2023
Information and Automation Systems in Animal Science
Name: Information and Automation Systems in Animal Science
Code: ERU12379L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Rural Engineering
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
Approach centered on the applications of information and automation systems in animal science to support the decision-making of the farm manager, for the sustainable reduction of production costs.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Provide the students with knowledge of computer, information and automation systems, Students acquire
capacity to use, select and manipulate information and data on the environment and animals . Demonstrate
existing state-of-the-art technologies for control and automation and the advantages . Know the various
methodologies and systems of data-acquisition, environmental control and automation and being capable
of implementing, programming and using systems in farms in order to reduce costs/ improve production.
Acquire the capacity to select the proper technology and identify and solve potential problems. Learn to
create simple computer solutions that solve the information needs . Learn to evaluate the on-farm situation
and choose the best control and automation solutions. Conceive, tender and support the installation of
data acquisition and control systems. Learn to process data acquired through sensors, and propose
solutions that can help reduce costs/maximize animal well being.
capacity to use, select and manipulate information and data on the environment and animals . Demonstrate
existing state-of-the-art technologies for control and automation and the advantages . Know the various
methodologies and systems of data-acquisition, environmental control and automation and being capable
of implementing, programming and using systems in farms in order to reduce costs/ improve production.
Acquire the capacity to select the proper technology and identify and solve potential problems. Learn to
create simple computer solutions that solve the information needs . Learn to evaluate the on-farm situation
and choose the best control and automation solutions. Conceive, tender and support the installation of
data acquisition and control systems. Learn to process data acquired through sensors, and propose
solutions that can help reduce costs/maximize animal well being.
Contents
- Introduction to computer and automation systems; advanced use of spreadsheet and database;
Programming; hardware (computer parts, I/O); introduction to electronics; sensors and data loggers; PLC
and automations;
Notions of geo-referencing; electronic subsystems of farm machinery; monitoring (sensors); Monitoring
and instrumentation panel; control with data input (interactive).
Applications: in equipment for preparation, conditioning and distribution of animal feed and in equipment
for transporting and spreading animal sub products; control with data recording and GPS connection
Programming; hardware (computer parts, I/O); introduction to electronics; sensors and data loggers; PLC
and automations;
Notions of geo-referencing; electronic subsystems of farm machinery; monitoring (sensors); Monitoring
and instrumentation panel; control with data input (interactive).
Applications: in equipment for preparation, conditioning and distribution of animal feed and in equipment
for transporting and spreading animal sub products; control with data recording and GPS connection
Teaching Methods
The fundamental theoretical concepts will be presented in class. There will be practical classes for
configuring and using equipment. Students will conceive and implement new systems. There will be study
visits to model farms.
Distant learning: introduction of the fundamental theoretical concepts through the resources made
available in Moodle (lectures, various texts, PowerPoint presentations, internet pages, etc..). In each part of
the programme students will have specific objectives to achieve.
configuring and using equipment. Students will conceive and implement new systems. There will be study
visits to model farms.
Distant learning: introduction of the fundamental theoretical concepts through the resources made
available in Moodle (lectures, various texts, PowerPoint presentations, internet pages, etc..). In each part of
the programme students will have specific objectives to achieve.
Teaching Staff
