Livestock Farming and Welfare

The course aims to provide the student with the theoretical and practical notions of zootechnical disciplines concerning the different types of breeding of dairy and beef cattle and pig breeding; the description of the main bovine and swine breeds raised in Italy. Analysing modern breeding systems for different animal productions also according to issues relating to animal welfare and providing basic knowledge for the application and assessment of animal welfare in the critical stages of breeding

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will acquire knowledge on the main breeding systems of dairy cattle, meat and pigs, also in relation to issues relating to animal welfare.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student must be able to apply the knowledge acquired for the identification and understanding of the different aspects that characterize the different systems of animal production, also in relation to the technological innovations applied to livestock systems and to the assessment of animal welfare in the critical phase of breeding.
Critical and judgmental skills
The student must be able to critically and proactively deal with the study of the subject, analyzing the material provided by the teacher and the recommended texts. The practical lessons in the classroom and on the farm will help students to develop critical and judgmental skills on issues concerning the management of livestock species, also in terms of animal welfare.
Communication skills
The student must acquire communication skills using the specific technical terminology related to the topics treated in the course. The group work on the exercises carried out will contribute to the development of the ability to communicate and transmit correctly what it has been learned.
Ability to continue studying independently throughout life
The knowledge and reasoning skills acquired during teaching will allow the student to independently continue the study, updating of their knowledge in the field of animal husbandry both during their university career and in the world of work.