95974 - Prevention and Monitoring of Metabolic Diseases in Intensive Animal Production

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students have learned which haematochemical performance indicators are useful to evaluate the metabolic balance of ruminants, pigs, chickens, and fishes. In addition, students are prepared to perform samples of biological material. Finally, students are prepared to perform laboratory analysis on blood and other biological samples.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course Clinical and Pharmacological Issues in Intensive Animal Production.

Upon completion of the Integrated Course unit, the student will be able to understand which are the main drivers of issues in intensive farming, and how to monitor and check the health of animals used in intensive production.

In detail, the topics of PREVENTION AND MONITORING OF METABOLIC DISEASES IN INTENSIVE ANIMAL PRODUCTION Course will be focused on the clinico-pathological assessment of animals (focusing on Bovine, Swine, Poultry and Fishes) to evaluate their health status, with particular reference to:

- hematology (general concepts and species-specific hematology)

- blood chemistry  (renal function/damage, hepatic function/damage, serum proteins, acute phase proteins, electrolytes, iron metabolism, purine metabolsim)

- acid-base status

- urinalysis

- hemostasis

Topics related to animal welfare legislation and animal law will also be discussed.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

1) Schalm's Veterinary Hematology (2022 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)

2) Stockham and Scott. Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2025)

3) Scientific journal articles on selected topics

4) Lectures slides

Teaching methods

The course will be organized in frontal lessons (in presence or online, if necessary) and practices in groups, including laboratory activities. A game-based learning platform will be used as a tool to encourage student's involvement and interaction.

If possible, external experts will be invited to give seminars on relevant topics.

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear.

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

This module is part of the integrated course “Clinical and pharmacological issues in intensive animal production”. At the end of the two modules, a test consisting of 30 multiple choice questions will be planned, allowing to verify the knowledge of the student on all the topics covered during the integrated course. The examination will last 60 minutes, each correct answer gives 1 point.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

The exam is considered passed only if all parts are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by the average of the grades from the various parts of the exam, expressed out of 30. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

The final grade will be published on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact within 5 working days of the exam.

Students may reject the final grade at least once, by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days. The designated course contact for this course are Prof. Annalisa Zaccaroni (first contact person) and Prof. Francesco Dondi.

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.

Teaching tools

Slideshow presentations

Videos

Interactive quiz system

Working groups on specific topics

Online applications

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (University's Student Services for SLDs and Disabilities [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.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Dondi