Ree Rumen - Precision Feeding for the Environment: Rumen, Methane, and Nutrition
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
RuMeN aims to study, through in vitro laboratory tests, the role of feeding on rumen fermentations, with a view to improving the production efficiency of animals and the economic and environmental sustainability of the livestock farm. The topics will be addressed according to the modalities of a research project, that is, starting from an analysis of the scientific literature on the problem of enteric methanogenesis, formulating a hypothesis and collecting measured data to be processed and interpreted.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will learn to know and evaluate practically the possible nutritional strategies for the mitigation of methanogenesis on the basis of chemical and biological analyses, through the use of in vitro techniques carried out using a ruminal inoculum, also useful in a research and development perspective of the animal feed industry.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for academic year 2021/22 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
The laboratory program will be divided into the following activities:
1) Presentation of the topic addressed and methodological framework of the planned activities.
2) Practical sessions in the laboratory for the preparation and analyses of the samples to be evaluated.
3) Classroom activities of processing results and subsequent guided statistical evaluation.
4) Plenary discussion of the results.
5) Training for the preparation of the final report and presentation.
6) Final report draft preparation.
1) Presentation of the topic addressed and methodological framework of the planned activities.
2) Practical sessions in the laboratory for the preparation and analyses of the samples to be evaluated.
3) Classroom activities of processing results and subsequent guided statistical evaluation.
4) Plenary discussion of the results.
5) Training for the preparation of the final report and presentation.
6) Final report draft preparation.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of animal nutrition and feeding.
Teaching methods
The Laboratory will last for 5 working days, will take place over the course of two weeks in September 2020 and will welcome a maximum of 8 students. The activities will be carried out at the Zootechnical in-vitro laboratory of the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. In particular, the Gas Endevour instrument will be used, consisting of 15 fermenters for the automatic and continuous measurement of rumen fermentation gases (CO2 and CH4). Furthermore, on the fermentation residues the digestibility of dry matter and fibre will be determined, and, by means of a gas chromatographic analysis, the composition in volatile fatty acids will be assessed.
The laboratory includes a few hours of frontal teaching but will mainly consist of laboratory and interactive classroom activities.
The laboratory includes a few hours of frontal teaching but will mainly consist of laboratory and interactive classroom activities.
Teaching Resources
At the beginning of the Laboratory some scientific articles will be provided to the students on the topics to be addressed and the protocols for carrying out the laboratory activities.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The verification of learning will consist in the evaluation of the final report prepared by the students which must be structured according to the following scheme: i) introduction; ii) objective; iii) methodology; iv) results, including figures and tables; v) discussion and conclusions.
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 3
Laboratories: 40 hours
Lessons: 4 hours
Lessons: 4 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
On appointment
Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, sez. Zootecnia
Reception:
By appointment
DiSAA
Reception:
Tuesday 14.30 -16.30
Office