72473 - Pig And Horse Breeding And Husbandry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the scientific and technical principles and methods of reproduction, genetic improvement, feeding technologies, breeding and slaughter of pigs and horses. In particular, the student is able to: - manage farms - to prepare feed for different categories of animals - manage breeding and cross programs at the farm level - performing technical tasks in slaughter pigs - monitoring the quality of production at farm level - carry out technical assistance activities.

Course contents

The course is divided in two modules. The first module of 4 credits includes the basic concepts of animal production, reproduction, genetics and other aspects of pig and equine productions.

The second module of 2 credits includes biosecurity, nutrition and weaning in pigs.

Pig production: Current status and perspectives of pig farming. Statistics of pork production in Italy, Europe and the world. Anatomical and physiological characteristics of pigs. Rearing systems. Pig breeds. Reproduction and fertility. Artificial insemination. Birth. Feeding and breeding of sows and weaning of piglets. Boars. Milking. Growth and development. Production of light pigs. Production of heavy pigs. Food and byproducts for animal feed. Use of food additives. Slaughtering of pigs. Carcass traits and cuts. Carcass classification. Meat quality for the processing industry. Breeding: herdbook, sib-test, performance test. Crossbreeding. Welfare of pigs. Authentication of pork products. Coat colour genetics.

Equine Production: Current status and perspectives in horse breeding. Statistics related to horse productions. Horse breeds. Reproduction. Milking and weaning of the foal. Techniques for breeding and feeding. Use of the horse. Genetics and selection. Coat colour genetics

Readings/Bibliography

Notes from the lessons.

Books could complements lessons' notes:

Monetti P.G..- Allevamento dei Bovini e dei suini, Cristiano Giraldi Editore, Ozzano Emilia, 2001

Miraglia N.,Bergero D., Gagliardi D. - Cavallo atleta, Gestione e miglioramento delle prestazioni, Calderini Edagricole, 2000.

Whittemore C. (1993)- The science and practice of pig production. Longman Group Limited

Teaching methods

Lessons. Practical activities in the lab. Visit to pig farms.

Assessment methods

The final exam will be based on an interview that may include all arguments of the programms of the course. Examination dates will be proposed by the Professor according to the needs of the students and rules of the degree course.
The course is divided in two modules of 4 e 2 credits, respectively. The final exam is one combining the two modules. Examination commission will include the two professors of the courses that are included in the integrated course.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint slides of the lessons

Office hours

See the website of Luca Fontanesi

See the website of Paolo Trevisi