LIVESTOSK SCIENCE AND ANIMAL PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

The First Cycle Degree Course in Livestock Science and Animal Production Technologies is designed to provide graduates with the necessary competences for professional work in both the livestock science area and in the broad context of technologies applied to animal productions. The academic programme is articulated into different curricula. These curricula have been structured to meet the precise needs of the students and to allow future graduates to quickly enter their local working contexts or pursue their studies to obtain an advanced academic qualification.
In particular, graduates will:
- possess basic knowledge of Biology and of the most important cellular processes involving animal and vegetal organisms;
- acquire useful elements of general and organic chemistry and biochemistry in order to understand the bio-regulatory mechanisms of the most important metabolic functions of animal and vegetal organisms;
- possess elements of general pathology of animals, epidemiology of infectious and parasitic diseases, prophylaxis plans and national and E.U. health legislation;
- possess adequate background and useful elements of biomathematics and information technology for statistical analysis of results and their management through information technology systems;
- acquire specific in-depth knowledge on genetic improvement and livestock morpho-functional evaluation and identification, not only for the production of foodstuffs (meat, milk, eggs) but also for the use of animals for sport activities;
- be aware of the specific investigation methods for problem-solving competences in professional work;
- acquire essential and pertinent knowledge on anatomy and physiology of the main animal organs and systems, especially as regards the digestive, reproductive and locomotive system of bred animals;
- know the hygiene and health rules for animal transfers and transportation in compliance with current legislation;
- possess basic knowledge on animal breeding and neonatal treatments;
- possess notions of pharmacology and toxicology regarding the use of medicines and their suspension times, as well as notions on the main anabolic steroids and doping substances;
- possess adequate managerial skills and knowledge concerning Economics of livestock and livestock-agricultural companies;
- know the main aspects of ethology and of the behaviour of bred animals, especially horses;
- possess knowledge about the production and storage of fodder and feed, the preservation and use of pastures and about the characteristics of cultivated land;
- acquire knowledge and mastery on livestock breeding and feeding technologies;
- be aware of/ be familiar with current workplace safety regulations and laws.

Graduates will acquire specific competences according to their curriculum:
- care and presentation of horses, as well as notions on chiropody, farriery and physiotherapy;
- knowledge on business economics connected to the breeding, training, coaching and use of horses, in order to acquire adequate management competences;
- techniques and methodologies for the training, coaching and use of horses in different activities;
- in-depth knowledge on building and hygienic features of horse riding centres and racecourse facilities as well as notions on racecourse grounds;
- in-depth study of anatomy, biomechanics and physiology of animals in livestock production;
- in-depth knowledge on building and hygienic features of livestock animal housing and of plants producing and processing animal origin foodstuffs;
- basic knowledge on environmental ecology for the preservation of the territory and the promotion of typical areas;
- management of processing companies and of animal production retail;
- laboratory activities for quality control of animal feed and processed foodstuffs of animal origin;
- knowledge on production and processing techniques concerning animal origin foodstuffs and on the hygienic principles for livestock production;
- mastery of processing technologies for animal origin foodstuffs;
- logistic competences for the production chain of animal origin foodstuffs.

Attendance to the course is compulsory. Students will take the exams of the programme according to the guidelines established by the course.
The course offers both theoretical lectures and practical activities so as to give students a complete and constantly updated preparation, especially as regards professionalising subjects.
Optional subjects and internship training start from the first year and are uniformly distributed throughout the three years of course in order for students to gradually come into contact with the matters and issues of the working sector.