C7844 - PRINCIPI DI SOSTENIBILITÀ E BENESSERE ANIMALE IN ZOOTECNIA

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will understand the relationship between environmental sustainability measures and the welfare of farm animals. The environmental impact of different farming technologies for monogastric and ruminant animals will be described in terms of climate-altering gases and ecosystems in general, as well as the principles underlying animal welfare assessment. They will be able to evaluate the main sources of climate-altering gas emissions in the livestock sector and propose possible interventions aimed at improving the conditions of farm animals. The basic principles of Life Cycle Assessment and related inventories will be introduced, and the main units of measurement and methodologies for calculating the environmental impact of livestock systems will be described. Field assessment systems for animal welfare and the main technologies used in Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) will also be introduced.

Course contents

Relationships between measures aimed at environmental sustainability and the welfare of farmed animals. Environmental impact of different farming technologies, with particular reference to both monogastric animals and ruminants. Climate-altering gas emissions and their effect on ecosystems. The fundamental principles of animal welfare assessment. Concrete measures to reduce environmental impact and simultaneously improve the living conditions of farmed animals. Introduction to the basic concepts of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the main units of measurement used and the methodologies employed to calculate environmental impact in the livestock sector. Main assessment systems in the field of animal welfare, including the most innovative technologies adopted in Precision Livestock Farming (PLF).

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching material consists of the material presented in class and made available to students on Virtuale or by visiting the course coordinator's website: http://www.unibo.it/docenti/leonardo.nannicosta.

Teaching methods

The course will consist of 30 hours of lectures, supported by images and videos, with the aim of providing students with a range of information that will enable them to evaluate the main aspects of sustainability and animal welfare. The remaining 10 hours will be used for visits and seminars held by farmers and other specialists in the field.

Assessment methods

The examination is oral and lasts approximately 20 minutes. It consists of answering three questions: the first on the production and assessment of climate-changing substances by livestock farming activities, the second on animal welfare, and the third on the relationship between environmental sustainability and animal welfare. No aids are permitted, except for students who are entitled to them. These students must inform the lecturer in advance, in accordance with the timescales and procedures laid down by the University regulations.

The assessment is expressed as a mark out of 30 for the examinations. The test is passed with a mark of at least 18/30. In the case of a maximum mark (30/30), honours may be awarded.

Criteria for determining the mark:

A very thorough knowledge of the topics covered in the course, together with high critical analysis skills, the ability to make connections and a confident command of specific terminology will be assessed with the maximum score (30-30L).

In-depth knowledge of the topics covered in the course, together with good analytical and critical skills and a confident command of specific terminology, will be awarded good marks (27-29).

Adequate technical preparation and sufficient analytical skills, even if not particularly articulate, expressed in correct language, will result in fair marks (23-26).

Sufficient preparation and analytical skills, expressed in formally correct language, will determine a pass mark (18-22).

In accordance with the University's Teaching Regulations, students have the right to refuse the proposed pass mark at least once.

Students can only book for the exam using the methods provided by the AlmaEsami online system.

Teaching tools

PC and video projector

Office hours

See the website of Leonardo Nanni Costa