- Docente: Giacomo Biagi
- Credits: 2
- SSD: AGRI-09/C
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Veterinary Medicine (cod. 6735)
Learning outcomes
He/she has an in-depth understanding of the structural, managerial, ethical, and regulatory aspects of dog and cat breeding. Can apply advanced technologies, from breed selection to the management of healthy companion animals, with the aim of promoting an informed breed choice by owners, fulfilling animal needs and ensuring a high welfare level.
Course contents
This course is part of the Integrated Course on ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND WELFARE OF SPECIES OF VETERINARY INTEREST - 1.
Upon completion of the integrated course, students will have acquired knowledge regarding the husbandry of livestock (poultry, rabbits, and fish) and companion animals, as well as the economics and physiology of fish, birds, and new companion animals. With regard to livestock species, this knowledge will focus on the profitability of the farming operation itself and its implications for production quality, animal welfare, and environmental protection. For companion animals, students will learn about the main dog and cat breeds and the most significant issues with a genetic basis.
The Integrated Course will be divided into 5 modules:
- Poultry Farming and Welfare (theoretical lectures and practical activities taught by Prof. Federico Sirri)
- Dog and Cat Breeding and Welfare (theoretical lectures and practical activities taught by Prof. Giacomo Biagi)
- Farming and Welfare of Small Species (rabbits, fish, and new companion animals; theoretical lectures and practical activities taught by Prof. Pier Paolo Gatta)
- Economics
- Physiology of fish, birds, and new companion animals (lectures and practical activities taught by Dr. Domenico Ventrella)
At the beginning of the course, detailed information will be provided regarding the internal organization of the schedule for lectures and practical sessions, as well as the examination procedures and grading criteria.
Specifically, the following topics will be covered in the Dog and Cat Breeding and Welfare course.
Aspects of canine and feline morphology; description and evaluation of the main canine and feline breeds (8 hours). The main genetically based diseases of dogs and cats (4 hours). Diet-related hereditary diseases in dogs (2 hours). Seminar on the preservation of dog breeds (2 hours). Educational visit to a dog breeding facility (4 hours).
Readings/Bibliography
The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).
Supplementary reading:
Bonetti F. Zoognostica del cane. Editrice San Giorgio, Bologna 1995.
Grandjean e coll. Allevamento canino: guida pratica. Royal Canin 2016
Malandain E, Little S, Casseleux G, Shelton L, Pibot P, Paragon BM. Allevamento del gatto. Guida pratica. Royal Canin 2006.
Grassi E. L'allevamento cinofilo. Organizzazione, criteri di selezione, gestione. Edagricole, 2007
Teaching methods
Lectures, practical seminars and a visit to a dog breeding kennel.
Assessment methods
The exam aims at verifying the achievement of the teaching objectives and the acquisition of the knowledge provided by the course program. The final grade originates from the student's demonstration of having acquired the knowledge and skills required, and the ability to link the various issues.
The exam will consist of an interview. In the presence of a preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, with the use of an overall correct language, the result will be a grade between 18 and 19. With a preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course, autonomous analysis skills only on purely executive matters, with the use of a correct language, the grade will be between 20 and 24. With a preparation on a large number of topics addressed in the course, the ability to show critical analysis and the mastery of specific terminology the grade will be between 25 and 29. With exhaustive preparation on the topics addressed in the course, independent choices of critical analysis and connection, full mastery of specific terminology and ability to argumentation and self-reflection, the result will be a grade between 30 and 30 cum laude.
The integrated course of Animal Production I is considered passed when the student has obtained the sufficiency (18/30) in each of the courses that compose it. The final grade will result from the arithmetic average of the marks obtained in the three courses that make up the integrated course. The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Pier Paolo Gatta.
Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.
Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.
With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.
Teaching tools
Power Point presentations
Office hours
See the website of Giacomo Biagi