Monogastric Production Systems

Code: ZOO13813L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Animal Science

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Sustainable Development Goals

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.

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

Learning Goals

Provide training in the area of monogastric production systems, with emphasis on the production of pigs, poultry and rabbits. Frame and deepen basic knowledge previously acquired in the field of processes and techniques involved in animal production. Analyse non-ruminant production systems in terms of biological performance and efficiency, profitability, animal welfare, environmental impact and product quality.

PIG PRODUCTION
1. Introduction to pig production.
2. Origin and domestication of pigs. Swine types and breeds.
3. Evolution and current pig production in the world, the European Union (EU) and Portugal.
4. Reproduction and reproductive management. Numerical productivity.
5. Production cycle: puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, weaning, growth and fattening.
6. Nutrition and feeding.
7. General characteristics of intensive systems.
8. Production of Alentejano and Bísaro pigs.
9. Current themes on pig production.

POULTRY PRODUCTION
1. Evolution of poultry production.
2. Poultry breeds and strains.
3. Organization of poultry industry.
4. Poultry and egg production in the world, the EU and Portugal.
5. Broiler production systems.
6. Layers production systems.

RABBIT PRODUCTION
1. Evolution of rabbit production.
2. Rabbit breeds.
3. Rabbit production in the world, the EU and Portugal.
4. Reproduction of rabbits.
5. Rabbit nutrition and feeding.
6. Rabbit meat production systems.

Teaching Methods

Methodology: Teaching is based on a structured theoretical exposition of the main topics of each theme and on theoretical-practical classes, where the theoretical and application components are integrated, with a view to valuing learning and where the student is encouraged to autonomously solve concrete problems, in environments where knowledge is shared. The introduction of theoretical and practical concepts will be complemented by viewing and commenting on videos and discussion of case studies, as well as visits to farms in order to monitor the companies' technical activities. Theoretical-practical classes aimed at acquiring specific skills in the areas of anatomy and physiology, nutrition and food or animal reproduction and improvement, will be given using anatomical models, visits to laboratories, field works and study visits to farms.

Written assessment: 2 written tests during the semester (50% from each test) or a final exam (100%).

Assessment

Written assessment: 2 written tests during the semester (50% from each test) or a final exam (100%). In the case of a group work being implemented, the written tests will be worth 70% (35 + 35%) and the work 30%.