Animal science and technology
Class: LM-86 R -
Next Calls for applications (international students) - A.Y. 2024/25:
- 1st Call: 2 November 2023 - 2 February 2024
- 2nd Call: 2 March - 2 May 2024
- 3rd Call (ONLY EU and equated students): 2 June - 2 August 2024
The course is defined by its three themes; efficient production processes and product quality; animal welfare protection, biodiversity and the environment; and professional tools. The course provides students with the advanced knowledge needed to carry out the design and coordination activities for the agro-zootechnical sector in an efficient manner. Study the evolutionary analysis of the supply chains of farming concerning the needs of society; food hygiene, farm animal welfare, sustainable livestock systems, the economics of farming, and design livestock systems. The course prepares students to operate in private companies, public bodies and trade organizations that specialize in the protection and enhancement of food production and the safeguarding of animal welfare.
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Characteristics and objectives
The Course trains agro-zootechnical professional skills to carry out complex planning and coordination activities in evolving economic, social, environmental and ethical scenarios. Furthermore, the Course provides the cognitive and training tools to operate with autonomy, competence and critical thinking in assessing, planning and managing actions aimed at:
1) improving the acquisition and use of resources in the livestock farm to enhance the technical-economic efficiency;
2) harmonizing the agro-zootechnical practices to improve animal welfare and conservation of local biodiversity, taking into account the environmental and economic impacts and the sustainability at farm and regional level;
3) valorizing and innovating animal production (product and process quality, and traceability) in the agri-food chains.
The training course is organised into three thematic areas:
a) efficiency of production processes and quality of animal products. This area includes teaching activities dealing with genomic and nutrigenomic approaches applied to animal production; product and process quality of milk, meat and fish; insect farming and products quality; hygiene of animal products;
b) protection of animal welfare, biodiversity and the environment. This area includes teaching activities dealing with the improvement of animal welfare in livestock farms and the development of sustainable livestock systems; the management of biodiversity, food safety and traceability of animal products; the improvement of feeding and agronomic strategies to reduce the environmental impact of the livestock sector;
c) economic, statistical and IT tools for livestock farms and the agricultural chain. This area includes teaching activities dealing with the economic assessment of rural areas and livestock farms; the design of livestock facilities and systems for the management and valorization of animal wastes; the use of precision livestock tools; the statistical and IT tools applied to the agri-food chain; the strengthening of English language.
Occupational opportunities
Graduates in Animal Science and Technology can be employed in:
- companies involved in genetic selection and improvement of livestock species; acquisition and manufacturing of raw materials, animal feedstuff, and additives; breeding and rearing of livestock animals; planning and design of livestock housing facilities and the storage, disposal and valorization of livestock wastes; production, transformation and marketing of animal products; agri-food analysis;
- breeders organizations and associations; livestock chain industries, including the manufacturing and transformation of animal products; consumer associations, business organizations, and mass-market retailers;
- public and private bodies which carry out activities focused on the planning, analysis, control, certification and scientific surveys at farm and regional levels on issues concerning the protection and valorization of food production and the safeguard of animal welfare, biodiversity, and environment.
In addition, graduates can be employed in:
- teaching livestock husbandry and agronomy at the high school;
- private activity as agronomist and zoonomist.
