FILIERE DELLE PRODUZIONI ANIMALIModule QUALITA' DEI PRODOTTI DI ORIGINE ANIMALE
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ALESSANDRO PRIOLOExpected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will acquire specific knowledge of the supply chain and the quality of animal products, enabling them to evaluate strengths and weaknesses with a view to applying the principles of total quality.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to identify the main qualitative characteristics of different animal products, particularly those influenced by animal feeding strategies and metabolism. They will also be able to interpret analytical data and organize it in a systematic manner.
Making Judgements
The diversification of teaching activities will foster autonomy of judgement and critical thinking. The body of knowledge and skills acquired through lectures and complementary activities (including thematic case studies, video tutorials, seminars with industry experts, classroom discussions, workshops, and technical visits) will provide students with multiple learning opportunities, supporting conscious learning and the ability to make appropriate decisions in response to specific needs.
Communication Skills
Attendance at lectures and engagement with the recommended readings will facilitate the acquisition and use of disciplinary terminology. The use of reference materials in English will further contribute to the development of technical language skills in that language. Students will be encouraged to employ appropriate terminology during classroom discussions, supplementary activities, and formative assessments, which will also promote the development of synthesis and communication skills.
Learning Skills
The organization of teaching activities is designed to provide a study and work method that emphasizes the quality of sources and can be replicated independently. This method will support the preparation of the final thesis, the pursuit of further studies, and the continuous updating of knowledge and skills required for professional practice.
Course Structure
In accordance with the relevant teaching regulations, the course will include both lectures and complementary teaching activities. Lectures will cover the main topics of the course syllabus and will be complemented by additional activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of selected topics. These will include in-depth seminars delivered by the instructor or subject-matter experts, as well as the viewing and discussion of selected video materials. Practical exercises and other activities will also be carried out in the classroom, laboratory, and production facilities, providing students with opportunities to apply and consolidate the knowledge acquired during the course.
Adjustments for Blended or Online Teaching
Should the course be delivered in a blended or fully online format, the teaching methods described above may be adjusted as necessary to ensure consistency with the learning objectives and the approved course syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Textbook Information
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of animal morphology | |
| 2 | Nutrients: Structural and non-structural carbohydrates;Fiber according to Van Soest (NDF; ADF ADL; AIA); Crude Protein and Cornell fractions (A, B1 B2 B3C) Proteins INRA (PDI); lipids and ruminal biohydrogenation | Capitoli 14,15,16 e 17 Testo 1 Materiale del docente caricato su Studium |
| 3 | Principles of anatomy and physiology of digestion in monogastric animals | |
| 4 | Anatomy and physiology of digestion in ruminants; ruminal fermentations | |
| 5 | Anatomy of the udder and physiology of lactation | |
| 6 | Principles of physiology of reproduction in mammals | |
| 7 | Meat and milk quality parameters | |
| 8 | Effectsof feeding on meat and milk quality |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The assessment of learning will consist of two optional written examinations, each with a duration of 45 minutes, to be administered midway through the course and at its conclusion. These examinations are designed to provide students with the opportunity to evaluate their own level of preparation.
The final assessment will be completed by an oral examination. Overall, the evaluation will consider the relevance and accuracy of the responses, the quality of content, the ability to establish connections among the topics covered in the syllabus, as well as clarity of expression and the appropriate use of disciplinary terminology.
The vote follows the following scheme:
Negative:
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize
Use of references: Completely inappropriate
18-20:
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections
Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills
Use of references: just appropriate
21-23
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge
Ability to analyze and synthesize: ability of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently
Using references: Use standard references
24-26
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge
Analysis and synthesis skills: good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently
Using references: Use of standard references
27-29
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good
Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis
Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth
30-30 e lode
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge
Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis.
Use of references: Important 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)
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
2. Ruminal degradation of proteins
3.Volatile Fatty Acids
4. Ruminal Biohydrogenation
5meat quality
6. Milk quality
7. Lactation physiology