Advanced Genetic Improvement

The objective of this course is to provide the operational tools used in livestock to select and reproduce animals, tolls that are nowadays based on genomic technologies. Advancement in molecular technologies has in fact generated new selection processes based on the genomic information available on each animal. Students will learn the basics for interpreting the available genomic information and tools for their use in genomic selection and breeding management.

'H53-49-A' - 'Didactic unit: Quantitative Genetics and Selection'.
OBJECTIVES OF THE MODULE:
The module aims to provide the knowledge for the interpretation of the relationship between phenotype and genotype, central to quantitative genetics and the genomic selection of livestock. The genomic information available today is a basic component for modern quantitative genetics.

MODULE ARTICULATION:
Frontal teaching
1. Sequencing and genotyping;
2. The genotyping chips for SNP markers;
3. Genetic markers and their use in population genomic management;
4. Genomic and phenotypic variability in species in livestock production;
5. Genetic structures of populations: F1, F2, Backcross, populations in outbreeding, commercial hybrids;
6. Quantitative Trait Loci and Markers;
7 Genomic and genomic inbreeding;
8. The infinitesimal genetic model in a genomic key;
6. Concept of Breeding Value and its estimate starting from one or more sources of information;
7. Accuracy of the index and SEP. Genetic basis;
8. Correlation between characters and related response;
9. Economic selection indices;
10. The breeder selection schemes;
11. Response to the selection;
12. Management of genomic variability;

Practical labs
The labs will be developed in the computer room on specific software for the selection of reproducers and for the management of genomic data. Students will have to use the environment "The software for statistical computing" (https://www.r-project.org/) (https://www.rstudio.com/).

'H53-49-B' - 'Didactic unit: Mixed model and genomic selection'
OBJECTIVES OF THE MODULE:
The module aims to provide the basics of genomic evaluation methods in livestock production species and its application in selection programs.

MODULE ARTICULATION:
Frontal teaching
1. Genomic selection: instruments, populations, prediction equations;
2. The estimate of gene substitution effect in the one model;
3. The estimation of the prediction equations from the "training population";
4. Application of the prediction equations in the "application population"
5. Genomic Expected Breeding Value (GEBV);
6. Accuracy of the GEBV;
7. The "One Step" method;
8. Genomic selection schemes;
9. Management farm reproduction using the genomic information;

Practical labs
The labs will be developed in the computer room on specific software for the selection of reproducers and for the management of genomic data. Students will have to use the environment "The software for statistical computing" (https://www.r-project.org/) (https://www.rstudio.com/). They will also have to use Winthor.