Animal Husbandry
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The student must build up knowledge on the peculiar characteristics of the animal production sectors (cattle, pigs, small ruminants, poultry, rabbits) providing to the market the most important products of animal origin (milk, meat, eggs).
The student has to get knowledge on the organization of the animal production sectors, the husbandry systems, the management guidelines, the different animal physiological periods, the morphological and productive traits of different breeds/genetic lines within species reared for milk, meat and egg production. The student has to know how to assess the welfare of reared animals with animal-based indicators In particular, the student must know the cattle, pigs, small ruminants, poultry and rabbit sectors, and understand the most important factors affecting productive performance. Furthermore, the student has to be conscious of the relevance to use appropriate terminology, fundamental for the correct professional communication.
The student must gain knowledge on the nutritional characteristics and safety of the feedstuffs used in animal diets as well as the nutritional requirements of the animals in the different physiological and production phases. Promote animal health through the adoption of suitable diets. Evaluate the condition of the body, the well-being and the state of nutrition of the animals in order to advise the breeder the best food solution. Consider the costs of feed in particular with regard to the production aspect.
Furthermore, the student has to be conscious of the relevance to use appropriate terminology, fundamental for the correct professional communication.
The student has to get knowledge on the organization of the animal production sectors, the husbandry systems, the management guidelines, the different animal physiological periods, the morphological and productive traits of different breeds/genetic lines within species reared for milk, meat and egg production. The student has to know how to assess the welfare of reared animals with animal-based indicators In particular, the student must know the cattle, pigs, small ruminants, poultry and rabbit sectors, and understand the most important factors affecting productive performance. Furthermore, the student has to be conscious of the relevance to use appropriate terminology, fundamental for the correct professional communication.
The student must gain knowledge on the nutritional characteristics and safety of the feedstuffs used in animal diets as well as the nutritional requirements of the animals in the different physiological and production phases. Promote animal health through the adoption of suitable diets. Evaluate the condition of the body, the well-being and the state of nutrition of the animals in order to advise the breeder the best food solution. Consider the costs of feed in particular with regard to the production aspect.
Furthermore, the student has to be conscious of the relevance to use appropriate terminology, fundamental for the correct professional communication.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding - The student has to know the organization of the animal production sectors, the husbandry systems and the management guidelines according to the different breeds/genetic lines within species reared for milk, meat and egg production. The student has to be able to assess the welfare, the nutritional status and requirements of the animals according to different physiological and productive periods. Moreover the student has to know the feeding management applied in livestock.
Applying knowledge and understanding - The student must be able to apply the theoretical knowledge for the identification of breeds within species and for the assessment of different factors according to the different productive systems: facilities, environment, critical/strength points. The student must have the ability to apply welfare assessment at farm level with animal-based indicators. Finally, the student must demonstrate that he is able to apply the knowledge acquired through the formulation and by adjusting the rations for farm animals according to the physiological phase, the state of nutrition and the production levels.
Making judgement - The student must acquire ability of critical analysis of the information studied and be able to relate different factors to provide correct assessments.
Communication skill - The student must have communication ability using the correct terminology peculiar to each animal productive sector and in harmony with the other disciplines, according to the information provided in lectures and practices.
Life long learning skills - The student must be able to find information in database and website for his professional updating. He has to develop skills to tackle critically and autonomously the management of livestock even in different contexts compared to those presented during the course.
Applying knowledge and understanding - The student must be able to apply the theoretical knowledge for the identification of breeds within species and for the assessment of different factors according to the different productive systems: facilities, environment, critical/strength points. The student must have the ability to apply welfare assessment at farm level with animal-based indicators. Finally, the student must demonstrate that he is able to apply the knowledge acquired through the formulation and by adjusting the rations for farm animals according to the physiological phase, the state of nutrition and the production levels.
Making judgement - The student must acquire ability of critical analysis of the information studied and be able to relate different factors to provide correct assessments.
Communication skill - The student must have communication ability using the correct terminology peculiar to each animal productive sector and in harmony with the other disciplines, according to the information provided in lectures and practices.
Life long learning skills - The student must be able to find information in database and website for his professional updating. He has to develop skills to tackle critically and autonomously the management of livestock even in different contexts compared to those presented during the course.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
"More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for a.y. 2023-24 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation".
Prerequisites for admission
Only students having already passed the compulsory preparatory exams of Physiology and Ethology of Domestic Animals and Physiology and Endocrinology of Domestic Animals are admitted to the written test.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For the written test on Animal production and animal welfare and Herd management there are 5 multiple choice and 5 open questions, which focus on the two modules Animal production and animal welfare and Herd management and breeding technologies. The time given to take the written test is 60 minutes.
Evaluation criteria:
each correct answer to the multiple choice questions corresponds to 2 points
with regards to the evaluation of open answers, the following elements of judgment are adopted:
· 4 points: excellent and in-depth knowledge of the topics. Clarity of presentation and excellent use of the terminology of the subject. Excellent order and summary.
· 3 points points: good knowledge of the topics. Clarity of presentation and correct use of the terminology of the subject. Good order and summary.
· 2 points: superficial or partial knowledge of the topics. Partial expository clarity and sometimes imprecise use of the terminology of the subject. Order and summary only acceptable.
1 point: the answer is very partial and has little knowledge of the topics. Very partial expository clarity and imprecise use of the terminology of the subject. Order and summary only acceptable
·0 points: the answer is severely deficient or missing entirely. Totally insufficient knowledge of the topics. Disorderly exposition, devoid of scientific logic and expressed with incorrect terminology of the subject. Inadequate order and summary.
- the written test in total corresponds to 30 points
- those who obtain at least 18 points pass the written test
For the written test of Avian and rabbit farming management there are 11 multiple choice questions and 2 open questions, which focus on the topics covered in the Management of poultry and rabbit breeding module. The time given to take the written test is 45 minutes.
Evaluation criteria:
Each correct answer to the multiple choice questions corresponds to 2 points.
The evaluation of open answers is carried out according to the following elements of judgment:
· 4 points: excellent and in-depth knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and excellent use of zootechnical terminology specific to the sectors; excellent order and synthesis.
· 3 points points: good knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and correct use of zootechnical terminology specific to the sectors; good order and synthesis.
· 2 points: superficial or partial knowledge of the topics; partial explanatory clarity and sometimes imprecise use of the zootechnical terminology specific to the sectors; order and summary only acceptable.
· 1 point: very partial or poor knowledge of the topics; very partial explanatory clarity and imprecise use of the specific zootechnical terminology of the sectors; order and summary only acceptable.
· 0 points: the response is almost or completely absent; completely insufficient knowledge of the topics; disorganized exposition, devoid of scientific logic and expressed with incorrect terminology; inadequate order and synthesis.
The written test in total corresponds to 30 points. Anyone who obtains at least 18 points passes the written test
For the written test in Section Animal feeding there are 10 multiple choice questions and 2 open questions which focus on the topics covered in the Feeding of Farm Animals module. A rationing exercise is also planned. The time given to take the written test is 45 minutes.
Evaluation criteria:
2 points are awarded for each correct answer to the multiple choice questions and for carrying out the exercise correctly.
The evaluation of open answers is carried out according to the following elements of judgment:
· 4 points: excellent and in-depth knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and excellent use of the terminology of the subject; excellent order and synthesis.
· 3 points: good knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and correct use of the terminology of the subject; good order and synthesis.
· 2 points: superficial or partial knowledge of the topics; partial expository clarity and sometimes imprecise use of the terminology of the subject; order and summary only acceptable.
· 1 point: very partial or poor knowledge of the topics; very partial expository clarity and imprecise use of the terminology of the subject; order and summary only acceptable.
· 0 points: the response is almost or completely absent; completely insufficient knowledge of the topics; disorganized exposition, devoid of scientific logic and expressed with incorrect terminology; inadequate order and synthesis.
The written test in total corresponds to 30 points. Anyone who obtains at least 18 points passes the written test.
In tasks that receive the maximum mark, praise is assigned when the overall result is well above the level expected of a student at the corresponding level of study.
The 3 sections are evaluated separately with a mark out of thirty and the minimum mark deemed sufficient is 18/30. The final grade of the integrated course, always expressed in thirtieths, is the weighted average of the grades obtained in the 3 sections.
Evaluation criteria:
each correct answer to the multiple choice questions corresponds to 2 points
with regards to the evaluation of open answers, the following elements of judgment are adopted:
· 4 points: excellent and in-depth knowledge of the topics. Clarity of presentation and excellent use of the terminology of the subject. Excellent order and summary.
· 3 points points: good knowledge of the topics. Clarity of presentation and correct use of the terminology of the subject. Good order and summary.
· 2 points: superficial or partial knowledge of the topics. Partial expository clarity and sometimes imprecise use of the terminology of the subject. Order and summary only acceptable.
1 point: the answer is very partial and has little knowledge of the topics. Very partial expository clarity and imprecise use of the terminology of the subject. Order and summary only acceptable
·0 points: the answer is severely deficient or missing entirely. Totally insufficient knowledge of the topics. Disorderly exposition, devoid of scientific logic and expressed with incorrect terminology of the subject. Inadequate order and summary.
- the written test in total corresponds to 30 points
- those who obtain at least 18 points pass the written test
For the written test of Avian and rabbit farming management there are 11 multiple choice questions and 2 open questions, which focus on the topics covered in the Management of poultry and rabbit breeding module. The time given to take the written test is 45 minutes.
Evaluation criteria:
Each correct answer to the multiple choice questions corresponds to 2 points.
The evaluation of open answers is carried out according to the following elements of judgment:
· 4 points: excellent and in-depth knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and excellent use of zootechnical terminology specific to the sectors; excellent order and synthesis.
· 3 points points: good knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and correct use of zootechnical terminology specific to the sectors; good order and synthesis.
· 2 points: superficial or partial knowledge of the topics; partial explanatory clarity and sometimes imprecise use of the zootechnical terminology specific to the sectors; order and summary only acceptable.
· 1 point: very partial or poor knowledge of the topics; very partial explanatory clarity and imprecise use of the specific zootechnical terminology of the sectors; order and summary only acceptable.
· 0 points: the response is almost or completely absent; completely insufficient knowledge of the topics; disorganized exposition, devoid of scientific logic and expressed with incorrect terminology; inadequate order and synthesis.
The written test in total corresponds to 30 points. Anyone who obtains at least 18 points passes the written test
For the written test in Section Animal feeding there are 10 multiple choice questions and 2 open questions which focus on the topics covered in the Feeding of Farm Animals module. A rationing exercise is also planned. The time given to take the written test is 45 minutes.
Evaluation criteria:
2 points are awarded for each correct answer to the multiple choice questions and for carrying out the exercise correctly.
The evaluation of open answers is carried out according to the following elements of judgment:
· 4 points: excellent and in-depth knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and excellent use of the terminology of the subject; excellent order and synthesis.
· 3 points: good knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and correct use of the terminology of the subject; good order and synthesis.
· 2 points: superficial or partial knowledge of the topics; partial expository clarity and sometimes imprecise use of the terminology of the subject; order and summary only acceptable.
· 1 point: very partial or poor knowledge of the topics; very partial expository clarity and imprecise use of the terminology of the subject; order and summary only acceptable.
· 0 points: the response is almost or completely absent; completely insufficient knowledge of the topics; disorganized exposition, devoid of scientific logic and expressed with incorrect terminology; inadequate order and synthesis.
The written test in total corresponds to 30 points. Anyone who obtains at least 18 points passes the written test.
In tasks that receive the maximum mark, praise is assigned when the overall result is well above the level expected of a student at the corresponding level of study.
The 3 sections are evaluated separately with a mark out of thirty and the minimum mark deemed sufficient is 18/30. The final grade of the integrated course, always expressed in thirtieths, is the weighted average of the grades obtained in the 3 sections.
Zootechnics systems and farm animal welfare
Course syllabus
Animal production systems related to different geographical areas Statistics, population trend of the reared species: present situation and future of dairy and meat industries. 2 hours.
Intensive and extensive systems: advantages and constrains. 1 hour
Cattle and swine principal foreign and Italian breeds: morphological and productive traits. 4 hours.
Notes on goat, sheep and buffalo principal foreign and Italian breeds: morphological and productive traits. 1 hour.
Milk production. 1 hour.
Meat production: animal growth from birth to carcass evaluation. 3 hours.
Human-animal relationship from domestication up to intensive systems and animal welfare 1 hour .
Assessing animal welfare at farm level resource- and animal-based indicators. 3 hours.
Intensive and extensive systems: advantages and constrains. 1 hour
Cattle and swine principal foreign and Italian breeds: morphological and productive traits. 4 hours.
Notes on goat, sheep and buffalo principal foreign and Italian breeds: morphological and productive traits. 1 hour.
Milk production. 1 hour.
Meat production: animal growth from birth to carcass evaluation. 3 hours.
Human-animal relationship from domestication up to intensive systems and animal welfare 1 hour .
Assessing animal welfare at farm level resource- and animal-based indicators. 3 hours.
Teaching methods
Theoretical teaching (16 hours) in classroom using multimedia supports.
Teaching Resources
Teaching website UniMI http://ecanalizs.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/home/Default.aspx
Suggested text book :
A. Sandrucci, E. Trevisi Produzioni animali
2022 EdiSes
Suggested text book :
A. Sandrucci, E. Trevisi Produzioni animali
2022 EdiSes
Herd management and breeding
Course syllabus
Management and husbandry of animals for meat production: cattle ,swine, sheep and goat. 8 hours.
Management and husbandry of animals for dairy production: cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat. 8 hours.
Practical training: in class or at farm, farm welfare assessment with resources and animal-based indicators. 16 hours.
Management and husbandry of animals for dairy production: cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat. 8 hours.
Practical training: in class or at farm, farm welfare assessment with resources and animal-based indicators. 16 hours.
Teaching methods
The module comprises 32 hours in total, divided as follows:
- theoretical teaching (16 hours) in the classroom using multimedia support.
- practical training (16 hours) in classrooms and farms; according to the activity, students can be divided into small groups (3/5 people) for practical training.
- theoretical teaching (16 hours) in the classroom using multimedia support.
- practical training (16 hours) in classrooms and farms; according to the activity, students can be divided into small groups (3/5 people) for practical training.
Teaching Resources
UniMI website http://ecanalizs.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/home/Default.aspx
A. Sandrucci, E. Trevisi, Produzioni animali, 2022 EdiSes
A. Sandrucci, E. Trevisi, Produzioni animali, 2022 EdiSes
Avian and rabbit farming management
Course syllabus
The theoretical teaching is aimed to describe the following subjects:
Introduction and statistics on poultry and rabbit production (1 hour)
Elements of the reproductive and digestive systems in birds (2 hours)
Hatchery and artificial incubation (1 hour)
Rearing system for avian and rabbit meat production (4 hours)
EU directive and national legislation on the welfare of broilers (1 hour)
Feeding for broilers (1 hour)
Rearing systems for table egg production (4 hours)
EU directive and national legislation on welfare of laying hens (1 hour)
Feeding for laying hens (1 hour)
Practical training is aimed to outline facilities, equipment for rearing, and the practice of artificial insemination. A visit to intensive commercial farms is planned for small groups of students (max 15-20 people).
Introduction and statistics on poultry and rabbit production (1 hour)
Elements of the reproductive and digestive systems in birds (2 hours)
Hatchery and artificial incubation (1 hour)
Rearing system for avian and rabbit meat production (4 hours)
EU directive and national legislation on the welfare of broilers (1 hour)
Feeding for broilers (1 hour)
Rearing systems for table egg production (4 hours)
EU directive and national legislation on welfare of laying hens (1 hour)
Feeding for laying hens (1 hour)
Practical training is aimed to outline facilities, equipment for rearing, and the practice of artificial insemination. A visit to intensive commercial farms is planned for small groups of students (max 15-20 people).
Teaching methods
The module comprises 32 hours in total, divided as follows:
· theoretical teaching (16 hours) in the classroom using multimedia support;
· practical training (16 hours) in classrooms and farms; according to the activity/location, students can be divided into small groups (15-20 people).
· theoretical teaching (16 hours) in the classroom using multimedia support;
· practical training (16 hours) in classrooms and farms; according to the activity/location, students can be divided into small groups (15-20 people).
Teaching Resources
Avicoltura e Coniglicoltura (2018) Editors Cerolini S., Marzoni M., Romboli I., Schiavone A., Zaniboni L, Le Point Veterinaire Italie, Milano, 2nd Edition.
UniMI website https://sceroliniz.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
UniMI website https://sceroliniz.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Livestock feeding
Course syllabus
Lectures
· Nutrient utilization in Ruminants (3 hours)
· Dairy cow: Feeding dry and lactating cow, calf, heifer; Metabolic disorders. Nutritional aspects. Diet and milk quality (6 hours)
· Beef cattle: Nutritional requirements and feeding (3 hours)
· Pig: Nutritional requirements of sows and reproductive efficiency; piglets weaning nutritional strategies; feeding growing-fattening pigs (4 hours)
Training
· Feed evaluation (Feed Laboratory, 4 hours)
· Formulating balanced rations for dairy cattle (Computer lab, 4 hours)
· Formulating balanced rations for beef cattle (Computer lab, 4 hours)
· Formulating balanced rations for pigs (computer lab, 4 hours)
· Body condition score and rations evaluation (Teaching farm, 4 hours)
· Nutrient utilization in Ruminants (3 hours)
· Dairy cow: Feeding dry and lactating cow, calf, heifer; Metabolic disorders. Nutritional aspects. Diet and milk quality (6 hours)
· Beef cattle: Nutritional requirements and feeding (3 hours)
· Pig: Nutritional requirements of sows and reproductive efficiency; piglets weaning nutritional strategies; feeding growing-fattening pigs (4 hours)
Training
· Feed evaluation (Feed Laboratory, 4 hours)
· Formulating balanced rations for dairy cattle (Computer lab, 4 hours)
· Formulating balanced rations for beef cattle (Computer lab, 4 hours)
· Formulating balanced rations for pigs (computer lab, 4 hours)
· Body condition score and rations evaluation (Teaching farm, 4 hours)
Teaching methods
The lessons are held in the classroom with the aid of slides. Students are invited to actively participate in the lessons, based on the knowledge acquired in the preparatory subjects
Laboratories take place in:
a) Feedstuffs room: a number of feed materials, forages and feed compound are available to be evaluated and recognized.
b) Computer room: main software commonly used in field conditions are available for formulating least-cost rations.
c) Teaching farms and commercial farms for practical training.
Laboratories take place in:
a) Feedstuffs room: a number of feed materials, forages and feed compound are available to be evaluated and recognized.
b) Computer room: main software commonly used in field conditions are available for formulating least-cost rations.
c) Teaching farms and commercial farms for practical training.
Teaching Resources
SUGGESTED TEXT BOOKS
Cevolani D. 2010 - Prontuario degli alimenti per il suino - Edagricole, Bologna
Cevolani D. 2014 - Prontuario degli alimenti per il bovino - Edagricole, Bologna
Cevolani D. 2010 - Prontuario degli alimenti per il suino - Edagricole, Bologna
Cevolani D. 2014 - Prontuario degli alimenti per il bovino - Edagricole, Bologna
Avian and rabbit farming management
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Cerolini Silvia
Shifts:
Professor:
Cerolini Silvia
Turno
Professor:
Cerolini Silvia
Herd management and breeding
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professors:
Barbieri Sara, Canali Elisabetta Maria Bianca Francesca A
Shifts:
Professor:
Canali Elisabetta Maria Bianca Francesca A
1 turno per un gruppo di studenti
Professor:
Canali Elisabetta Maria Bianca Francesca A2 turno per un gruppo di studenti
Professor:
Canali Elisabetta Maria Bianca Francesca A3 turno per un gruppo di studenti
Professor:
Barbieri Sara4 turno per un gruppo di studenti
Professor:
Barbieri SaraTurno unico per tutti gli studenti
Professor:
Canali Elisabetta Maria Bianca Francesca A
Livestock feeding
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professors:
Bontempo Valentino, Pastorelli Grazia
Shifts:
6 turni da 4 ore per gruppi di sstudenti
Professor:
Pastorelli GraziaTurno
Professor:
Bontempo ValentinoTurno unico per tutti gli studenti
Professor:
Pastorelli Grazia
Zootechnics systems and farm animal welfare
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 2
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Canali Elisabetta Maria Bianca Francesca A
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Canali Elisabetta Maria Bianca Francesca AProfessor(s)
Reception:
on appointment