Precision Livestock Feeding
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
Gain in-depth knowledge of criteria, quantitative methods, and techniques of animal nutrition and feeding. Critically understand the most common systems and effectively balance production aspects, animal welfare, food safety, and environmental impact.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to analyze issues related to animal nutrition and feeding and propose sustainable solutions for the zootechnical company.
To formulate and optimize diets and complementary feed for animals of zootechnical interest.
To formulate and optimize diets and complementary feed for animals of zootechnical interest.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
U.D. 1 - Precision feeding of ruminants (4 CFU):
- Methodological and practical aspects of feed evaluation related to the modern diet evaluation systems for ruminants. In particular, different methods (physical, mechanical, chemical, in vitro and in vivo) used to accurately characterise the nutritional profile of the diet will be studied.
-Study of the nutritional requirements of animals according to the characteristics of their productions and the homeorhetic aspects of their production cycle. In particular, the aspects related to feed intake, energy, protein and amino acid, mineral and vitamin requirements of dairy cow and goat, and beef cattle in the different stages of their growth will be evaluated.
- Diet evaluation and ration formulation for cattle and goats, using dedicated software.
- Study of some indicators for the evaluation of the nutritional status of animals. In particular, some milk, urine and blood parameters will be considered for this purpose.
- Elements of nutrigenomics.
Training and other activities
- Chemical, physical and biological evaluations of feeds and diets.
- Diet formulation with electronic spreadsheet and dedicated software for cattle and goats.
- Technical visit to livestock farms.
U.D. 2 - Precision feeding of monogastrics (2 CFU):
Frontal lessons
- Methodological and practical aspects in the evaluation of animal feed in application to modern evaluation systems of diets for monogastric animals.
- Study of the nutritional requirements of animals according to the characteristics of their production.
- Diet evaluation systems and ration formulation for the most important monogastric species of zootechnical interest through the use of dedicated IT tools, with a view to precision feeding.
- Study of nutritional needs in relation to the specific genetic type of the animals in production.
- Study of indicators for the evaluation of the nutritional status of animals.
Training and other activities
- Chemical, physical and biological evaluations of feed and diets.
- Formulation of diets with electronic spreadsheet and dedicated software.
- Technical visit to livestock farms.
- Methodological and practical aspects of feed evaluation related to the modern diet evaluation systems for ruminants. In particular, different methods (physical, mechanical, chemical, in vitro and in vivo) used to accurately characterise the nutritional profile of the diet will be studied.
-Study of the nutritional requirements of animals according to the characteristics of their productions and the homeorhetic aspects of their production cycle. In particular, the aspects related to feed intake, energy, protein and amino acid, mineral and vitamin requirements of dairy cow and goat, and beef cattle in the different stages of their growth will be evaluated.
- Diet evaluation and ration formulation for cattle and goats, using dedicated software.
- Study of some indicators for the evaluation of the nutritional status of animals. In particular, some milk, urine and blood parameters will be considered for this purpose.
- Elements of nutrigenomics.
Training and other activities
- Chemical, physical and biological evaluations of feeds and diets.
- Diet formulation with electronic spreadsheet and dedicated software for cattle and goats.
- Technical visit to livestock farms.
U.D. 2 - Precision feeding of monogastrics (2 CFU):
Frontal lessons
- Methodological and practical aspects in the evaluation of animal feed in application to modern evaluation systems of diets for monogastric animals.
- Study of the nutritional requirements of animals according to the characteristics of their production.
- Diet evaluation systems and ration formulation for the most important monogastric species of zootechnical interest through the use of dedicated IT tools, with a view to precision feeding.
- Study of nutritional needs in relation to the specific genetic type of the animals in production.
- Study of indicators for the evaluation of the nutritional status of animals.
Training and other activities
- Chemical, physical and biological evaluations of feed and diets.
- Formulation of diets with electronic spreadsheet and dedicated software.
- Technical visit to livestock farms.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of animal nutrition and feeding is required.
Teaching methods
The teachers will use lectures, classroom exercises, laboratory classes and technical visits to farms.
Teaching Resources
Manuale di Nutrizione dei Ruminanti da Latte. Autori vari. Coordinamento e revisione a cura di Rochi B., Savoini G., Trabalza Marinucci M.. Ed. EdiSES Università (2020).
Nutrizione e alimentazione degli animali in produzione zootecnica - Bovini, suini e polli. Antongiovanni M., Mele M., Buccioni A., Edagricole-New Business Media (2019).
Prontuario degli alimenti per il suino. Daniele Cevolani, Edagricole-New Business Media.
Teaching material published on the teaching site on ARIEL platform.
Nutrizione e alimentazione degli animali in produzione zootecnica - Bovini, suini e polli. Antongiovanni M., Mele M., Buccioni A., Edagricole-New Business Media (2019).
Prontuario degli alimenti per il suino. Daniele Cevolani, Edagricole-New Business Media.
Teaching material published on the teaching site on ARIEL platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be an oral test with the aim of verifying the knowledge acquired and the ability to apply this knowledge. The test will be carried out simultaneously for the two teaching units.
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 6
Field activity: 16 hours
Practicals: 24 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Practicals: 24 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professors:
Galassi Gianluca, Rapetti Luca
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
DiSAA
Reception:
Tuesday 15.45 -17.30
Office