Ree Smartcow - Precision Dairy Farming
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The laboratory aims to offer to the student the opportunity to understand the current challenges of precision livestock farming using tools and sensors that are used in research and in the commercial field to monitor the conditions of animals and their performances as well as the efficiency and adequacy of the systems and structures that come into contact with them. The topic will be addressed as a research project, starting from a theoretical study of a problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting, processing and interpreting measured data.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will learn about the main indicators and tools to monitor and study the main aspects related to dairy farming: milk production and quality, well-being and behavior, health, farming environment, efficiency of plant and equipment operation. He/she will acquire the ability to process, integrate and interpret output data from sensors, instruments and other sources, also developing simple forecasting models for decision support. The activities will favor the development of soft skills such as team working, leadership, autonomy, problem solving, communication skills.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The laboratory will focus on a Precision Livestock Farming topic, which may vary from year to year. Possible topics include:
1. Milking efficiency and udder health
2. Welfare, behavior, health, and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows
3. Monitoring of environmental, behavioral, and physiological indicators for the assessment of health and welfare in replacement heifers
The laboratory activities will take place mainly at the Menozzi Teaching and Experimental Farm in Landriano (Pavia), part of the University of Milan. One session will be held in the Computer Lab at Via Celoria 2.
1. Milking efficiency and udder health
2. Welfare, behavior, health, and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows
3. Monitoring of environmental, behavioral, and physiological indicators for the assessment of health and welfare in replacement heifers
The laboratory activities will take place mainly at the Menozzi Teaching and Experimental Farm in Landriano (Pavia), part of the University of Milan. One session will be held in the Computer Lab at Via Celoria 2.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the physiology and farming techniques of the main livestock species
Teaching methods
The laboratory will last 5 days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will take place primarily at a livestock farm. It will be structured as follows:
· Introductory lectures on the topics covered and on safety rules in the barn.
· A lecture on how to prepare the final report.
· Practical sessions on-farm to learn how to use tools, sensors, and protocols, and to collect experimental data.
· Classroom activities for data processing: data analysis, interpretation, and development of simple predictive models to support decision-making.
Before the laboratory starts, students will be provided with bibliographic material to deepen their understanding of the topic of the project.
At the end of the course, students will prepare a written report in English and give a presentation of the results.
· Introductory lectures on the topics covered and on safety rules in the barn.
· A lecture on how to prepare the final report.
· Practical sessions on-farm to learn how to use tools, sensors, and protocols, and to collect experimental data.
· Classroom activities for data processing: data analysis, interpretation, and development of simple predictive models to support decision-making.
Before the laboratory starts, students will be provided with bibliographic material to deepen their understanding of the topic of the project.
At the end of the course, students will prepare a written report in English and give a presentation of the results.
Teaching Resources
Students will be provided with scientific papers on the topics covered
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning outcomes will be assessed through a written report in English and a final presentation (in Italian or English). Evaluation will be based on the following criteria: demonstration of theoretical and applied knowledge of the subject; ability to contextualize and discuss the topic with appropriate connections; logical progression and coherence in the presentation of concepts; adequacy of the statistical approach; use of appropriate technical and scientific language.
The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths and assigned after submission of the report and completion of the presentation.
Students with learning disabilities (DSA) or other disabilities are requested to contact the course instructor by email at least 15 days before the scheduled exam date to agree on possible individualized arrangements. In the email, students must copy the relevant University Services: serviziodsa@unimi.it (for DSA) or ufficiodisabili@unimi.it (for disabilities).
The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths and assigned after submission of the report and completion of the presentation.
Students with learning disabilities (DSA) or other disabilities are requested to contact the course instructor by email at least 15 days before the scheduled exam date to agree on possible individualized arrangements. In the email, students must copy the relevant University Services: serviziodsa@unimi.it (for DSA) or ufficiodisabili@unimi.it (for disabilities).
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Field activity: 32 hours
Computer room practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 4 hours
Computer room practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 4 hours
Professor:
Sandrucci Anna Alfea
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Via Celoria 2