MACCHINE E COLTURE PER GLI ALLEVAMENTI ZOOTECNICI

Module MACCHINE E IMPIANTI PER GLI ALLEVAMENTI ZOOTECNICI

Basic knowledge of tractors and the main machinery and equipment used for forage harvesting, haymaking, conservation and distribution in livestock farms. Acquisition of the skills required for the critical selection of machines and systems according to the characteristics of the farm, while respecting the constraints imposed by agronomic aspects, animal welfare, environmental protection, and operator safety.

With reference to the Dublin Descriptors, at the end of the course the student will acquire:

Knowledge and understanding abilities
Knowledge of the main agricultural machines and systems used in livestock farms, identifying the models most suitable for specific needs.

Applying knowledge and understanding abilities
Ability to recognise the functionalities of components, machines, and systems in order to understand their potential and possible applications.

Making judgements abilities
Ability to compare different solutions and select the one most appropriate for specific requirements.

Communication skills
Ability to correctly use technical terminology in order to interact and engage with specialists. Ability to simplify and make understandable, also to non‑specialists, the functionalities and distinctive characteristics of sensors, actuators, controllers, machines, and systems.

Learning skills
Ability to learn the topics covered through logical‑deductive methods rather than mnemonic approaches.

Lectures (14 hours) supported by slides, and exercises (14 hours) consisting of practical application analyses, seminars, and visits to local farms.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Knowledge of tractors and the main operating machines used for the cultivation of herbaceous crops.

Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives.

Taking into account operator safety and environmental impact, the course will cover machinery for harvesting green forage and equipment used in haymaking, such as tedders, rakes, windrowers, and conditioners. The analysis will also include machinery for forage baling and for handling and transporting the resulting bales. Furthermore, the course will address machines for preparing and distributing the feed ration, as well as systems for barn cleaning and manure management. Finally, an overview of milking systems will be provided.

The lecturer provides all the slides used to cover the topics outlined in the program during class, in order to serve as a guide for individual study. Therefore, lecture notes will also be important. Additionally, the following texts are recommended, while students are free to consult any other books related to the topics covered.

Oral examination covering the entire program.

The evaluation will take into account the relevance and quality of the answers provided, as well as the use of appropriate technical language, the ability to reason, and the capacity to connect the transversal knowledge acquired throughout the various parts of the program.

In detail, the following criteria will be applied:

Not acceptable
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Substantial shortcomings and inaccuracies..
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant with frequent generalizations Inability to summarise.
Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18-20
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Very modest with evident imperfections.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Barely adequate.
Use of references: Just appropriate.

21-23
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Able to perform correct analysis and synthesis. Arguments are presented in a logical and coherent manner.
Use of references: Use of standard references.

24-26
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Good analytical and synthesis abilities. Arguments expressed coherently.
Use of references: Use of standard references.

27-29
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: More than good knowledge.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis.
Use of references: He/She has examined the topics in depth.

30-30L
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis.
Use of references: Significant in‑depth insights.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Exam dates can be found on the website of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the following link: https://www.di3a.unict.it/corsi/l-25-gsp/calendario-esami-di-profitto.

• Machines for green forage harvesting.
• Machines for forage conditioning.
• Machines for haymaking.
• Square balers and round balers.
• Machines for transporting square bales and round bales.
• Machines for preparing the feeding ration.
• Machines for distributing the feeding ration.
• Barn cleaning systems.
• Collection and management of livestock effluents.
• Components of milking systems.