Unit RUMINANT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Course
Animal science
Study-unit Code
85023407
Curriculum
In all curricula
Teacher
Mariano Pauselli
Teachers
  • Mariano Pauselli
Hours
  • 54 ore - Mariano Pauselli
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2022
Offered
2024/25
Learning activities
Caratterizzante
Area
Discipline delle produzioni animali
Academic discipline
AGR/19
Type of study-unit
Obbligatorio (Required)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
Italian
Contents
The objective of the course will be to provide the student with the basic knowledge on the ruminant production systems, taking into account the animal physioological basis affecting the development of criteria able to manage the herd productive and reproductive efficiency, feeding strategies and production quality. This will represent the background necessary to identify possible corrections, based on a suitable process of data collection and interpretation.
The main knowledge acquired will therefore be on:
- fundamental knowledge on the meat and milk production systems;
- production systems implemented for the main ruminant species;
- feeding and reproduction management strategies in the different systems;
- evaluation of the performance of a production system through the suitable indicators;
- quality parameters for food of animal origin, in terms of sensory and nutritional quality traits. Strategies to improve such quality parameters;
- principles for the correct evaluation of scientific data related to the topic
The student will ultimately be able to apply the knowledge acquired to apply the following skills:
- ability to correcly evaluate physiological aspects determining the production performance in terms of reproduction efficiency, lactation and growth processes in ruminants with impact on the related farming systems;
- ability to identify, exploit and elaborate the necessary data to evaluate the efficiency and performance of a specific production system
- ability to understand the relation between the ruminant production systems and the feed and reproduction efficiency.
- ability understand the impact of a specific production system of the animals on the quality of their products
- ability to source and understand consistent scientific data
Reference texts
- G. Bittante, I. Andrighetto, M. Ramanzin. Tecniche di produzione animale (nuova edizione) – 2005, LIVIANA
- Copia delle presentazioni e dei seminari effettuati durante il corso. Link ai video tutorial mostrati.
- Altro materiale didattico fornito dal docente
Additional readings on specific topics:
-) V. Dell’Orto, G. Savoini. Alimentazione della vacca da latte. Gestione responsabile dell’alimentazione per ottenere latte di alto standard qualitativo – 2005, Edagricole.
- G. Pulina. L’alimentazione degli ovini da latte – 2003 (III ristampa), Avenue Media
Educational objectives
The objective of the classes will be to provide the students with the basic knowledge on the different production systems for ruminants. Emphasis will be always put on the physiological bases motivating the different choices available to properly manage the production system with efficiency and to improve the quality of products.
Prerequisites
The courses of Animal physiology and Animal feeding and Nutrition are considered preparatory. Therefore, having successfully taken these exams will be mandatory. Furthermore, confidence with Excel software will be useful to profitably undertake exercises during the course.
Teaching methods
Classes will be structured in traditional lessons on the main topics in programme. Tematic tutorial videos (in English) will be used for specific topics in order to better understand the practical issues related to particular techniques. Some topics will be treated in specific seminars, while others will be the subject of in-field and laboratory activities, as well as of specific practice exercises.
Other information

Learning verification modality
The exam will consist of a discussion of 30 minutes approximately, aiming at verifying the level of confidence reached in the topics treated. Questions will focus on aspects related to the fundaments of the breeding techniques for the livestock species treated, with a link always stressed on the physiological bases leading choices among the techniques available. The discussion will also be aimed at evaluating the student’s capability of reaching autonomous solutions. Finally, the ability of the student to articulate and motivate answers will be taken in great account, as well as the use of an appropriate vocabulary.
Extended program
DAIRY CATTLE
- Reproduction aspects (Reminds of reproduction physiology. Reproduction techniques. The role of managing the herd for good fertility and the evaluation of reproduction efficiency at the farm level)
- The young herd management: heifer.
- Reminds of lactation physiology
- Management issues in a dairy farm (Lactation curve and management. Management of the dry and fresh cow. Feeding management)
- Milk quality and management (Milk composition and factors of variation. Managing the somatic cell count. Feeding strategies to improve milk quality.)
BEEF CATTLE
- Veal calf production
- Beef production
- Meat quality (the muscle to meat conversion. Feeding strategies to improve meat sensory, technological and nutritional quality traits)
SHEEP and GOATS
-) The reproduction issues in small ruminants
-) Sheep milk production and sheep milk quality
-) Goat milk production and goat milk quality
-) Lamb meat production and lamb meat quality
BUFFALO MILK PRODUCTION
OTHER TOPICS
-) Elaboration and interpretation of scientific data in the field of ruminant production
-) The potential use of markers for the authentication of ruminant products (milk, cheese and meat)
Sintesi del programma
The objective of the classes will be to provide the students with the basic knowledge on the different production systems for ruminants. Emphasis will be always put on the physiological bases motivating the different choices available to properly manage the production system with efficiency and to improve the quality of products.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
The goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development traceable to the Course can be summarized as combating poverty and hunger and producing quality food that ensures the well-being of populations while respecting environmental protection and the welfare of farmed animals
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