2025/2026

Module Animal Biology and General Animal Husbandry Knowledge and understanding Students will have to acquire the main elements regarding the physiology and anatomy of livestock as well as elements of general zootechnics. Specifically, they will acquire knowledge on the anatomy and functioning of the main organs, tissues and systems that make up the body of livestock, on livestock demography and on the main species and breeds raised. Applying knowledge and understanding The knowledge acquired will allow the student to have a greater awareness and understanding of the different zootechnical disciplines in the university and professional fields. Making judgements The skills and knowledge acquired in practice will guarantee the student the ability to make good judgment in order to make reasoned choices in the specific sector. Communication skills The knowledge acquired by the student will allow him to have a correct communication ability with other stakeholders (breeders, veterinarians, agronomists, etc.). Learning skills The skills acquired by the student will allow him to learn from past experiences through the development of his own critical capacity which will allow greater flexibility in the different professional contexts he will find himself facing. Special Animal Husbandry Module: breeding techniques Knowledge and understanding To provide students with basic knowledge regarding the performance of livestock animals, their monitoring and management. In particular, students are expected to gain basic knowledge on animal welfare, environmental impact of livestock farms, genetic improvement, nutrition and breeding techniques. Applying knowledge and understanding The knowledge gained will enable the student to have a greater awareness of the main breeding systems, which will also include aspects related to their management. Making judgements The skills and knowledge acquired will ensure that the student will embark on a path aimed at acquiring judgment skills in order to make reasoned choices in the field of animal husbandry. Communication skills The knowledge gained by the student will enable him or her to communicate with other stakeholders (breeders, zoonomi, agronomists, veterinarians, etc.). Learning skills The skills acquired will enable the student to learn from past experiences through the development of his or her own critical capacity that will allow for greater flexibility in the various professional contexts he or she will face.

No prerequisites are required

non available

Levels of organization of the animal body: concept of cell, tissue, organ, system, apparatus. Elements of morphology and physiology of the main tissues. Morpho-functional aspects of the Skeletal, Articular and Muscular System. Digestive system of monogastric and polygastric animals; Male and female reproductive systems; Mammary gland and lactation physiology. Endocrine system, Physiology of thermoregulation. Immune response. Natural and instrumental mating, innovative biotechnology of reproduction.
Body conformation, production attitudes/capacity and distribution of the main livestock species and breeds.

Bortolami R., Callegari E., Beghelli V. - Anatomia e fisiologia degli animali domestici, Edagricole Bologna

Bittante G. , I. Andrighetto, M. Ramanzin, Tecniche di produzione animale, Liviana Editrice, Padova

Aguggini G., Beghelli V., Giulio L.F. Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con Elementi di Etologia. UTET, Torino

Lectures

Opzionale

Fifteen multiple choice questions (1 point each) and five open-ended questions (0 to 3 points per question)
Example multiple choice question
In apocrine secretion the glandular cell can:
a) transform into the secretion
b) remain unchanged
c) partially modify
d) enlarge
Example open-ended question
Describe the main mechanisms of heat dispersion in heat stress conditions

    andrea vitali