95973 - THE IMPACT OF DRUGS AND CONTAMINANTS ON ANIMAL PRODUCTION

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

At the end of the module, students have learned the principles of proper drug use and the problems related to environmental contaminants. In particular, they are aware of the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) deriving from antibiotics use, as well as the negative effects of toxic substances on livestock. Students are able to assess the risks for both animals and consumers, the effects on the environment and the economic impact deriving from drugs and contaminants.

Contenuti

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 The Impact of Drugs and Contaminants on Animal Production Course will be:

Module 1: General Introduction (4 hours)

- Definitions: drugs, contaminants, residues.

- Classification: antibiotics, hormones, heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides.

- EU and international regulations (EFSA, Codex Alimentarius).

- Key concepts: carry-over, withdrawal time, MRPL, MRL.

Module 2: Veterinary drugs in animal production (6 hours).

- Therapeutic use vs growth promotion.

- Antibiotic resistance: impacts on animal and human health.

- Metabolic effects of drugs on:

o Growth and food conversion

o Liver and kidney metabolism

o Gut microbiota

- Residues in animal products (meat, milk, eggs)

Module 3: Environmental Contaminants (6 hours)

- Mycotoxins (aflatoxins, zearalenone, DON)

- Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium)

- Pesticides and PCBs

- Effects on:

o Animal health

o Production parameters

o Bioavailability of nutrients

o Reproduction and longevity

- Transfer to the food chain

Module 4: Prevention and mitigation strategies (4 hours)

- Good agricultural and animal husbandry practices (GAP, GVP)

- HACCP systems and traceability

- Sequestering (binders) and detoxifying additives

- Management choices from a circular economy perspective:

o Use of controlled by-products

o Environmental risk assessment

Module 5: Implications in the Circular Economy (4 hours)

- Environmental impact of residues: soil, water, livestock manure

- Safe nutrient recovery and recycling

- Sustainable livestock farming models

- Practical examples of circular economy (case studies: digestate, pulp, insects)

Module 6: Workshop and case study (4 hours)

- Analysis of a real case study: mycotoxin contamination in a poultry supply chain

- Simulation of risk management and proposal of interventions

- Group presentation and discussion

- Open discussion (formative assessment)

Testi/Bibliografia

Lectures slides

Scientific papers

Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria from Livestock and Companion Animals [Edited by Frank Møller Aarestrup, Stefan Schwarz, Jianzhong Shen, and Lina Cavaco], 2018, American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC

Animal feed contamination: effects on livestock and food safety [Edited by Johanna Fink-Gremmels], 2012, Woodhead Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Metodi didattici

The course will be organized in frontal lessons (both in presence and online) and practices in groups, including laboratory. 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.

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

This module is part of the integrated course “Clinical and pharmacological issues in intensive animal production”, which also includes “Prevention and monitoring of metabolic diseases 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.

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 is Prof. Annalisa Zaccaroni.

 

Students can enroll themselves to the test using the online system Alma Esami (http://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm). In case of failure, students may sit the exam again after at least three weeks.

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

Slideshow presentations

Videos

Interactive quiz system

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) 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.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Annalisa Zaccaroni