Laboratory of Digital Technologies for Animal Husbandry
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The laboratory course aims to provide the student with knowledge regarding the applications of digital technologies used in monitoring, automation and support for the management of animal husbandry. In particular, the laboratory aims to delve into the operating principles of digital technologies in livestock farming, to evaluate the characteristics and differences between the main existing typologies, to understand which data is made available and its potential implications for an efficient and sustainable farming, respectful of animal welfare.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon passing the exam, the student will have acquired knowledge and skills on digital systems applied to precision livestock farming. The student will be able to interpret the data coming from the digital technologies used in the most modern farms.
Lesson period: year
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
year
Course syllabus
Module 1 - Digital systems for precision animal nutrition.
- Digital systems for the chemical and nutritional evaluation of foods and rations. Off-line, on-site and in-line NIRS applications.
- Integrated digital systems for rationing in the precision feeding of monogastrics and ruminants. Applications for the integrated computerized management of feeding in pig farming; automated feeding systems (AFS) for cattle; integrated applications for the management of feed administration to the milking robot and self-feeders.
- Digital systems for the detection of physiological parameters. Applications of digital sensors for monitoring rumen pH and masticatory activity
Module 2 - Precision farming for livestock management
- Replacement monitoring systems: from calf to heifer. Livestock and health monitoring.
- Analysis of farm data to optimize the reproductive sector (herd navigator, moomonitor, pedometers).
- Digital monitoring of the hygienic and health quality of milk.
- Digital systems for milking management. Timing, routine and hygiene in the milking parlor.
- Applications of thermography. Evaluation of silage quality; evaluation of the health status of the animals.
- Online applications for herd management from a sustainability perspective.
- How to draw up a farm report starting from measured data.
Module 3 - Digital technologies for environmental control and animal behaviour.
- Technologies for environmental monitoring (types of sensors, devices available on the market and prototype systems, data produced and their possible use). T and RH measurement (sensors, thermal cameras, globe thermometers, etc.); measures gas concentrations and air speed; illumination.
- Technologies for active environmental control: ventilation, cooling and heating systems (types and related control systems, settings, data provided and their use).
- Dejection removal systems (types of automated and robotic systems, settings and monitoring data).
- Devices for detecting animal behaviour and their operational use.
- Accelerometers and their characteristics. Operating principle, data management software.
- Techniques for locating animals in the housing environment (technologies and applications).
- Integrated systems for monitoring environmental conditions on farms and influencing animal behaviour: practical application in dairy cattle farms.
- Management software for farms and integration of data from other sources (e.g. weather data).
- Digital systems for the chemical and nutritional evaluation of foods and rations. Off-line, on-site and in-line NIRS applications.
- Integrated digital systems for rationing in the precision feeding of monogastrics and ruminants. Applications for the integrated computerized management of feeding in pig farming; automated feeding systems (AFS) for cattle; integrated applications for the management of feed administration to the milking robot and self-feeders.
- Digital systems for the detection of physiological parameters. Applications of digital sensors for monitoring rumen pH and masticatory activity
Module 2 - Precision farming for livestock management
- Replacement monitoring systems: from calf to heifer. Livestock and health monitoring.
- Analysis of farm data to optimize the reproductive sector (herd navigator, moomonitor, pedometers).
- Digital monitoring of the hygienic and health quality of milk.
- Digital systems for milking management. Timing, routine and hygiene in the milking parlor.
- Applications of thermography. Evaluation of silage quality; evaluation of the health status of the animals.
- Online applications for herd management from a sustainability perspective.
- How to draw up a farm report starting from measured data.
Module 3 - Digital technologies for environmental control and animal behaviour.
- Technologies for environmental monitoring (types of sensors, devices available on the market and prototype systems, data produced and their possible use). T and RH measurement (sensors, thermal cameras, globe thermometers, etc.); measures gas concentrations and air speed; illumination.
- Technologies for active environmental control: ventilation, cooling and heating systems (types and related control systems, settings, data provided and their use).
- Dejection removal systems (types of automated and robotic systems, settings and monitoring data).
- Devices for detecting animal behaviour and their operational use.
- Accelerometers and their characteristics. Operating principle, data management software.
- Techniques for locating animals in the housing environment (technologies and applications).
- Integrated systems for monitoring environmental conditions on farms and influencing animal behaviour: practical application in dairy cattle farms.
- Management software for farms and integration of data from other sources (e.g. weather data).
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of machines, systems and production structures for agriculture, IT for digital technologies in agriculture, digital and IoT technologies for agriculture, animal husbandry, quality and safety of products of animal origin.
Teaching methods
The teachers will use frontal lessons to frame the topics covered and will make use of exercises and laboratory activities in the classroom and/or in the labs, and visits to the company and in the field for the thematic insights proposed to the students.
The course uses teaching material made available through My Ariel, consisting of PDF presentations of the lessons and other information material useful for in-depth study of the topics covered.
Attendance at lessons is mandatory. A maximum of absences equal to 25% of the total teaching hours is permitted.
The course uses teaching material made available through My Ariel, consisting of PDF presentations of the lessons and other information material useful for in-depth study of the topics covered.
Attendance at lessons is mandatory. A maximum of absences equal to 25% of the total teaching hours is permitted.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes and material made available by the course teachers.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral test. The evaluation criteria are based on adherence to the question, on the ability to identify the salient aspects of the topic, on the correctness of the technical language. The vote is expressed in thirtieths.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teachers at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teachers at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
- University credits: 10
Field activity: 120 hours
Computer room practicals: 4 hours
Practicals: 4 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Computer room practicals: 4 hours
Practicals: 4 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
on demand previuos contact by email
Dept. Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Agricultural Engineering Building n. 10 - Farm Structures and Environment group
Reception:
Tuesday 14.30 -16.30
Office