Physiology of Farm Animals

A.Y. 2023/2024
7
Max ECTS
64
Overall hours
SSD
VET/02
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce the bases of livestock animal physiology commonly grown in the territory, focusing on digestive, reproductive, lactation,and endocrinological aspects, linking them with the other systems. The arguments will be introduced aiming to illustrate a general view necessary to optimize the practical aspects of the modern farming systems.
Expected learning outcomes
The students will acquire the fundamentals to apply the basic notions aiming to face the future disciplines, as nutrition, reproductive techniques, and the different management aspects for the building of an experience in livestock field
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
DIDACTICAL METHODS
Lessons will be conducted in presence and published on Ariel website.
PROGRAMME AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
The programme of teaching and the reference material will not be modified
FINAL EXAM
The exam will be articulated as an oral proof.
Course syllabus
-Introduction to physiology
Extracellular-intracellular environment
Intra-extracellular fluids
Body fluids
-The blood
the blood: introduction and functions
Red blood cells
Hemoglobin and respiratory gas transport
-Blood coagulation
Coagulation factors
Intrinsic and extrinsic ways of blood coagulation
-Hemopoiesis and erythropoiesis
Heme depletion - bilirubin
-Leukocyte functions
-Introduction to endocrinology
The hormones
Hypothalamus-Hypophysis
Thyroid gland
Endocrine pancreas
Adrenal glands
Epiphysis
-Reproduction
-Male reproductive system
Spermatogenesis
-Female reproductive system
Estral cycle
Seasonal reproduction
Fertilization and pregnancy
Parturition and post partum
-Digestive system
Saliva
Gastric digestion
Stomach functions
Small intestine
Large intestine and defecation
Cecotrophy
Ruminants
Prestomachs
Ruminoreticular motility
Ruminal biochemistry
-Excitable cells
Neurons
Skeletal, myocardial, smooth muscle
-Renal physiology
Prerequisites for admission
Students are encouraged to perform the exams in Anatomy of livestock species, Chemistry and principles of biology, and Biochemistry
Teaching methods
The course is articulated into classroom lessons, completed by the use of multimedia and interactive software. Arguments chosen by the students are encouraged, aiming to maintain the interest towards the subject
Teaching Resources
The learning material is based on the notes from the lessons, completed by dedicated books, as
Sjaastad et al., Fisiologia degli animali domestici, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
and the texts prescribed by the professor
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be articulated on an oral proof.
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 7
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 12-14
Room of the teacher