Sustainability and Enhancement of Sheep, Goat, Buffalo and Camelid Farming
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide technical and scientific knowledge and skills on the breeding of 'minor' livestock species (goats, sheep, buffaloes, notes on camelids). The course aims to convey notions and skills related to the management, nutrition and valorization of livestock products, in order to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of these types of breeding.
Expected learning outcomes
Acquire scientific and technical knowledge on breeding (management, feeding and valorization of products) that allow the student to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these types of breeding, which are very varied in Italy and Europe, both in terms of type (intensive-extensive) and location (plains, hills, mountains). Acquire skills in assessing the adequacy of business management (e.g. adequacy of milking, size of the flock or herd, reproduction management methods) and feeding (also using spreadsheets, with reference to the INRAE guidelines on nutritional requirements in the different stages of breeding) of the species under study.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
First semester
Course syllabus
Module 1 - Farming System
Lectures (1.5 CFU, 12 hours)
- Breeding techniques and valorization of products (milk, cheese, meat, wool) in the sheep and goat sector (6 hours): factors that influence the production and quality of milk; milking; reproduction and fertility; breeding of replacement animals.
- Valorization and critical points of buffalo breeding for milk and meat in Italy and in the world (3 hours)
- Strengths and future prospects of camelid breeding (3 hours)
Exercises and other activities (0.5 CFU, 8 hours)
- Modern zootechnics of 'minor' species for environmental sustainability (8 hours laboratory/educational visits)
Module 2 - Nutrition and Feeding of Buffaloes, Camelids and Small Ruminants
Lectures (1.5 CFU, 12 hours)
- The digestive system and feeding behaviour of buffaloes, camelids and small ruminants: differences and peculiarities (4 hours).
- Feed intake and main nutritional requirements of buffaloes, camelids and small ruminants during growth and lactation (6 hours).
- Feeding plans for buffaloes, camelids and small ruminants (2 hours).
Exercises and other activities (0.5 CFU, 8 hours)
- Classroom exercises for the evaluation of diets for lactating buffaloes and goats (4 hours).
- Educational visits to farms (4 hours).
Lectures (1.5 CFU, 12 hours)
- Breeding techniques and valorization of products (milk, cheese, meat, wool) in the sheep and goat sector (6 hours): factors that influence the production and quality of milk; milking; reproduction and fertility; breeding of replacement animals.
- Valorization and critical points of buffalo breeding for milk and meat in Italy and in the world (3 hours)
- Strengths and future prospects of camelid breeding (3 hours)
Exercises and other activities (0.5 CFU, 8 hours)
- Modern zootechnics of 'minor' species for environmental sustainability (8 hours laboratory/educational visits)
Module 2 - Nutrition and Feeding of Buffaloes, Camelids and Small Ruminants
Lectures (1.5 CFU, 12 hours)
- The digestive system and feeding behaviour of buffaloes, camelids and small ruminants: differences and peculiarities (4 hours).
- Feed intake and main nutritional requirements of buffaloes, camelids and small ruminants during growth and lactation (6 hours).
- Feeding plans for buffaloes, camelids and small ruminants (2 hours).
Exercises and other activities (0.5 CFU, 8 hours)
- Classroom exercises for the evaluation of diets for lactating buffaloes and goats (4 hours).
- Educational visits to farms (4 hours).
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of general and agricultural chemistry and biology applied to agricultural systems.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with the direct involvement of students in the discussion, through different types of group work; exercises with visits to livestock farms in order to test the theoretical notions acquired during the course in the field. Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes and material available on the course ARIEL website https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=8277
The following texts are recommended:
- Animal Productions. (A. Sandrucci). Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, EdiSES, 2022.
- Manuale di Nutrizione dei ruminanti da latte. Autori vari. Coordinamento e revisione a cura di Rochi B., Savoini G., Trabalza Marinucci M. Ed. EdiSES Università (2020).
The following texts are recommended:
- Animal Productions. (A. Sandrucci). Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, EdiSES, 2022.
- Manuale di Nutrizione dei ruminanti da latte. Autori vari. Coordinamento e revisione a cura di Rochi B., Savoini G., Trabalza Marinucci M. Ed. EdiSES Università (2020).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral examination. The evaluation criteria are based on adherence to the question, on the ability to identify the salient aspects of the subject, on the correctness of the technical language. The vote is expressed in thirtieths.
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 2
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 2
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 2
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professors:
Rapetti Luca, Zucali Maddalena Enrica
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
Office (Building 21050)