Breeds and Products of Animal Origin

A.Y. 2024/2025
3
Max ECTS
32
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/17
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course provides the knowledge of animal products and livestock breeds pinpointing to genomics methods available for their characterization and valorization
Expected learning outcomes
Students will be able to understand the concept of biological diversity of animal breeds and of their products and to evaluate how autochthonous genetic resources can represent a valuable resource for the valorization of territories, local breeds and their products.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course will provide students with the basic tools for analyzing the genetic diversity of animal populations and relating it to the one of their products.

Frontal teaching
1) Introduction - Dissemination of animal genetic resources. Cosmopolitan and local breeds and populations.
2) Autochthonous breeds and non intensive farming (mountain farming)
3) Molecular data for the characterization of breeds and products of animal origin: structural variability of DNA (e.g. microsatellites, RFLP, SNP, genomic sequences)
4) Data analysis tools publicly available for the genetic characterization of the breeds
5) Examples of breeds and their products for some livestock species
6) Traceability of products, identification of species, breed and individual animal.
7) Trademarks of protection for Italian products
8) slow_food

Practice
a) Practical session are envisaged on farms and local food processing plants.
b) Browsing of national and European product databases.
c) Case studies on breeds and products of animal origin - Research information on products of animal origin and their link with breeds and territory. Visit to production farms and processors.
d) Practical examples of molecular traceability at the genomics laboratory.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites
Teaching methods
Lectures and practical sessions with visits to production farms and processors. A practical session on farms of 2 days is envisaged and lab activities.
Teaching Resources
Slides of the lessons together with specific articles will be made available on the ARIEL-UNIMI website of the course, during its development.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be an oral interview based on the lecture topics and on the work developed by the candidate on an animal product of her/his choice.

The final score will be determined by 50% by oral test and 50% by the report.
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Shifts:
Turno
Professor: Strillacci Maria Giuseppina