Precision Livestock Farming
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is to develop knowledge and understanding regarding the new technologies used in animal husbandry to monitoring production, health and welfare.
Expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding: the student, at the end of the course, will have to demonstrate knowledge of the different tools and systems used to monitoring animals (sensor, cameras, microphones algorithms)
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding useful for these new monitoring systems. He/she will have to demonstrate the ability to design a PLF system to solve problems that impact on the rearing of livestock species.
3. Making judgments: the student must demonstrate the ability to critically present the information acquired. To his aim, specific exercises will be proposed during the practice.
4. Communication: the student is expected to use scientifically appropriate language, in particular terminology referring to PLF. The practical activities are intended to stimulate the ability to use specific terminology and the ability to discuss scientifically with peers.
5. Lifelong learning skills: the student must gain the ability to use acquired knowledge to interpret new technologies: for instance, searching scientific paper, interpret data from different devices, critically organising new information.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding useful for these new monitoring systems. He/she will have to demonstrate the ability to design a PLF system to solve problems that impact on the rearing of livestock species.
3. Making judgments: the student must demonstrate the ability to critically present the information acquired. To his aim, specific exercises will be proposed during the practice.
4. Communication: the student is expected to use scientifically appropriate language, in particular terminology referring to PLF. The practical activities are intended to stimulate the ability to use specific terminology and the ability to discuss scientifically with peers.
5. Lifelong learning skills: the student must gain the ability to use acquired knowledge to interpret new technologies: for instance, searching scientific paper, interpret data from different devices, critically organising new information.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Lectures: (list the topics and n. of hours)
- Livestock production today: Worldwide situation and European framework 1 hour
- Basic principles of livestock physiology, concepts of animal health, welfare and behaviour, animal welfare status assessment 2 hours
- IT technologies used in livestock farms, sound analysis, video analysis, development of algorithms. 2 hours
- Analysis of the information provided by the sensors and technologies installed on the farm, labelling, validation and
development of PLF systems 3 hours
- PLF use in the intensive pig, 2 hours
- PLF use in the intensive dairy, 2 hours
- PLF use in the intensive poultry 2 hours
- PLF use in extensive farms and aquaculture 2 hours
Practice: (list the topics and n. of hours)
- What are the steps to prepare a PLF project? 4 hours
What is the problem to be solved?
State-of-the-art
which sensors to use
reference market
technology to be applied
production costs
- Working groups 8 hours
- Seminars held by leading companies in the field of PLF applied to livestock 4 hours
- Livestock production today: Worldwide situation and European framework 1 hour
- Basic principles of livestock physiology, concepts of animal health, welfare and behaviour, animal welfare status assessment 2 hours
- IT technologies used in livestock farms, sound analysis, video analysis, development of algorithms. 2 hours
- Analysis of the information provided by the sensors and technologies installed on the farm, labelling, validation and
development of PLF systems 3 hours
- PLF use in the intensive pig, 2 hours
- PLF use in the intensive dairy, 2 hours
- PLF use in the intensive poultry 2 hours
- PLF use in extensive farms and aquaculture 2 hours
Practice: (list the topics and n. of hours)
- What are the steps to prepare a PLF project? 4 hours
What is the problem to be solved?
State-of-the-art
which sensors to use
reference market
technology to be applied
production costs
- Working groups 8 hours
- Seminars held by leading companies in the field of PLF applied to livestock 4 hours
Prerequisites for admission
There are no prerequisites for admission
Teaching methods
-Classroom lectures
-Classroom practice (individual or in team)
-Seminars
-Classroom practice (individual or in team)
-Seminars
Teaching Resources
- All the slides will be available on MyAriel
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of a presentation of a PLF project by individuals or small groups (2/3 people).
- Duration of the presentation: 30 minutes
- Assessment parameters: thoroughness of knowledge, ability to organise the project (state of the
art, technology, market etc.); ability to reason critically; quality of
exposition, competence in the use of specific vocabulary.
- Type of assessment: in thirtieths
- No difference between attending and non-attending students
- Duration of the presentation: 30 minutes
- Assessment parameters: thoroughness of knowledge, ability to organise the project (state of the
art, technology, market etc.); ability to reason critically; quality of
exposition, competence in the use of specific vocabulary.
- Type of assessment: in thirtieths
- No difference between attending and non-attending students
AGR/10 - RURAL BUILDINGS AND AGRO - FOREST LAND PLANNING - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Ferrante Valentina
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Ferrante ValentinaProfessor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
To be agreed