Breeding and Management of Ruminant and Monogastric
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to train a highly skilled professional in animal production, with a comprehensive understanding of the demands of the cattle and pig farming sector. The goal is for students to develop knowledge regarding the management aspects of primary production within quality systems, focusing on animal welfare, sustainability, and product quality.
Expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding: at the end of the course the student will acquire knowledge of the current technical aspects of livestock production of cattle and pigs, also in relation to issues relating to animal welfare, sustainability and product quality.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student must be able to apply the knowledge acquired for the identification and understanding of the different aspects that characterize animal production systems, also in relation to new technologies applied to livestock systems aimed at improving their sustainability and animal welfare in critical stages of breeding.
3. Making judgments: the student must be able to critically and proactively approach the study of the subject, analysing the material provided by the teacher and the recommended texts. The practical activities in the classroom and on the farm will help develop the student's critical and judgmental skills on issues relating to the management of farms, also in relation to animal welfare, their sustainability and product quality.
4. Communication skills: the student must demonstrate the ability to use the specific technical terminology relating to the topics covered in the course. Group work during the practical activities carried out will contribute to the student's development of the ability to communicate and correctly transmit what has been learned.
5. Lifelong learning skills: the notions and reasoning skills acquired during teaching will allow the student to independently continue the study, in-depth analysis and continuous updating of their knowledge in the field of animal husbandry both during their university career and in the world of work.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student must be able to apply the knowledge acquired for the identification and understanding of the different aspects that characterize animal production systems, also in relation to new technologies applied to livestock systems aimed at improving their sustainability and animal welfare in critical stages of breeding.
3. Making judgments: the student must be able to critically and proactively approach the study of the subject, analysing the material provided by the teacher and the recommended texts. The practical activities in the classroom and on the farm will help develop the student's critical and judgmental skills on issues relating to the management of farms, also in relation to animal welfare, their sustainability and product quality.
4. Communication skills: the student must demonstrate the ability to use the specific technical terminology relating to the topics covered in the course. Group work during the practical activities carried out will contribute to the student's development of the ability to communicate and correctly transmit what has been learned.
5. Lifelong learning skills: the notions and reasoning skills acquired during teaching will allow the student to independently continue the study, in-depth analysis and continuous updating of their knowledge in the field of animal husbandry both during their university career and in the world of work.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Dairy and beef cattle farm management and their sustainability (4 hours)
Agricultural emissions and Ecological footprint (3 hours)
New consumer demands regarding the origin and traceability of animal products, and nutritional quality (3 hours)
Quality systems (PGI, SQN, labeling) in the Italian beef supply chain (4 hours)
Support for livestock farming in the CAP 2023-2027 (2 hours)
Introduction and general aspects of pig farming (3 hours)
Current and future regulatory aspects related to emerging issues in pig farming (4 hours)
Ruminant and pig transport: management and critical points for animal welfare (3 hours)
Animal slaughter: management and critical points for animal welfare (3 hours)
Standards and certification systems for animal welfare (3 hours)
Practical Activities
Technical visits to farms, food industries, and breed associations. Trade fair visits. Seminars, case studies, and virtual tours (28 hours)
Breeding management and beef quality (2 hours)
Breeding management and quality of pork and processed meat products (2 hours)
Agricultural emissions and Ecological footprint (3 hours)
New consumer demands regarding the origin and traceability of animal products, and nutritional quality (3 hours)
Quality systems (PGI, SQN, labeling) in the Italian beef supply chain (4 hours)
Support for livestock farming in the CAP 2023-2027 (2 hours)
Introduction and general aspects of pig farming (3 hours)
Current and future regulatory aspects related to emerging issues in pig farming (4 hours)
Ruminant and pig transport: management and critical points for animal welfare (3 hours)
Animal slaughter: management and critical points for animal welfare (3 hours)
Standards and certification systems for animal welfare (3 hours)
Practical Activities
Technical visits to farms, food industries, and breed associations. Trade fair visits. Seminars, case studies, and virtual tours (28 hours)
Breeding management and beef quality (2 hours)
Breeding management and quality of pork and processed meat products (2 hours)
Prerequisites for admission
There are no compulsory propaedeutic.
Teaching methods
Lectures and practical exercises. Technical visits to farms, food industries, and breed associations. Industry trade fair visits. Seminars, case studies, and virtual tours.
Teaching Resources
The presentations and teaching materials discussed during the course will be available on Ariel platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam sessions are 7 in one year and they take place in the months of: January, February, April, June, July, September, October. Additional exam sessions for off-course students may be held in the months of March, May and November / December.
To take the exam it is mandatory to register for the session through the SIFA online service of the University.
The exam consists of an oral interview covering both the lectures and the practical exercise topics. The test will be graded out of 30. During the exam, knowledge, understanding and application skills, as well as critical and judgment skills, will be assessed. The ability to present topics clearly and the use of appropriate technical terminology will also be evaluated.
To take the exam it is mandatory to register for the session through the SIFA online service of the University.
The exam consists of an oral interview covering both the lectures and the practical exercise topics. The test will be graded out of 30. During the exam, knowledge, understanding and application skills, as well as critical and judgment skills, will be assessed. The ability to present topics clearly and the use of appropriate technical terminology will also be evaluated.
AGRI-09/C - Animal Science - University credits: 6
Exercises: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
The teacher is happy to help students after a requested appointment by email
Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi