Fly's Eye View- Evaluating Animal Behavior, Health and Handling

Created Feb. 6, 2024 by Brigid Reimann

Aspects of animal husbandry specifically animal handling, welfare, safety procedures is a hot topic in the world of agriculture. This activity is way to educate those who do not have experience on farm without leaving the classroom, it will illustrate what animal behaviors look like when exhibited through video feed. Students who do have animal experience are given a way to analyze and assess animal behavior on higher level.

Purpose

When given video feed data from a working animal production farm, students will be able to explore, analyze and assess animal behavior, health, handling and safety procedures.

Directions

Introduce Animal Behavior/ Handling/ Flight Zone content- use Crash Course video on Animal behavior, quizlet, interactive notesheet
Collect video feed using a Brinno Camera or if possible use live feed camera from a reputable local dairy/hog/dog kennel/humane society/slaughter facility. Try to collect video feed from two seperate areas in the facility to allow behaviors to be observed based of your student objectives. Example- Milking parlor, freestall barn, maternity ward etc.
Use the Animal Behavior Lab Sheet for students to demonstrate and record their observations.
Wrap Up- Have students choose which animal species and develop a Animal Handling plan that would be considered certified humane.

Extensions

Students could also evaluate reproductive readiness behaviors or even track each step of gestation process. With each behavior they could collect data and compare the return rate on artificial insemination, analyze health and safety conditions, employee training practices etc.
Could use as a 2-3 day lesson or have students given video feed of horses, pigs and cattle and evaluate each and then develop and animal handling management plan for each that would be considered certified humane.
Have students create a letter to a state legislation with recommendations on what could be changed and done differently in the animal husbandry industry.
Students read a "How Animals Make us Human by Temple Grandin" alongside the content being presented in the unit.