Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences

Animal Science

The Animal Science Research Unit (UR-SZ) originates from the Institute of General Animal Science, which evolved from the School of Animal Husbandry established in September 1896. Over time, holders of the Chair included, among others, Prof. Ezio Marchi, Carlo Pucci, Cesare Gugnoni, Antonio Cugnini, Pietro Brozzetti, Remo Frattegiani Bianchi, and Domenico Maria Sarti. Concurrently, expertise in Avian and Small Animal Production was developed by Prof. Rosa Sacchi, Francesco Costantini, and Marcella Bernardini. In 1984, the Institutes of Avian/Small Animal Production, Agricultural Zoology, and General Animal Science merged into a single Institute, which became the Department of Animal Science in 1999. In 2005, a further merger established the Department of Plant Biology and Agro-Environmental and Animal Biotechnology, subsequently named the Department of Applied Biology. During this period, Prof. Domenico Maria Sarti coordinated the section's activities.

On January 1, 2014, the Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3) was established, of which the UR-SZ is part. The Research Unit carries forward the deep-rooted livestock farming tradition within the DSA3 and has been coordinated over time by Prof. Francesco Panella, Prof. Luciano Morbidini, and Prof. Cesare Castellini. The UR is currently coordinated by Prof. Francesca Maria Sarti.

Academic Staff

Technical and Administrative Staff

UR-SZ Laboratory:

  • Paolo Lattaioli.

Voc. Pilo Facility:

  • Giuseppe Covarelli,
  • Attilio Mazzoccanti,
  • Cinzia Boldrini,
  • Giovanni Migni.

PhD Students, Fellows and Research Contractors

  • Luigia Bosa, PhD Student
  • Chiara Santomassimo, PhD Student
  • Lorenzo Nompleggio, Research Contractor
  • Francesco Perini, Research Fellow

Selected Research Areas

  • AGRI-09/A: Livestock genetic improvement of species of zootechnical interest, with specific focus on the characterization, preservation, and enhancement of animal biodiversity through classical quantitative genetics as well as cutting-edge molecular genetic techniques. Development of innovative breeding strategies aimed at enhancing both quantitative and qualitative production performance and addressing emerging challenges, such as adaptability to climate change and production sustainability.
  • AGRI-09/C: Use of agro-industrial co-products in animal nutrition and their effect on product quality, with particular emphasis on fatty acid biosynthesis and the oxidative stability of meat, milk, and dairy products. Precision Livestock Farming in cattle, sheep, and pig farming. Pastoral activities and agro-ecosystems: development of novel extensive farming strategies for ruminants.
  • AGRI-09/D: Development of extensive and organic farming systems in poultry, rabbit, and aquaculture (genotype adaptability, environmental impact, multi-criteria analysis, product quality, animal welfare, agroforestry). Role of poultry biodiversity in alternative farming systems. Modulation of the microbiota in poultry and rabbits. Study of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in poultry and rabbits. Use of the rabbit as a model organism.

Selected Third Mission & Public Engagement Activities

  • Breeding, reproduction, and sale of Herdbook-registered Comisana sheep, supporting the conservation, dissemination, and promotion of the breed.
  • Promotion and dissemination of Italian poultry biodiversity through the characterization, conservation, and enhancement of poultry breeds and populations.
  • Demonstration activities and technical consultancy for livestock farmers in Central Italy, aimed at transferring scientific knowledge and driving innovation in farming practices.
  • Genotyping of the Marchigiana cattle breed at the myostatin locus to support the understanding and management of genetic variability of zootechnical interest.
  • Genetic characterization using molecular markers in sheep, goat, and poultry species, with applications in the conservation, selection, and value enhancement of animal genetic resources.
  • Technical-scientific support for breeding choices in Italian beef cattle and sheep, in collaboration with breeders, breed associations, and selection bodies.
  • Support for the genetic management of hybrid pigs through analytical activities and technical-scientific assistance.
  • Activities of the Sport Horse Center, including initiatives in breeding, training, outreach, and knowledge transfer related to the management and promotion of sport horses.
  • Participation in the Regional Commission for Genetic Resources, providing technical and scientific contributions from the UR toward the evaluation, protection, and enhancement of animal genetic resources of regional interest.

Coordinator: Prof.ssa Francesca Maria Sarti