Farming in the Alps
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course in question aims to explain the livestock system of the Alpine arc regarding the main sheep, goat and cattle breeds raised, numerical consistencies and livestock production, in order to train technicians capable of managing the livestock heritage typical of each geographical area of the mountain system of the Alpine arc. Particular attention will be paid to the different types of farming and the various grazing techniques used to optimize and preserve the quality and quantity of the available phytomass. The course includes two educational trips.
Expected learning outcomes
The course aims to train a technician capable of analyzing all aspects of mountain livestock farming, from the management of the various livestock species bred in synergy with the natural environment where they are found, to the management of the pabular surface in order to improve its quality. Everything must be aimed at improving the final products of the supply chain, milk and cheese, and the profitability of mountain livestock farming.
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
Course syllabus
The mountain system: the tradition of mountain farming. Grazing and related problems. Alpine pastures and cheese making in mountain pastures. The structures of the mountain pasture. Characteristics of the native cattle breeds: Valdostana Pezzata Nera and Pezzata Rossa, Grigio Alpina, Rendena. Cosmopolitan breeds with dual purpose: Alpine Brown and Italian Red Pezzata. Breeding of small ruminants. Sheep breeding: Bergamasca breed. Goat breeding: Bionda dell'Adamello, Camosciata delle Alpi, Frontalasca, Orobica, Nera di Verzasca and Saanen. Pig breeding in mountain areas: Valtellina black pigs, Nera Friulana and Bergamasca breed. Equines and sheepdogs.
Prerequisites for admission
Nobody
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures, a classroom exercise for the recognition of cattle breeds and two educational trips to companies, one to mountain pastures.
Teaching Resources
The material consists of slides that are distributed during the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam consists of an oral interview in order to verify the skills acquired.
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 4
Field activity: 16 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Zannotti Michele
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Zannotti MicheleProfessor(s)