Sustainable Livestock Systems
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
To acquire the conceptual and technical tools to understand, evaluate and manage the influence that animal breeding has on the territory and the environment.
Understand the interrelationships between livestock farming and the agronomic, economic and management aspects of the farm.
Know and analyze the different aspects of the quality and safety of food of animal origin in relation to the farming, milking and slaughtering techniques adopted.
Acquire the conceptual and technical tools to understand, evaluate and manage the effect of breeding techniques on animal welfare.
Understand the interrelationships between livestock farming and the agronomic, economic and management aspects of the farm.
Know and analyze the different aspects of the quality and safety of food of animal origin in relation to the farming, milking and slaughtering techniques adopted.
Acquire the conceptual and technical tools to understand, evaluate and manage the effect of breeding techniques on animal welfare.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to critically evaluate the environmental sustainability aspects of animal farming and knowledge of the main impact mitigation factors.
Ability to apply tools and methodologies for the assessment and management of the quality and safety of products of animal origin with particular reference to the early stages of the production chain.
Ability to critically evaluate breeding techniques in relation to animal welfare
General knowledge for carrying out technical or managerial activities within companies of the animal supply chain.
Ability to apply tools and methodologies for the assessment and management of the quality and safety of products of animal origin with particular reference to the early stages of the production chain.
Ability to critically evaluate breeding techniques in relation to animal welfare
General knowledge for carrying out technical or managerial activities within companies of the animal supply chain.
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
Teaching unit "ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND ENVIRONMENT"
Overview of the different livestock production systems in Italy and in the world, with their assets and critical points. Among the assets: the load of organic matter to the soil with an increased soil fertility, and, depending on the type of livestock system, the contribution to maintain a various, diversified environment, with open space and vegetable and animal biodiversity. Among the critical aspects: the risk of overgrazing, an excessive nitrogen and phosphorus excretion if the livestock density is too high, with a consequent nitrate leaching in groundwater and ammonia emission from the slurries to the air. E.U. Nitrate Directive and its practical consequences on animal production in Italy and particularly in Lombardy region will be thoroughly analysed. Phosphorus excretion by animals and the associated environmental risks will be investigated, as well as greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and feeding and managing techniques able to reduce their impact. Animal husbandry in the mountain and its effects on the environment will be considered also (to preserve landscape, biodiversity and prevent landslides) as well as animal production and the use of water. Additive and heavy metals residues from animal feeding and management will be analysed. Examples of animal husbandry techniques and biodiversity will be given. Finally diets and feeding systems specially focused on minimize the environmental impact of both dairy and beef cattle and pigs will be presented and discussed.
Teaching unit "ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, ANIMAL WELFARE AND FOOD SAFETY"
- The concept of sustainability and the "One health" perspective
- Animal welfare on farm: definition, indicators and main evaluation methods. Critical points relating to animal welfare during breeding, transport and slaughter and regulatory aspects.
- Health, hygiene quality and safety of food of animal origin: main zoonotic agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, prions) and main abiotic contaminants; prevention of the risk of biological and abiotic contamination of food of animal origin in breeding, milking, transport and slaughter. The problem of antibiotic resistance and possible alternatives to the use of antibiotics. Legislation relating to the quality of products of animal origin and official controls.
Overview of the different livestock production systems in Italy and in the world, with their assets and critical points. Among the assets: the load of organic matter to the soil with an increased soil fertility, and, depending on the type of livestock system, the contribution to maintain a various, diversified environment, with open space and vegetable and animal biodiversity. Among the critical aspects: the risk of overgrazing, an excessive nitrogen and phosphorus excretion if the livestock density is too high, with a consequent nitrate leaching in groundwater and ammonia emission from the slurries to the air. E.U. Nitrate Directive and its practical consequences on animal production in Italy and particularly in Lombardy region will be thoroughly analysed. Phosphorus excretion by animals and the associated environmental risks will be investigated, as well as greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and feeding and managing techniques able to reduce their impact. Animal husbandry in the mountain and its effects on the environment will be considered also (to preserve landscape, biodiversity and prevent landslides) as well as animal production and the use of water. Additive and heavy metals residues from animal feeding and management will be analysed. Examples of animal husbandry techniques and biodiversity will be given. Finally diets and feeding systems specially focused on minimize the environmental impact of both dairy and beef cattle and pigs will be presented and discussed.
Teaching unit "ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, ANIMAL WELFARE AND FOOD SAFETY"
- The concept of sustainability and the "One health" perspective
- Animal welfare on farm: definition, indicators and main evaluation methods. Critical points relating to animal welfare during breeding, transport and slaughter and regulatory aspects.
- Health, hygiene quality and safety of food of animal origin: main zoonotic agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, prions) and main abiotic contaminants; prevention of the risk of biological and abiotic contamination of food of animal origin in breeding, milking, transport and slaughter. The problem of antibiotic resistance and possible alternatives to the use of antibiotics. Legislation relating to the quality of products of animal origin and official controls.
Prerequisites for admission
At least basic knowledge of animal husbandry.
Teaching methods
Classic frontal lessons, and some lessons open to discussion of scientific papers previously sent by the teacher to the students. Learning visits in the field (livestock farms, slaughterhouses) for a practical view and a better comprehension of what presented in classroom.
Teaching Resources
The minutes of the course and the learning/study material available on ARIEL, for both the parts of the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test (2 hours time) with 2 open questions for each of the two parts of the course, and for the students who have passed the test, an oral exam with different questions on the two parts of the course. The final score is unique and computed as the mean of the scores obtained in the two parts of the course. It is considered both the knowledge of the topics dealt with during the course, and the student's ability to connect in an holistic way the various aspects, also referred to related subjects presented in other courses.
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE
Field activity: 16 hours
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Crovetto Gianni Matteo, Sandrucci Anna Alfea
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
On appointment
Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, sez. Zootecnia
Reception:
by appointment
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Via Celoria 2