Livestock Farming System
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course aims to give knowledge on farming, feeding and reproduction techniques of pigs and cows with particular focus on the environmental impact of the farm and the enhancement of animal resources and product.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire the tools and methods for the technical evaluation of feeding and intensive rearing systems for cattle and pigs. The course also allows to evaluate the most critical aspects of the relationship between farms and the environment.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
1) Evolution of Italian animal husbandry: from the maximum productivity to the attention to animal welfare. The changes in progress and future prospects. Statistical data: the importance of animal husbandry at global, European, Italian and regional level.
2) Basic knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the digestive tract in ruminants and monogastrics. Review on the chemical composition of feeds: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins. Notes on the main chemical analyses for the determination of dry matter, ash, protein, ether extract, fibrous fractions and starch. Digestibility and factors affecting it. Notes on energy and protein metabolism in ruminants and monogastrics.
3) The concept of the "ideal protein" and of the ileal digestible aminoacids for the pig. Evaluation of some feeding strategies to reduce the excretion of the main environmental polluters. The importance of the best ratio administration/requirements; the "multiphase feeding". Main nutritive requirements of dairy cattle and pigs.
4) Livestock/environment relationship: importance of pig, cattle, poultry and sheep and goat farms in Italy and Lombardy; identification of the strengths and weaknesses of these farms. The relationship with the territory of livestock systems. The load of livestock on farms in relation to current legislation. Intensive and extensive animal husbandry: characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and sustainability. Sustainable agriculture: food security, conservation of resources and guarantee of income.
5) Evaluation of the chemical-nutitive characteristics of the main animal feeds and production techniques related. Swine production: swine breeds; sow reproduction, management and feeding; rearing and finishing techniques of the light and of the heavy pig; notes on the organic swine farming system. Intensive dairy cattle production: dairy cattle breeds; reproduction, managing and feeding; milk production. Notes on the slaughter and on the carcass and meat quality.
6) Classroom exercises for the knowledge of the feeding formulation of dairy cows and pigs and their application. Other activities such as educational outings in production areas of the sector under study.
2) Basic knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the digestive tract in ruminants and monogastrics. Review on the chemical composition of feeds: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins. Notes on the main chemical analyses for the determination of dry matter, ash, protein, ether extract, fibrous fractions and starch. Digestibility and factors affecting it. Notes on energy and protein metabolism in ruminants and monogastrics.
3) The concept of the "ideal protein" and of the ileal digestible aminoacids for the pig. Evaluation of some feeding strategies to reduce the excretion of the main environmental polluters. The importance of the best ratio administration/requirements; the "multiphase feeding". Main nutritive requirements of dairy cattle and pigs.
4) Livestock/environment relationship: importance of pig, cattle, poultry and sheep and goat farms in Italy and Lombardy; identification of the strengths and weaknesses of these farms. The relationship with the territory of livestock systems. The load of livestock on farms in relation to current legislation. Intensive and extensive animal husbandry: characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and sustainability. Sustainable agriculture: food security, conservation of resources and guarantee of income.
5) Evaluation of the chemical-nutitive characteristics of the main animal feeds and production techniques related. Swine production: swine breeds; sow reproduction, management and feeding; rearing and finishing techniques of the light and of the heavy pig; notes on the organic swine farming system. Intensive dairy cattle production: dairy cattle breeds; reproduction, managing and feeding; milk production. Notes on the slaughter and on the carcass and meat quality.
6) Classroom exercises for the knowledge of the feeding formulation of dairy cows and pigs and their application. Other activities such as educational outings in production areas of the sector under study.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of chemistry and biology is recommended.
Teaching methods
The teacher will carry out the course mainly using lectures. However, educational outings are provided to learn about realities in the livestock sector and classroom work (such as exercises on computer programs or analysis of specific texts / problems) to deepen some topics covered during the course.
Teaching Resources
The material used for the lessons is made available to students during the course. The following texts are also indicated: "Zootecnia Speciale" by Giuseppe Succi - CittàStudiEdizioni; "Zootecnia - Basi tecnico scientifiche" by Dalma Balassini - Edagricole. Notes from the lessons. Teaching on the ARIEL platform: http://ariel.unimi.it/User/Default.aspx
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of an oral test. The test consists of an interview on the program topics aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the candidate. The mark is expressed in thirtieths.
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 6
Field activity: 8 hours
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Galassi Gianluca
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
DiSAA