 9780702027826.