85270 - Management Of Farm Animal Genetic Resources

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired the fundamental knowledge related to the management, conservation, and enhancement of biodiversity in livestock species, with particular reference to cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, horses and donkeys, and poultry. Special attention will be given to the breeds reared in Italy.

Course contents

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• What is genetc diversity / biodiversity?
• Domestication of most relevant animal species.
• The importance of livestock biodiversity
• The fauna/wildlife.
• Indigenous fauna and exotic species,
• The Italian autochtonous breeds.
• Methods and strategies for the conservation and valorization of animal genetic resources.
• MAjor national and international initiatives for the conservation of animal genetic resources (e.g. national parks, FAO)

Practical Sessions:

• Visit to farms
• Seminars

Readings/Bibliography

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

Bigi Daniele e Zanon Alessio - Atlante delle razze autoctone italiane: bovini, ovicaprini, suini allevati in Italia, II edizione. Edagricole 2020.

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and/or visit to farms and seminars.

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.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Monodisciplinary Course “Management Of Farm Animal Genetic Resources” consists of an oral exam.

The interview will be based on the main topics of the course and consists of two to three questions. The duration will be about 20 minutes.

The goal of the oral exam is to verify the student's ability to apply his/her own knowledge and to make the necessary logical-deductive connections.

In evaluating the oral exam, the instructor will use the following grading scale:

- Basic understanding of only a few course topics; analysis skills emerge only with the instructor’s help; generally correct language → 18–22;

- Limited knowledge of several topics; independent analysis only on procedural issues; correct language use → 23–26;

- Broad knowledge of course topics; ability to make autonomous critical judgments; mastery of discipline-specific terminology → 27–29;

- Comprehensive understanding of course content; fully independent critical analysis and connections; excellent command of terminology and argumentation skills → 30–30 with honors.

The result of the oral exam will be communicated at the end of the session. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.

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.

Grades for individual parts and the final grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/) within 5 working days of the date of the exam.

Students may reject the final grade at least once, by informing the course examiner via institutional e-mail within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Paolo Zambonelli.

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. Additional exam dates may be arranged with the instructor upon submission of a justified request thought the institutional e-mail.

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, considering 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

Slides of the lectures.

Text and website suggested.

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

Links to further information

https://corsi.unibo.it/laurea/ProduzioniAnimali

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Zambonelli