Research group

The Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare research group operates at the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS) at Lodi University Campus. The researchers are involved in both research and training in the fields of animal welfare, applied ethology and behavioural medicine.

Research on farm animals is carried out in both intensive and extensive systems, on conventional or organic farms. Studies on companion animals are carried out by the staff of the Behavioural Medicine Service at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Milan in Lodi, or in external facilities such as rescue centers and horse stables. In addition to the most common equipment, the group use high-definition video-cameras and audio recording systems, an infrared camera, telemetric ECG recorders, and hardware and software for behavioural analysis.

The members of the group have experience in training university students, thanks to the intense teaching activity carried out in the degree courses of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Husbandry and Welfare and Animal Husbandry Sciences and Technologies. In addition, the staff organises numerous high-level post-graduate training events, such as master’s courses and specialisation schools, in particular the School of Specialisation in Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare.

The activity of the School of Specialisation, in conjunction with the case history of the Behavioural Medicine Service, has enabled it to obtain accreditation to host standard Residency programme to prepare Veterinary Practitioners to obtain the Diploma of EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine.

Moreover, specific training is tailored at certain working figures, such as public health veterinarians, breeders, pet owners and, in general, operators in the sector. Targeted courses are organised with dynamic and interactive lectures and practical exercises in the field.