95958 - MANAGEMENT OF REPRODUCTION IN SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL PRODUCTIONS

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

At the end of the course, students have acquired knowledge for the management of livestock reproduction, balancing reproductive efficiency, animal welfare and the environment. Furthermore, students acquire fundamental knowledge of reproductive biotechnologies with a major impact on the objectives mentioned above. Students also acquire the fundamentals of animal health and reproduction legislation.

Contenuti

The teaching course will cover different aspects of reproductive management (estrous cycles manipulation, natural mating and artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis, pre and post-partum management, reproductive biotechnologies, role of male), with a special emphasis in ruminants (bovine, buffalo, small ruminants), swine, avian, rabbit and fish.

Classroom:

• Methods for herd/farm fertility evaluation (4 hrs);
• Estrous cycle manipulation: estrus synchronization, Fixed Time Artificial Insemination, management of seasonality (8 hrs)
• Early pregnancy diagnosis as tool for improving reproductive efficiency (4hrs)
• Pre and post-partum metabolic diseases impacting reproductive efficiency (4 hrs)
• Embryo transfer (in vivo and in vitro embryo production) for genetic selection and improving fertility (4 hrs)
• Artificial Insemination, natural mating, sexed semen (6 hrs)
• Avian reproduction (4 hrs)
• Reproduction in acquatic species (4 hrs)
• Organic farming: “hormones and antibiotics free” management of reproduction (2 hrs)

Practical works

• Visit to a sheep farm (4 hrs)
• Visit to a Rabbit farm (4 hrs)
• Visit to AI centre (4hrs)
• Homework and discussion (4 hrs)

Testi/Bibliografia

• Hafez, B & Hafez ESE. Reproduction in farm animals, 7th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000. ISBN 0-683-30577-8
• Niemann-Sorensen A., Tribe D.E. Reproduction in Domesticated Animals, G.J.Kimg Editor, Elsevier, 1993
• Gordon, I. Reproductive Technologies in Farm Animals, CABI-Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK, 2004. ISBN 0 85199 862 3
• Noakes E.D., Parkinson T.J., England G.C.C. Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Saunders Elsevier, 2009
• DesCosteau L., Colloton J., Gnemmi G. Ruminants and Camelid Reproductive Ultrasonography, Wiley Balckwell, 2010
• Presicce Giorgio A. The Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) – Production and Research, BenthamEBooks, 2019
• Risco A. Carlos and Retamal Melendez Pedro Dairy Production Medicine, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011
• Field G. Thomas Beef production and Management Decision, PEARSON Prentice Hall, 2007

 

Metodi didattici

Theoretical and practical classrooms. Attendance is essential due to the methodological approach followed in the presentation of reproductive management in the different species.Given the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance at this requires completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and completion of Module 3, which covers specific training on health and safety in the workplace. Information on the dates and methods of attendance for Module 3 can be found in the dedicated section of the Degree Course website.Participation in the practical and laboratory activities requires wearing a lab coat and suitable footwear. Appropriate PPE for the specific activities, such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided.

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

Assessment methods

Oral exam, lasting from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the student's level of preparation. The questions, two or three in number, will relate to the topics covered. During the exam, the teacher will assess the student's level of preparation and, equally importantly, their analytical and reasoning skills.

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. 

- 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.

  - Students may reject the final grade once by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

- 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.

 

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

Teaching include classroom or video of specialist deeply involved in particular field such as assisted reproductive technologies, avian and fish reproduction and breeding management, organic farming.

Laboratory and practical training will support classrooms, where the student can address from a practical point of view what he/she has learn. There will be outside visits to specialized laboratory, breeding centers and farms.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Gaetano Mari