Extensive and Organic Animal Husbandry
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to clarify the role of extensive livestock systems in agricultural systems. The aim of the course is also to define the types of rearing for extensive and semi-extensive livestock farming by linking traditional zootechnical knowledge with the new needs of rural development, also knowing how to manage organic farming.
Expected learning outcomes
The skills acquired will allow the correct management of breeding, rationing and reproduction techniques of animals of zootechnical interest mainly in extensive or semi-extensive farming systems with particular regard to the environmental impact of the livestock farm and to the enhancement of animal resources. Skills will be acquired on the links between livestock activities and agro-ecological systems. Skills will be acquired on the management of organic farming.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1) Definition and characterization of zootechnical extensive or semi-extensive systems, with particular regard to those of ruminants. Main problems of extensive zootechnical systems and approach to the analysis of sustainability. Role of zootechnical systems in the development of local resources. Description of cattle, pig, goat breeds reared in extensive systems. Typical productions in extensive or semi-extensive livestock systems.
2) Grazing management, nutritional value of pasture and grazing food integration. Environmental impact of extensive cattle farming and comparison with intensive lowland farming; productive efficiency of the two systems. Breeding and feeding techniques for beef cattle: the main breeds and types of farming. Environmental impact of the beef cattle farm. Indicators of sustainability in farming systems.
3) Principles governing organic livestock farming. Regulations for the management of organic cattle and pig farms. The problems related to organic farming.
4) Classroom exercises for the knowledge of feeding of grazing animals and their application. Other activities such as educational outings in the production sector studied during the course.
2) Grazing management, nutritional value of pasture and grazing food integration. Environmental impact of extensive cattle farming and comparison with intensive lowland farming; productive efficiency of the two systems. Breeding and feeding techniques for beef cattle: the main breeds and types of farming. Environmental impact of the beef cattle farm. Indicators of sustainability in farming systems.
3) Principles governing organic livestock farming. Regulations for the management of organic cattle and pig farms. The problems related to organic farming.
4) Classroom exercises for the knowledge of feeding of grazing animals and their application. Other activities such as educational outings in the production sector studied during the course.
Prerequisites for admission
It is recommended to have the basics of breeding and feeding the animals in production; in particular, for the Degree Program of Agricultural Technology for the Environment, in order to follow this Degree course, students are required to have attended or studied the "Livestock Farming System" course included in the first semester of the second year of this Degree Course.
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 - 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/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 4
Field activity: 8 hours
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Galassi Gianluca
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
DiSAA