APPLIED ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Module SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Academic Year 2022/2023 - Teacher: Massimiliano LANZA

Expected Learning Outcomes

The aim of the course is to deepen the knowledge of sustainable management methods of livestock farms.

Knowledge and understanding

The student will acquire the knowledge of the strategies to guarantee sustainability to the farms of large and small ruminants and pigs in order to guarantee quality productions through a correct management of grazing, the definition of farming models based on "circularity" through the exploitation of local food resources and by-products of the agro-food industry such as feedstuffs, the enhancement of organic livestock farming and outdoor pig farming, and the development of dietary strategies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of farms.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course the student will be able to manage a correct grazing management of ruminants by choosing the appropriate stocking rate based on the grazing techniques adopted. Furthermore, it will be able to evaluate the use of wastes from the agri-food industry in animal feed or other alternative feed resources through their analytical characterization and to define their effects on product quality. The student will also be able to critically evaluate organic livestock production systems and outdoor pig farming and their effects on the quality of livestock production compared to "conventional" production techniques. The student will still be able to critically evaluate the breeding factors that can have the greatest impact on the environment and elaborate potential feeding strategies to counteract this impact.

Autonomy of judgment

The student will be able to independently develop management strategies aimed at guaranteeing the sustainability of livestock farms. This ability is refined through exercises, case study simulations, in different breeding scenarios.

Communication skills

The student will develop the technical glossary of the sustainability of livestock farms and will highlight an active interaction with work colleagues in addressing the problems inherent to this topic. To this end, the scheduled exam will allow students to improve their communication skills through the presentation of topics from the program in the form of a powerpoint.

Learning ability

The student will be able to autonomously deepen their knowledge on the issue of sustainability of livestock farms through the consultation of reference texts, articles in scientific or popular magazines, and through ideas deriving from any seminar activities provided for within the course. .

Course Structure

The course will be shared between lectures through slides on the different topics treated and practical activities in classroom (problem solving approach, simulations exercises, tests, seminars) and/or in lab (analytical procedures) and on the field (technical farm visits).

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

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

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

Basic knowledge in animal science.

Attendance of Lessons

Strongly recommended although not mandatory.

Detailed Course Content

Small ruminant management in Mediterranean areas: feed intake, stocking rate, feeding plans. Organic livestock production: constraints according to official rules on organic animal production and potential effects on product quality. Alternative feed sources in animal feeding (agroindustrial byproducts, alternative legume seeds) and relative effects on product quality. Outdoor swine production. Feeding strategies to reduce GHG emissions by ruminant livestock. Hints on some analytical approaches applied to a sustainable animal productive chain.

Textbook Information

1. Pulina, G. – Dairy Sheep Feeding and Nutrition. Ed. Avenue Media.

2. Ronchi, B., Savoini, G., Trabalza Marinucci, M. (2020) - Manuale di Nutrizione dei Ruminanti da Latte. EdiSES Università.

3. Sandrucci, A., Trevisi, E. (2022). Produzioni Animali. EdiSES Università.

Scientific or expository papers and pdf slides provided by the teacher and uploaded in studium.unict electronic platform.

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Small ruminant management: feed intake, pasture grazing, feed selection, stocking rate, feeding plansBook 1: chapters 5, 6 and 11.Book 2: subchapters 5.8-5.9-5.10. Scientific or expository papers and pdf slides provided by the teacher and upload in studium.unict electronic platform. Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to calculate sheep rations and to set stocking rate.
2Organic livestock productionScientific or expository papers and pdf slides provided by the teacher and uploaded in studium.unict electronic platform. EU rules on organic livestock production provided by the teacher and upload in studium.unict electronic platform.
3Outdoor swine productionScientific or expository papers and pdf slides provided by the teacher and uploaded in studium.unict electronic platform.
4Alternative feed sources in animal feeding (agroindustrial byproducts, alternative legume seeds) and relative effects on product qualityScientific or expository papers and pdf slides provided by the teacher and uploaded in studium.unict electronic platform.
5Feeding strategies to reduce GHG emissions by ruminant livestockBook 2: chapter 9 (subchapter 9.1) Book 3: chapters 15 and 30.Scientific or expository papers and pdf slides provided by the teacher and uploaded in studium.unict electronic platform
6Hints on some analytical approaches applied to a sustainable animal productive chainAnalytical protocols to evaluate feedstuffs and product quality

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Verification of learning takes place through an oral exams on a topic dealt with in a powerpoint presented by the student integrated by questions on other topics of the program.

The evaluation of the student's preparation will take place on the basis of the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topics covered, properties of synthesis and exposition, and the student's ability to reason.

The vote follows the following scheme:

Unsuitable

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: As appropriate


21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge 

Analysis and synthesis skills: It is capable 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: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently

Using references: Use standard references


27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good

Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: Has explored the topics


30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis.

Use of references: Important insights.


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

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

1. Describe the most relevant pasture grazing techniques.

2. What are the most available agroindustrial byproducts in Sicily and how could they be managed in animal feeding?

3. What are the most relevant differences between organic vs conventional animal production systems?