87807 - TECNICHE E SISTEMI DI ALLEVAMENTI SPERIMENTALI

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to understand, plan and manage housing and breeding facilities for the research of animal species (Invertebrates and Vertebrates) of fresh, brackish and salty waters, in cold and tropical water. It will therefore be able to dimension correctly filtering, lighting and the optimal chemical-physical parameters for the management of farmed species, knowing the different materials and the different filtration techniques.

Learn how to design and manage housing and breeding facilities for European and tropical Amphibians and Reptiles. How to draw up a program to control and manage housing facilities.

Expected outlets are public and private facilities where the student will be able to see the concepts learned in the course applied.

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.

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