Breeding and Management of Ruminant and Monogastric

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
64
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/19
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims to train a highly professional technician in animal production, who understands the demands of the breeding sector of the main species of zootechnical interest of polygastric and monogastric. The aim of the course is for students to develop knowledge regarding the management aspects related to primary productions that fall within the quality systems.
Expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding: at the end of the course the student will acquire knowledge of the current technical aspects of livestock production of cattle and pigs, also in relation to issues relating to animal welfare, sustainability and product quality.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student must be able to apply the knowledge acquired for the identification and understanding of the different aspects that characterize animal production systems, also in relation to new technologies applied to livestock systems aimed at improving their sustainability and animal welfare in critical stages of breeding.
3. Making judgments: the student must be able to critically and proactively approach the study of the subject, analysing the material provided by the teacher and the recommended texts. The practical activities in the classroom and on the farm will help develop the student's critical and judgmental skills on issues relating to the management of farms, also in relation to animal welfare, their sustainability and product quality.
4. Communication skills: the student must demonstrate the ability to use the specific technical terminology relating to the topics covered in the course. Group work during the practical activities carried out will contribute to the student's development of the ability to communicate and correctly transmit what has been learned.
5. Lifelong learning skills: the notions and reasoning skills acquired during teaching will allow the student to independently continue the study, in-depth analysis and continuous updating of their knowledge in the field of animal husbandry both during their university career and in the world of work.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Ruminant livestock.
Agricultural sustainability of breeding and farming systems (4 hours)
Emission in agriculture. Ecological footprint (3 hours).
Ruminant livestock production in terms food safety and traceability, food quality and ethical concerns (3 hours).
Quality issues in bovine meat quality systems (IGP, SQNZ, labeling) (4 hours).
Pac 2023-2027 and support to animal husbandry (2 ore).
Practice
The exercises will be carried out during technical visits to farms and breed associations.

Pig farming
Introduction and general information on pig production (3 hours).
Legal framework and future legislation in relation to the main emerging issues and public concerns (2 hours).
Management of farrowing and lactation. Towards adopting non-cage system for farrowing (3 hours).
Management practices of pregnant sows, with special focus on group housing (2 hours).
Current animal welfare issues and future EU perspectives: alternative to castration and tail docking (4 hours).
Management issues of different housing systems (2 hours).
Practice
Case studies and virtual tour (10 hours); practice at Centro Zootecnico Didattico Sperimentale (3 hours); seminars in the classroom (3 hours).
Prerequisites for admission
There are no compulsory propaedeutic.
Teaching methods
Lectures and practical work. Practice at Centro Zootecnico Didattico Sperimentale in Lodi and farms.
Teaching Resources
The presentations and teaching materials discussed during the course will be available on Ariel platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam sessions are 7 in one year and they take place in the months of: January, February, April, June, July, September, October. Additional exam sessions for off-course students may be held in the months of March, May and November / December.
To take the exam it is mandatory to register for the session through the SIFA online service of the University.
The exam consists of an oral interview with references to both frontal teaching and the topics of the practical exercises. The final vote evaluation is out of thirty. The test will evaluate the knowledge and the ability to understand and apply knowledge, the skills of criticism and judgment. The ability to exhibit and the use of appropriate terminology will also be evaluated.
Breeding polygastric
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Shifts:
Turno
Professor: Bellagamba Federica
Rearing of monogastric
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor: Barbieri Sara
Shifts:
Turno
Professor: Barbieri Sara