Laboratory in Sustainability of Livestock Systems

The course aims to provide students with knowledge of the main aspects of the rearing techniques in the different animal species (i.e. dairy and beef cattle, poultry, pigs, small ruminants), underlining some of the effects of each farming system on livestock production, the environment, and animal welfare, while highlighting the role of animal genetic resources and biodiversity.

Upon successful completion of this teaching, students will be able to: Describe the key indicators (environmental, welfare, genetic) used to assess the sustainability of complex livestock systems. Apply standardized protocols (e.g., welfare assessment, feed formulation basics) to a real-world or simulated case study. Critically evaluate the trade-offs and synergies between production efficiency, animal welfare, genetic diversity, and environmental sustainability in a given farming system. Communicate the results of a multidisciplinary assessment, justifying the chosen metrics and proposed interventions using appropriate technical language. Design a sustainable improvement plan for a specific livestock production, integrating nutritional, genetic, and management aspects.