95959 - Metabolism in Farm Animals

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students are able to apply knowledge of biochemical pathways and metabolic regulation in different tissues and species and methods to evaluate cellular metabolism to maintain or improve the health and welfare of production animals

Course contents

The syllabus is structured as follows:

• Overview of cell metabolism: the sum of the enzyme-catalyzed reactions of the metabolic pathways involved in the degradative or biosynthesis phase of macromolecules (12 hours);
• Regulation of metabolism: hormonal control of metabolism aims to understand the roles of insulin, glucagon, and catecholamines in coordinating metabolism in different tissues and in regulating energy production (14 hours);
• Rumen metabolism: rumen fermentation of polysaccharides and ATP yeld in rumen fermentation of carbohydrates. Protein degradation and catabolism of nitrogen compounds in the rumen. Rumen metabolism of ammonia and amino acid synthesis. Lipid metabolism and rumen production of methane (10 hours).

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en )

Slides of the lecture and papers cited therein.

Suggested books for a deeper study:

• Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry Eighth Edition| ©2021 David L. Nelson; Michael M. Cox - Macmillan Learning

 

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures.

The presentation of each subject is supported by the simultaneous projection of illustrations and schemes to facilitate understanding. Seminars will be requested by students too deepen subjects of specific farm animal interest.

Assessment methods

Metabolism in farm animals will be assessed through oral test. During the test it will be placed at least three questions with the same weight. Any mid-term tests may be carried out during the course, in agreement with the students.

In evaluating the oral exam, the instructor will use the following grading scale:

• Preparation on a limited number of topics. Ability to analyze only with the help of the teacher. Overall correct language skills (18-19)
• Preparation on a limited number of topics. Ability to analyze independently. Correct language skills (20-24)
• Preparation on a wide range of topics. Ability to make independent critical analysis choices. Mastery of specific terminology (25-29)
• Exhaustive preparation of the topics. Ability to make independent critical analysis and connection choices. Full mastery of specific terminology (30-30L)

The result of the oral exam will be communicated at the end of the session. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.

Any mid-term tests may be carried out during the course, in agreement with the students.

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

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Salvatore Nesci.

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.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, videos.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Salvatore Nesci

See the website of