FILIERE DELLE PRODUZIONI ANIMALI
Module QUALITA' DEI PRODOTTI DI ORIGINE ANIMALE

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ALESSANDRO PRIOLO

Expected 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

Basic knowledge of chemical and biological areas and applied to food are considered important to fully understand the contents of the course. 

Attendance of Lessons

Not compulsory but strongly suggested

Detailed Course Content

Elements of animal morphology. Nutrients: structural and non structural carbohydrates; the fibre according to the  Van Soest system (NDF; ADF ADL; AIA); Crude protein and protein fractions according to the Cornell system (A, B1 B2 B3C) and INRA (PDI); lipids and ruminal bio-hydrogenation of fatty acids. Elements of anatomy and physiology of digestion in monogastric and ruminants. The udder: anatomy and the lactation. Definition of quality for milk and meat.The effects of animal feeling on milk and meat quality. 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.

Textbook Information

Pulina (Editor) Dairy sheep feeling and nutrition – Avenue media

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Principles of animal morphology
2Nutrients: 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 biohydrogenationCapitoli 14,15,16 e 17 Testo 1 Materiale del docente caricato su Studium
3Principles of anatomy and physiology of digestion in monogastric animals
4Anatomy and physiology of digestion in ruminants; ruminal fermentations
5Anatomy of the udder and physiology of lactation
6Principles of physiology of reproduction in mammals
7Meat and milk quality parameters
8Effectsof 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

1. Fiber

2. Ruminal degradation of proteins

3.Volatile Fatty Acids

4. Ruminal Biohydrogenation

5meat quality

6. Milk quality

7. Lactation physiology