91671 - Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition: Innovation and Regulatory Framework

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide the student with in-depth information on the authorization process of feed additives with particular emphasis on the role of EFSA and the European Commission. The student will learn the current legislation and guidelines for the preparation of the dossier and will be able to find information on the products currently authorized for the different species in EU. The main additives currently in use in the livestock sector will also be discussed, illustrating their mechanisms of action and applications. Thanks to the seminars organized during the course, student will gain experience in discuss with companies and EU bodies on their point of view on the authorisation process in order to learn the implication of the ongoing legislative framework and its possible future improvement.

Course contents

The course will be divided into 2 macro areas:

1) European approach for the approval of additives for use in animal nutrition, which includes the notions for the preparation of a dossier to be submitted to EFSA. This area is structured as follows:

- Role of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission in the authorization process.- Organization of the EFSA

- evolution of the legislation concerning additives for animal nutrition

- REGULATION (EC) No 1831/2003 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 September 2003, on additives for use in animal nutrition.

- Definition of the categories of additives- Preparation and submission of the dossier for the authorization

- Evaluation and authorization of feed additives

(theoretical and practical lessons held by Prof. Paolo Trevisi) - approximately 28 hours.

2) Additives for use in animal nutrition, categories and functional aspects, which is structured as follows:

- Introduction to the register of the feed additives.

- For each category of feed additives the main products on the market, their technological and physiological aspects will be presented.

- Innovative aspects of additives for animal nutrition

(theoretical and practical lessons held by Prof. Paolo Trevisi) - about 20 hours.

The course aims to provide advanced knowledge related to the preparation of a dossier for the approval of the feed additive. These notions are integrated into the broader concept of precision livestock farming.At the beginning of the course detailed instructions will be provided on the internal organization of the timetable of the theoretical and practical lessons.

Readings/Bibliography

Pictures, graphs and tables showed during the lectures (powerpoint collection of slides).

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and in agreement with the rules of the Italian government, the course will be performed on a mixed model. With the possibility to follow the lectures on the classroom or on the web platform provided from the University. Practical exercises in the classroom or via web, use of software for studies of specific statistical determinations (eg. power analyses). Attending lectures will be important to follow all the phases of the course and integrate the acquired knowledge into the practical activities.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course an evaluation of the students is scheduled, consisting of an oral test. In consideration of the sanctuary situation, the student cha decide to perform the test in presence or on the web platform provided form the University.

To pass the exam it is necessary for the candidate to reach the mark of 18/30 in each of the 3 questions asked. The evaluation is expressed in terms of answers to the training elements of the course.

The evaluation will be assigned according to the following criteria:

- A very thorough knowledge of the topics addressed in the course, together with strong skills of critical analysis, and a full management of the specific terminology will be evaluated with the maximum score (30-30L).

- An in-depth knowledge of the topics addressed in the course, together with a good analytical and critical ability and the proper use of specific terminology will be evaluated with good marks (27-29).

- A technically adequate preparation and a sufficient analytical capacity, even if not particularly articulated, expressed in correct terminology, will produce discrete evaluations (23-26).

- Sufficient preparation and capacity for analysis, expressed in a language that is barely formally correct, will determine the sufficiency (18-22).

The access to the exam is free. The test lasts at least 25 minutes. The date, time and location of the test is published on the courses web site. To register for the exam, the student must be used the AlmaEsami web application.

Students aims in taking the exam in English must declear it before the beginning of the exam session.

Teaching tools

Lectures, exercises.

Deepening of topics of historical interest for students.

Slide uploaded on virtuale.unibo.it platform

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Trevisi