93664 - Precision Livestock Farming

Learning outcomes

At course completion, the student possesses knowledge on: the fundamentals of livestock behavior and its relationships with physiological and pathological processes; monitoring, using Livestock Precision Farming technologies, of the physiological responses related to the well-being, as well as production and reproductive performance of the animals. In particular, the student possesses the skills to: critically interpret the data obtained from real-time monitoring systems, which enables him/her to make decisions in operational contexts that will ensure the effective management of livestock farms, improving animal welfare, animal health and consequently animal production and reproductive performance.

Course contents

• PLF has been defined as “intelligent management and care of (individual) animals in livestock farming by continuous automated monitoring/controlling of the production/reproduction, health and welfare of (individual) animals, thereby allowing quick corrections when deviations from normal are monitored”. Initially the students will learn about behavior, physiology and main clinical signs in animals, so that they will be able to understand the monitoring principles applied by LPF tools. The students will indeed learn about the novel techniques to measure animal bio-responses (including the use of cameras, microphones, wearable technology, in-body sensors, bio-sensors, etc.) and integrated sensor systems to monitor new or established key production indicators. Students will learn how critically interpreter the data obtained by the real time monitor system so that as professionals they will be able to make informed decisions that guarantee effective and efficient management of farms optimizing the health and welfare of the animals and consequently the productivity of the farms.

Readings/Bibliography

Lesson notes,

Suggested scientific articles posted in IOL

Books:

Ilan Halachmi. 2015. Precision livestock farming applications. Wageningen Academic Publisher. (Available in our library, Collocation: 636.01 PRE)

Claudia Kamphuis, Wilma Steeneveld. 2016. Precision dairy farming. Wageningen Academic Publisher. (Available in our library, Collocation: 636.01 PRE/01)

Teaching methods

Mixed teaching (face to face and online) with a student centred method

Tutorials

Practical classes, learning by doing metod

Assessment methods

Group work (10%)

Online Quiz (30%)

Final oral exam (60%)

 

Office hours

See the website of Barbara Padalino