Animal physiology [ LBIR1324 ]

iCampus

Basis in embryology, animal physiology, cell and molecular biology as well as biochemistry

The course focuses on the physiology of the main rent animals (ruminants, hog and horse). Comparisons are regularly made with humans and carnivores.

Anatomy and physiology of digestion:

-       Compared anatomy and functional morphology of monogastrics and polygastrics

-       Digestive functions and digestive glands:  overview

-       Mechanical and chemical digestion and absorption

Endocrinology

Anatomy and physiology of reproduction

Physiology of lactation

a. Contribution of the activity to the referential (LO)

B1.3, B1.5, B3.2, B3.6, B3.7, B4.2, B6.2, B6.3, B8.1, B8.2, B8.5

b. Specific formulation for this activity in the learning outcomes of the programme.

At the end of this activity, the student :

-       knows and understands the different steps of mechanical and chemical digestion, regulations associated to the digestive process, as well as absorption in different animal species;

-       is able to compare the functioning of the digestive system of omnivores, carnivores and herbivores (mono- and polygastrics);

-       is able to describe the role, the mode of action and the regulation of the main hormones;

-       is able to describe the oestral cycle and its regulation;

-       is able to compare the characteristics of the reproduction of the main rent animals;

-       knows and understands the anatomy and the development of the mammary gland as well as the control of lactation;

-       is able to connect the different concepts seen during the course in order to address clearly and precisely cross-cutting issues related to animal physiology.

Oral examination with written preparation based on transversal questions.

Lectures with active learning activities (guided questions) and concrete examples.

1. Endocrinology and hormonal regulation: description of the structure and mechanisms of action of hormones, hormonal receptors and dosages. Hypothalamus-hypophysis axis: hormones of the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis. Thyroid hormones. Hormonal regulation of calcium. Adrenal glands: corticoids and catecholamines. Hormonal regulation of glycaemia. 2. Anatomy of the genital tract and physiology of reproduction: Anatomy of the male and female genital tracts. Spermatogenesis. Ovogenesis. Fertilization, embryonic development and implantation. Hormones of reproduction. Oestrous cycles in domestic mammals. Physiology of lactation: control of mammogenesis, lactogenesis and galactopoiesis. 3. Anatomy and physiology of digestion: Comparative digestive physiology (carnivores, omnivores and herbivores). Anatomy and functional morphology of monogastrics and polygastrics (livestock and free-ranging). Digestive functions and annex glands : global overview of secretions, motility and absorption. Forestomachs motility as well as feeding and merycic behaviour of ruminants. 4. Exercises : practical exercises focusing on the study of the anatomy of the digestive tract of monogastrics and polygastrics as well as videos and exercises illustrating the theoretical course.

Support: Powerpoint files accessible on the intranet via iCampus. Reference books available to the BST library. Links to websites.