87807 - Techniques and Systems of Experimental Breedings

Academic Year 2022/2023

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Biodiversity and Evolution (cod. 5824)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to project and manage housing and breeding facilities for research purposes of animal species (Vertebrates and Invertebrates) of fresh, brackish and salty waters, in cold and tropical waters. He/she will be able to evaluate and set the optimal chemical-physical parameters for breeding species on the farm; he/she will understand the pros and cons of open, semi-open and closed systems. He/she will be able to design and manage structures for the housing and breeding of Amphibians and Reptiles. Finally, he/she will be able to use techniques for preserving biological material in fixative mixtures for research and / or for museum purposes. Visits will be organized to breeding facilities in operational structures (pubblic acquariums, bioparks and fish and mollusc commercial breedings) in order to see by themeself what has been learned from the course.

Course contents

The techniques and precautions necessary for transferring Invertebrates and Vertebrates of fresh and salt water from a natural context to a housing in the aquarium. Optimal fishing techniques to obtain specimens to keep alive. The pros and cons of pure oxygen transport and how to minimize thermal and metabolic stresses in transport specimens.

How to design and manage housing systems for research specimens: the sizing of filtering systems, the choice of the most suitable materials and the monitoring of the main chemical-physical parameters (pH, temperature, salinity, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates and calcium). Pros and cons of open, semi-open and closed systems.

Increasingly important, also in Europe, the correct planning and management of structures for the housing of Amphibians and Reptiles: the parameters to be considered and what is important to learn, not only for survival, but also for the reproduction in captivity of these Vertebrates: optimal climate and lighting, calculation of the necessary spaces and notes on the diet.

The couse will give also elements to relize and project ponds for fish and amphibian breeding.

Readings/Bibliography

Given the great diversity and originality of the topics covered, there are no one or a few volumes that can be used. Lecture notes written by the teacher will be provided.

Teaching methods

During the lectures the discussion and the comparison with the teacher will be stimulated.

Constant participation is required, given the close connection of the topics covered.

Assessment methods

The exam at the end of the course aims to assess the achievement of the learning objectives.

The final grade is defined by an oral exam.

Teaching tools

Frontal lectures, with powerpoint presentations, and one or more exits at facilities that manage the animals covered by the course.

The materials presented in class will be made available to students.

Office hours

See the website of Raffaele Gattelli

SDGs

Oceans Life on land

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.