Biochemistry, Pathology and Toxicology Food

The course is aimed to provide the student with knowledge on the main biochemical and haematological biomarkers used to monitor feed-related dysmetabolism in farm animals also related to the presence of xenobiotics in animal feed. A further goal is to provide basic information on analytical techniques, instrumentation and calculation used in veterinary clinical pathology and biochemistry laboratories and on methodologies for the evaluation of feed contaminants.

1) Knowledge and understanding. The student is required to demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge on the pathogenesis of feed-related dysmetabolism, on the alterations associated with nutritional and toxicological disorders, on the contaminants of natural and synthetic origin in feed, and will develop skills in the use of methods and equipment used in clinical pathology and toxicology laboratories.
2) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. The acquired knowledge will assist the student to understand and evaluate the impact of the food on farm animals health and well-being and on the quality of products of animal origin. Moreover the student will have knowledge on feed contaminants and information on the main methodologies for their detection
3) Autonomy of judgment. Through a theoretical and practical approach, which includes lectures, laboratory tests and visits to external companies, the student will acquire the tools to deal critically and proactively with the study of the subject, both as regards the information on the material provided by the teacher and on those reported in the recommended texts.
4) Communication skills. the student should be able to explain the concepts acquired with appropriate and updated terminology, during lectures, practical lessons and in the open-ended questions of the written exam.
5) Lifelong learning skills. At the end of the interdisciplinary course, which integrates theoretical and practical training, the students will acquire skills to tackle the complex management of nutrition in livestock systems in a more critical and autonomous way.