Introduction
Welcome to the MSU Tollgate Farm Vet Science Guide designed to accompany our week-long interactive vet science camp. This week, we’ll spend time exploring the Tollgate barns and pastures as we investigate veterinary and animal science. We’ll get to know the Tollgate animals as we learn about the care of our livestock up close and personal. Together, we’ll explore the five freedoms, engage in daily STEM challenges, and learn about veterinary tools & technology. We’ll meet MSU Extension Animal Science educators, Tollgate Farm staff, and visiting vets. We hope you’ll be encouraged to explore the field of veterinary and animal science with hands-on activities and the background below.
The Five Freedoms
- Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
- Freedom from Discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease: by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
- Freedom to Express Normal Behavior: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
- Freedom from Fear and Distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
The Five Freedoms: A history lesson in animal care and welfare by Melissa Elischer,
MSU Extension Animal Science Educator
The Three Circles Model of Animal Welfare
What is biosecurity and what does CHIP stand for?
What is the Flight Zone?
Can you control how an animal moves without touching it? Do animals move a certain way in response to a human presence? Can where you stand cause them to move forward or backward? Does an animal’s body language give you an idea of where it is going? If you have an animal (any domesticated animal could work – gerbil, cat, dog, chicken, sheep, or horse) and an enclosed area, you can investigate how animals move. All you need is the animal, pencil, paper, a tape measure, and an enclosed space, and you can try this easy investigation at home with a family member. Afterwards, ask yourself “Is the flight zone the same for all animals of the same species? Why or why not?”
Check out more investigations on animal flight zone here.
Join our Jamboard
Go to Page 2. Use the sticky note icon on the left to add questions that you would like to learn about vet science now or in the future!
Join Our Animals and Us Padlet
Check your email from Ms. Ellen for the Padlet link and password.
Junk Drawer Animal Systems
This week we’ll be exploring veterinary science. One aspect of learning about caring for animals is knowing about their various systems. This week, an extra optional challenge is tochoose one species we’re exploring (horse, sheep, cattle, poultry, goats) or a companion animal of your choice (i.e. dog, cat, bird, hamster, rabbit, etc.) and one system of that species (skeletal, digestive, circulatory, excretory, reproductive, respiratory, endodrine, etc.) The challenge is to create a model of that system for that species using household items. Anything that can be used to model body parts can be used for the junk drawer system…paper, toilet paper/paper towel tubes, slinkies, balloons, springs, garbage bags, anything and everything you might find around the house. 3D is the idea but this is a chance to be creative and there are many ways to create a model to learn one system well. Consider how that one system is nested within the larger system to make up the whole animal. If you’d like, you’ll have a chance to share your model this Friday at our junk drawer systems showcase!
What is 4-H?
4-H is a learn-by-doing, fun, educational program, helping youth in their growth and development and compliments experiences received at home, school and other organizations. As a member of 4-H, there are many other opportunities to get your youngster involved, including approximately 50 4-H clubs in Oakland County where members work with a large variety of project areas, including agriculture, aerospace, community service, horses, science and technology, and more. If you’re in Oakland County, you can reach out to Oakland County 4-H Program Coordinator Deb Morgan at morga194@msu.edu. For questions regarding 4-H Online registration, please contact Oakland County 4-H at 4Hoakland@anr.msu.edu or 248-858-0889. If you’re in another county, just check with your county 4-H Program Coordinator.