General Basis for Zootechnics

Code: ZOO12211L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Animal Science

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

First contact of Agronomy students with the animal, its functioning, feeding, breeding, and production systems of species of zootechnical interest (historical evolution and present time)

Sustainable Development Goals

Fome zero e agricultura sustentável - Acabar com a fome, alcançar a segurança alimentar e melhoria da nutrição e promover a agricultura sustentável.

Saúde e bem-estar - Assegurar uma vida saudável e promover o bem-estar para todos, em todas as idades.

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Igualdade de género - Alcançar a igualdade de gênero e empoderar todas as mulheres e meninas.

Consumo e produção responsáveis - Assegurar padrões de produção e de consumo sustentáveis.

Ação contra a mudança global do clima - Tomar medidas urgentes para combater a mudança climática e seus impactos (*).

Learning Goals

To study the historical evolution and the importance and functions of animal production, the main species used, their productive objectives and the general characteristics of the production systems, in order to integrate the students of Agronomy in the current context and themes of animal production.
To study the fundamental bases of animal production, with an emphasis on the basic concepts of anatomy and physiology, nutrition and animal feed, as well as of animal reproduction and genetics, which will enable students to understand the techniques and production systems of ruminants and non-ruminants.

A. Animal production: 1. Historical evolution. 2. Species used and productive objectives. 3. Different production systems. 5. Animal production in the world, the European Union and Portugal. 6. New goals for animal production.

B. Animal Anatomy and Physiology: 1. Basic concepts. 2. Notions of the skeletal, nervous and muscular systems of animal species. 3. Exognosis.

C. Nutrition and Animal Food: 1. Basic concepts and importance. 2. Chemical composition and food analysis. 3. Digestibility, intake and nutritional needs. 4. Formulation techniques. 5. Feeding systems.

D. Animal Reproduction: 1. Animal reproduction and production. 2. Basic concepts and terminology. 3. Anatomy and physiology of the genital tract in animal species. 4. Reproductive endocrinology. 5. Oestrus cycles. 6. Gestation, parturition and lactation. 7. Auxiliary reproduction techniques.

E. Genetics and Animal Breeding: 1. Population genetics. 2. Genetic improvement. 3. Selection and crossbreeding.

Teaching Methods

Teaching based on TP classes, where concepts and their application are integrated, with learning environments where the student is encouraged to solve concrete problems and where communication is stimulated. The theoretical-practical concepts are complemented with the viewing and commenting of videos and discussion of case studies, with the participation of students in the discussion of the themes. Whenever possible, classes in the areas of anatomy and physiology, nutrition and feeding or animal breeding and improvement will be given using anatomical models, laboratories, field works and study visits to farms.
Evaluation:
Continuous Assessment - Two frequencies. Students who do not attend ≥ 75% of the classes held or who do not have a minimum of 9.0 in the frequencies, pass to the Final Assessment regime.
Final Assessment: An exam on all the subjects taught in the semester.
Approval in the curricular unit: Note ≥ 10 in the tests carried out.