The course at a glance
The Master’s Degree in Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the automated, continuous, and real-time monitoring of livestock. This advanced system oversees key aspects such as production, reproduction, health, welfare, and the environmental impact of animals. PLF professionals are equipped not only with knowledge of animal science and technology but also with competencies in chemical process theory and waste management.
This enables them to provide strategic guidance to livestock enterprises on how to handle and dispose of waste in a way that minimizes environmental impact and enhances the sustainability of the supply chain. In doing so, biodiversity and ecosystem services are preserved, fostering a more integrated relationship between livestock farming and the environment, particularly in support of high-quality territorial production systems. From an engineering perspective, the program also focuses on the automation and management of data flows through robotics and sensor technologies applied to animals, aiming to boost farm efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, students will gain expertise in data analytics and statistical tools to identify trends, patterns, and correlations in large datasets, enabling data-informed decision-making in livestock systems.
The Master’s Degree in PLF is offered by the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production at the University of Naples Federico II (https://www.mvpa-unina.org/), within the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (https://www.samv.unina.it/index.php/it/). The course is taught entirely in English and follows a residential format at the Regional Farm “Improsta” (https://www.craa.it/), an experimental and educational facility that hosts around 300 buffaloes, an artisanal cheese factory, and over 100 hectares of arable land. The campus also provides accommodation and various support services to students.