Sustainable Innovation of Animal Nutrition
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The educational objective of the course is to provide knowledge of strategies aimed at maximizing resource use efficiency (water, soil, lower carbon footprint ..) and minimization of GHG emissions (eg CH4) in the livestock sector in different scenarios ( organic / conventional, extensive / intensive breeding).
Expected learning outcomes
The student will acquire knowledge about the fundamental principles underlying the modern management of animal nutrition and the requirements of animal welfare. The student will develop competences for the evaluation of sustainable feeding strategies in different scenarios and to provide optimal solutions in the field of sustainable animal productions.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
- Present and future demand for food of animal origin and livestock production systems, quality and safety of products of animal origin, health and welfare of farmed animals;
- Animal nutrition, digestion, assimilation and metabolisation of nutrients in the main livestock species;
- Contribution of animal husbandry and nutritional choices to CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions on climate and environmental change through the analysis of the main environmental indicators;
- Contribution of animal husbandry and nutritional choices to the emission of nitrogen and methane;
- Feed mainly used in the nutrition of livestock species and related issues;
- Feed additives to improve performance, animal welfare and sustainability of animal production;
- Control of the environmental impact of polygastric animals (dairy and meat cattle);
- Control of the environmental impact of monogastric animals (pig, poultry);
- Environmental impact and sustainability of aquaculture;
- Evaluation of rearing techniques and nutritional strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock, in improving animal welfare and preventing disease for a sustainable evolution of the livestock sector;
- Agricultural residues, agro-industrial by-products (co-products, by-products) and food waste material; algae and microalgae; nutritional evaluation, technological treatments, bioconversion and food safety issues. Bioactive compounds from plant waste (antioxidants, etc.);
- Actions of governments and international organizations, european regulations and FAO documents.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Preparation of a case study related to the in-depth study of the topics covered in the course;
- Educational outing to ECOMONDO (Rimini), international event in the green and circular economy sectors that define the development strategies of the European Union's environmental policy;
- Visit to livestock farm: evaluation of farm activities and applied strategies.
- Animal nutrition, digestion, assimilation and metabolisation of nutrients in the main livestock species;
- Contribution of animal husbandry and nutritional choices to CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions on climate and environmental change through the analysis of the main environmental indicators;
- Contribution of animal husbandry and nutritional choices to the emission of nitrogen and methane;
- Feed mainly used in the nutrition of livestock species and related issues;
- Feed additives to improve performance, animal welfare and sustainability of animal production;
- Control of the environmental impact of polygastric animals (dairy and meat cattle);
- Control of the environmental impact of monogastric animals (pig, poultry);
- Environmental impact and sustainability of aquaculture;
- Evaluation of rearing techniques and nutritional strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock, in improving animal welfare and preventing disease for a sustainable evolution of the livestock sector;
- Agricultural residues, agro-industrial by-products (co-products, by-products) and food waste material; algae and microalgae; nutritional evaluation, technological treatments, bioconversion and food safety issues. Bioactive compounds from plant waste (antioxidants, etc.);
- Actions of governments and international organizations, european regulations and FAO documents.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Preparation of a case study related to the in-depth study of the topics covered in the course;
- Educational outing to ECOMONDO (Rimini), international event in the green and circular economy sectors that define the development strategies of the European Union's environmental policy;
- Visit to livestock farm: evaluation of farm activities and applied strategies.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites are required.
Teaching methods
Traditional Lectures and workgroups.
- Educational outing to ECOMONDO (Rimini), an international event in the green and circular economy sectors that define the European Union's environmental policy development strategies.
- Visits to livestock farms
- Educational outing to ECOMONDO (Rimini), an international event in the green and circular economy sectors that define the European Union's environmental policy development strategies.
- Visits to livestock farms
Teaching Resources
Slides and documents presented during lessons (available on ARIEL)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of the presentation of a case study ((organised with the teacher) and an oral test of up to three questions, depending on preparation, expository ability and scientifically correct terminology, which are the criteria for the final mark expressed in thirtieths.
Students with disabilities and DSA are invited to contact the teacher in order to plan a personalised course. At least 15 days before the exam, they must send an email to the teacher and cc to the University secretariat, [email protected] or [email protected], specifying the compensatory measures required for the exam, agreeing on any individual measures.
Students with disabilities and DSA are invited to contact the teacher in order to plan a personalised course. At least 15 days before the exam, they must send an email to the teacher and cc to the University secretariat, [email protected] or [email protected], specifying the compensatory measures required for the exam, agreeing on any individual measures.
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 6
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Tedesco Doriana Eurosia Angela
Professor(s)