Laboratory in Sustainability of Livestock Systems

Overview of the market commodities for animal feeding in the world. Use of agri-food industry byproducts and alternative feeds (insects, algae, etc.) in view of sustainability and circular economy. Basic strategies of feed formulation for a sustainable livestock system in different species: large and small ruminants, pigs, poultry, and fish. The case of developing countries: weak points and needs to guarantee the food security and sovereignty. The role of NGOs in development projects and related case studies.

Sustainability in cattle milk production: factors affecting milk yield and composition; dairy herd management, reproduction, and fertility; calf and heifer rearing. Sustainability in beef cattle production: growth, development, and management of meat animals. Sustainability in swine production: sow reproduction; sow management and feeding; rearing and finishing techniques of light and heavy pigs. Sustainability in poultry production. Sustainability in sheep and goat production: herd management, reproduction and feeding. Introduction to animal welfare: history, main concepts, new insights. Main welfare issues in farm animals: dairy and beef cattle, calves, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, insects, and fish. Animal welfare and its connection to sustainability of livestock production: One Welfare, United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Solutions to reconcile animal farming, animal welfare and sustainability. 

Role of animal genetic resources in livestock sustainability. Genetic and genomic tools to explore and manage domestic animal biodiversity. Issues of identifying, managing, and conserving genetic variability, as a key tool for sustainability.

The Course structures will be: 

Livestock management and environmental sustainability: 8 hours lessons
Animal Welfare: 8 hours lessons + 8 hours field activities
Animal genetic and biodiversity: 16 hours lessons
Animal nutrition: 16 hours lessons + 8 hours field activities