B9739 - Systems and Technologies for a Sustainable Livestock Farming

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be familiar with the main technologies for improving the environmental sustainability of livestock farms, with particular emphasis on farm efficiency and the proper management and valorization of livestock effluents.
They will also be able to apply operational tools to quantify the environmental impact of livestock production systems.

Course contents

Module 1: Prof. Mirko Maraldi (2 ECTS)

• Introduction to renewable energy sources: global energy framework and the role of renewables

• Energy conversion of biomass: biomass types; definition of product, by-product and waste; animal by-products; biomass characterization: fibrous fraction, proximate and ultimate analysis; physicochemical properties of biomass and overview of calorific value determination

• Biogas and biomethane plants for the management and valorization of livestock manure and by-products: main plant configurations; biomass pretreatment techniques; biogas upgrading technologies; digestate management and use; formulation and balancing of digester diet; operating parameters for biogas/biomethane plants; overview of regulations and incentive schemes

• Technical visits to biogas/biomethane plants on livestock farms.

Module 2: Prof. Francesca Valenti (2 ECTS)

• Photovoltaic and agrivoltaic systems for renewable energy production on agricultural and livestock farms: operating principles, integration with agricultural activities, environmental and economic benefits, Renewable Energy Communities and main incentive schemes.

• Environmental sustainability assessment through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Life Cycle Thinking, definition of the functional unit and system boundaries, Life Cycle Inventory (LCI), Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA), interpretation of results and practical examples.

• Practical LCA modelling exercise using openLCA software and a technical visit to a farm equipped with an agrivoltaic system.

Readings/Bibliography

Course materials are available on the Virtuale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).
Further bibliography:

• Gian Luca Baldo, Massimo Marino, Stefano Rossi. Analisi del ciclo di vita LCA- Gli strumenti per la progettazione sostenibile di materiali, prodotti e processi. Manuali di progettazione sostenibile - Edizioni Ambiente 2008 - ISBN 9788889014820

• Arthur Wellinger, Jerry Murphy, David Baxter, The biogas handbook: science, production and applications. Woodhead Publishing, 2013

• Fraunhofer ISE, 2022 Agrivoltaics: Opportunities for Agri-culture and the Energy Transition. Guideline for Germany, second edition: 26-30

• Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic, Renewable energy crash course, Springer, 2021

• Supplementary material, partly related to current topics.

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures, laboratory sessions and technical visits to agricultural and livestock farms.
For laboratory activities and technical visits: due to the nature of the activities and teaching methods, attendance requires successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode, as well as Module 3 on health and safety in study environments. Information on dates and attendance procedures for Module 3 is available on the Degree Programme website.
For laboratory sessions, students must wear a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable PPE, such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided where required.

Assessment methods

Learning is assessed through a final examination verifying the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills. The exam consists of an oral test of approximately 30 minutes, during which notes and textbooks are not allowed. The examination includes three questions for each module on the topics covered during the course.
For Module 2, students may replace the oral examination with a written multiple-choice test held during the final class. The exam is passed with a mark of at least 18/30. The Module 2 grade accounts for both the written test and the quality of the practical work carried out with openLCA software. If the written test is not passed, students may take the oral examination for both modules.
The final course grade is the average of the grades obtained in the two modules.
The oral examination grade is based on the student's ability to answer questions critically and appropriately. The grading criteria are:

• 18–19: limited preparation and analysis only with lecturer support;
• 20–24: limited preparation with autonomous analysis only of basic issues;
• 25–29: broad preparation, independent critical analysis and good command of technical terminology;
• 30–30 with honours: comprehensive preparation, excellent critical analysis and connections, full mastery of technical terminology, strong argumentation and self-reflection.
  

The outcome of the oral examination will be communicated at the conclusion of the examination. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass. The lecturer responsible for recording grades is Prof. Mirko Maraldi.

Students with SLD or temporary/permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated office in advance; any accommodations must be submitted to the lecturer at least 15 days in advance for approval.

Teaching tools

Laboratory equipment and materials, computers.
If students experience difficulties understanding the course content, lecturers are available for clarification meetings upon request by email.

Office hours

See the website of Mirko Maraldi

See the website of Francesca Valenti