APPLIED ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Acquire fundamental knowledge on the main breeding techniques of polygastrics and monogastrics.

At the end of the course the student will be able to manage a dairy and beef cattle feeding program through the use of Excel electronic sheet together with a calculation of reproductive efficiency indexes of dairy herds.

The course will consist of frontal teaching through computer support (slides) and practical activity in the classroom (calculation simulations, problem solving, case studies, verifications, seminars, video tutorials), or in the field (technical visits to local farms and / or to University farm).

If teaching is given in a mixed formula or remotely, necessary changes may be introduced to what was previously stated in order to comply with the provided and reported syllabus.

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

Brief outline of the anatomy and physiology of the bovine reproductive system. Reproductive efficiency of the cow and related improvement techniques (artificial insemination, embryo transfer, pregnancy diagnosis, induction and synchronization of oestrus). Management of calves and heifers. Milk production of polygastric species: lactation curve. Dairy cow management: lactation, dry, transition. Nutritional management of dairy cattle. Elements of breeding of small ruminants. Meat production in large ruminants: young bulls and veal calves. Cow-calf herd management. Nutritional management of beef cattle. Notes on the quality of meat. Monogastric breeding techniques: the national poultry chain; broiler and laying hens breeding; the national pig chain; types of production and breeding techniques for light and heavy pigs.

1. Bittante, G., Andrighetto, I., Ramanzin, M. - Tecniche di produzione animale. Liviana Editrice.
2. Monetti, P.G. - Allevamento dei bovini e dei suini. Cristiano Giraldi Editore, Bologna.
3. Dell'Orto, V., Savoini, G. - Alimentazione della vacca da latte. Edagricole.
4. Succi, G., Hoffmann, I. - La vacca da latte. CittàStudi (testo per eventuale approfondimento su
tematiche inerenti la bovina da latte).
5. Cerolini, S., Marzoni Fecia di Cossato, M., Romboli, I., Schiavone, A., Zamboni, L. - Avicoltura e
Coniglicoltura. Point Veterinaire Italie.

Other learning materials on:https://studium.unict.it/dokeos/2020/courses/16127/