- Docente: Leonardo Nanni Costa
- Credits: 6
- SSD: AGR/19
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Land and agro-forestry Sciences (cod. 8525)
Learning outcomes
The course will provide the basic knowledge of the rearing techniques for cattle and pig and their impact of the environment.
Course contents
In order to follow with success this course, a fundamental
knowledge of biology, genetics and microbiology is required. The
course is divided into 6 theoretical units as described
below:
1) Animal husbandry
a) Introduction to the course. Presentation of contents
and methods of assessment.
b) Role of ruminant and monogastric in the
agriculture. Ethical aspects of livestock production
c) Information of ruminants consistencies at the level of
world, Europe and Italy
d) The role of animal products for human consumption
2) The production of milk
a) Anatomy and physiology of the breast. Lactation
curve
b) Influence of genetic factors on the production of cow's
milk
c) Influence of environmental factors on the production of cow's
milk
d) Management of colostrum at the farm. Production, composition and
use of milk replace.
3) The production of beef: statistical and physiological
bases
a) Outline the structure of the muscle tissue
b) Curves of growth
c) Effect of major genes
d) Evaluation of meat quality
4) Breeds of cattle, sheep and goat
5) Feeding of ruminants and monogastric
a) Anatomy and physiology of the rumen and digestive
system.
b) Food intake and intake capacity. Nitrogen excretion
c) The feeding of dairy cows and beef cattle
d) The power of the pig
6) The environmental impact of livestock production
a) Interactions between environment and livestock
activity
b) Assessment of the contribution of livestock to the production of
greenhouse gases
c) Efficiency food for the reduction of the effluent.
d) Technical Indexes and nitrogen balance
The practical unit includes activities in
the laboratory of animal husbandry concerning the methods to
assess meat quality as well as visits on farms where
rearing techniques and wastewater management can be
observed.
Readings/Bibliography
Pictures, graphs and tables showed during lectures are downloaded from the web page of the teacher at this address http://www.unibo.it/docenti/leonardo.nannicosta.
Book suggested:
Monetti P.G. - Allevamento dei bovini e dei suini. Cristiano Giraldi Editore, Bologna
Teaching methods
The course is divided into two teaching units: the theoretical unit consists of 40 hours of lectures supported by pictures and movies with the aim to provide basic information to assess the main aspects of rearing technics and waste management. The practical unit includes activities in the lab (4 hours) and visits to farms in order to see different solutions applied to rearing livestock and to manage wastes.
Assessment methods
The course "LIVESTOCK FARMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS" is a part of integrated course “Environmental impact of livestock and agro-food industries". The examination committee includes teachers of the two courses. The final note consists in a synthesis of the evaluations of each course. The evaluation of the “LIVESTOCK FARMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS” is based on a written test based on 30 questions concerning the arguments examined during lectures. Each correct answer scores one point. The examen is passed with a minimum of 18 point.
Teaching tools
Pc and projector
Office hours
See the website of Leonardo Nanni Costa