Information and Electronic Technologies for Animal Production
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the "Information and electronic technologies for animal production" is to provide students with: knowledge of the main sensor systems and technological solutions of precision livestock farming (PLF) that can potentially be implemented in a livestock farm; methods and skills for analysing and interpreting data generated by sensor systems in order to optimise the herd management in a PLF perspective.
Expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding: by the end of the course, the student should know the main PLF technological solutions that can potentially be implemented in an agro-zootechnical farm.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student will have to demonstrate that he/she possesses knowledge and skills useful for processing and analysing data generated by sensor systems that can potentially be implemented in an agro-livestock farm in order to optimise livestock management a PLF perspective.
3. Making judgments: the student must demonstrate the ability of critically presenting the information acquired. Specific exercises will be addressed for sensor data management and analysis using specific software.
4. Communication: the student is expected to use scientifically appropriate language, in particular terminology referring to information and electronic technologies for animal production. The exercises 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 scenarios arising from the application of information and electronic technologies in animal production.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student will have to demonstrate that he/she possesses knowledge and skills useful for processing and analysing data generated by sensor systems that can potentially be implemented in an agro-livestock farm in order to optimise livestock management a PLF perspective.
3. Making judgments: the student must demonstrate the ability of critically presenting the information acquired. Specific exercises will be addressed for sensor data management and analysis using specific software.
4. Communication: the student is expected to use scientifically appropriate language, in particular terminology referring to information and electronic technologies for animal production. The exercises 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 scenarios arising from the application of information and electronic technologies in animal production.
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
The course consists of 40 hours of lectures and 48 hours of practical exercises.
Lectures:
Digital technologies and automation in livestock production (4 hours).
Precision livestock farming and its application areas (animal welfare and health, reproductive cycle management, feeding, milking) (4 hours).
Commonly used non-invasive sensors for monitoring livestock animals (thermometers, accelerometers, radio-frequency identification - RFID tags, microphones, cameras) (12 hours).
Commercially available precision livestock technologies for cattle, pig and poultry (12 hours).
Analysis of selected herd management software for dairy cows (8 hours).
Practical exercise:
Data analysis using an electronic spreadsheet, statistical software, dairy herd management software (36 hours).
Analysis of real-word farm case studies (12 hours).
Lectures:
Digital technologies and automation in livestock production (4 hours).
Precision livestock farming and its application areas (animal welfare and health, reproductive cycle management, feeding, milking) (4 hours).
Commonly used non-invasive sensors for monitoring livestock animals (thermometers, accelerometers, radio-frequency identification - RFID tags, microphones, cameras) (12 hours).
Commercially available precision livestock technologies for cattle, pig and poultry (12 hours).
Analysis of selected herd management software for dairy cows (8 hours).
Practical exercise:
Data analysis using an electronic spreadsheet, statistical software, dairy herd management software (36 hours).
Analysis of real-word farm case studies (12 hours).
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
Lectures and practical activities using an electronic spreadsheet, statistical software and herd management software.
Teaching Resources
In electronic format (available on the Ariel platform).
Scientific literature provided by the teacher.
Scientific literature provided by the teacher.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral interview.
- Assessment method: Oral examination
- Type of questions: Oral questions
- Assessment criteria: thorough knowledge of the subject, ability to organize and present information clearly, critical thinking and reasoning skills, clarity of expression and proper use of specialized vocabulary
Grading system: Mark out of 30
No differentiated assessment methods are provided for attending and non-attending students.
- Assessment method: Oral examination
- Type of questions: Oral questions
- Assessment criteria: thorough knowledge of the subject, ability to organize and present information clearly, critical thinking and reasoning skills, clarity of expression and proper use of specialized vocabulary
Grading system: Mark out of 30
No differentiated assessment methods are provided for attending and non-attending students.
AGR/09 - AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND MECHANIZATION - University credits: 8
Practicals: 48 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Tangorra Francesco Maria
Professor(s)
Reception:
phone or e-mail appointment