Nutrition for Animal Health and for Human Well-Being

The aim of the course is to develop knowledge and understanding regarding the role of the diet on food safety, nutrition, and the sensory characteristics of products of animal origin. The course will also address the importance of perinatal nutrition and the mechanism of action of nutrients in the regulation of gene expression. Nutritional strategies for improving product quality will also be explored.

1. Knowledge and understanding: the student, at the end of the course, will have to demonstrate knowledge of the role of animal diet on food safety as well as the mechanisms of interaction of nutrients at the genetic level; knowledge of sensory perceptions in animals and humans and its role in nutrition, knowledge of nutrition and nutritional strategies aimed at improving the quality of products of animal origin. Furthermore, at the end of the course, the student will have to demonstrate knowledge regarding nutrition in the perinatal period in different animal species.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student must demonstrate knowledge and concepts useful for the correct management of nutrition and nutritional aspects in the different production phases. He will have to demonstrate to be able to provide a critical evaluation of the correct nutritional strategies to guarantee the health of the animal and the well-being of the consumer.
3. Making judgments: the student must demonstrate the ability to critically argue the information acquired. Specific educational trips, hot topic seminars and group work (e.g. Journal club) are aimed in this direction.
4. Communication: the student must demonstrate the ability to express himself with scientifically appropriate terminology, regarding the terminology related to the management of animal nutrition to guarantee the quality and safety of production. Group activities are intended to stimulate 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, for instance updating the acquired knowledge in the field of animal nutrition to guarantee high production standards and consumer health.