Animal Nutrition and Feeding

Academic Year 2022/2023 - Teacher: Marcella AVONDO

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding abilitiesThe student will acquire knowledge on the energy, protein and lipid metabolism of animals. Issues relating to the evaluation and objective determinations of the main parameters that define the characteristics of feeds for animals, feed intake with a particular focus on the feeding behavior of grazing animals, the metabolic parameters indicators of the state of health of the animals, the main systems for the estimation of nutritional requirements and the evaluation of feeds. Furthermore, the criteria by which relevant objective data can be appropriately retrieved, processed and presented will be dealt with.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding abilities: The student will be able to formulate and evaluate feed rations, identify the nutritional status and metabolic well-being conditions of animals and distinguish the main variation factors. In particular, the student will be able to evaluate any dietary errors through indicators detectable in vivo. Furthermore, the student will be able to carry out objective measurements of some of these parameters, as well as to critically interpret the acquired data. The student will be able to consciously examine the parameters under study and based on the information acquired, will be able to guide technical feeding choices aimed at optimizing production performance and maintaining animal welfare.

Making judgements: The diversification of teaching activities will help the student to enhance the autonomy of judgment and the critical spirit. The set of knowledge and skills acquired through lectures and all other theoretical-practical activities (laboratories, seminars held by external experts, technical visits) will allow for conscious learning and the ability to autonomously apply the knowledge acquired during the course in the different work fields.

Communication skills: Attending lessons and reading recommended texts, also in English, will help the student in the acquisition and use of technical language also in this language. The student will be stimulated to use technical language during classroom discussions and during other activities that will also favor the acquisition of synthesis skills.

Learning skills: The organization of the teaching allows the student to acquire a work method that can be replicated and pursued independently. This may be useful for the preparation of the degree thesis, for the continuation of studies and for the continuous updating of the knowledge and skills necessary for the profession.

Course Structure

Class lectures (28 h).

In-depth seminars on some of the topics covered, classroom and laboratory exercises (28 h).

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 be done remotely if necessary.

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on teaching objectives of the discipline. 
It is also possible to ask the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs), in the persons of professors Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Anna De Angelis.

Required Prerequisites

Knowledge of the physiology of the digestive, endocrine and mammary systems is recommended

Detailed Course Content

Energetic, proteic and lipidic metabolism. Feeds net energy and protein value: main systems adopted. Pasture intake measurement methods. Main standard feeding systems. Metabolic disorders. Formulation of feed rations for the different productive categories in different zootechnical species. The role of nutrition on the environmental impact of livestock farms.

Textbook Information

1) Ronchi, Savoini, Trabalza Marinucci - "Manuale di Nutrizione dei Ruminanti da Latte" EdiSES Università S.r.l., Napoli

 2) Antongiovanni, Gualtieri – Nutrizione e Alimentazione Animale – Edagricole, Bologna

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Nutritive value: main standard systemsChapter 9 e 10 (Text 2)
2Proteic value: main standard systemsChaper11 (Text 2)
3Pasture intake estimation methodsSlides on Studium
4Energy and protein requirementsChapter 13 (Text 2)
5Metabolic disordersChapter 7 (Text 1) and slides on Studium
6Diets formulationChapter 5 (Text 1) and slides on Studium
7The role of feeding on environmentChapter 9 (Text 1)
8Main feeding softwaresSlides on Studium

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral exam

The learning evaluation will consist of an oral exam. Overall, the evaluation of the student's preparation will take place on the basis of the following criteria: learning ability and level of insight of the topics covered, synthesis and presentation abilities, use of technical language and critical sense of the student.

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.

 

Verification of learning can also be carried out remotely, if conditions make it necessary