Genetics and Animal Reproduction
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
Learning and improvement of knowledge related to genetic improvement and animal reproduction of domestic animals.
The objectives of the educational unit "Animal breeding and Biotechnology" are to provide a strong knowledge on the theoretical and practical tools and biotechnologies applied to animal breeding, considering the sustainability of the livestock.
The objectives of the educational unit "Technologies of Animal Reproduction" are to improve the knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the reproductive trait of the principal domestic animals and teach classical and new reproductive techniques used for management of reproduction, health and efficiency of animal breeding.
The objectives of the educational unit "Animal breeding and Biotechnology" are to provide a strong knowledge on the theoretical and practical tools and biotechnologies applied to animal breeding, considering the sustainability of the livestock.
The objectives of the educational unit "Technologies of Animal Reproduction" are to improve the knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the reproductive trait of the principal domestic animals and teach classical and new reproductive techniques used for management of reproduction, health and efficiency of animal breeding.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will be able to analyse with acute spirit the updates on the genetic and genomic indexes obtained by different breed associations. Also, he will be able to evaluate the genetic and statistical parameters used for the evaluation of the animal as well as he will be able to get information based on the analysis of molecular data related to the animal breeding. The student will be trained on the principal statistical tools that can be used for the preservation of farm animal biodiversity and for tracking products of animal origin. He will learn the techniques related to the animal reproduction, including artificial reproductive techniques, and techniques useful for the cost-effective management of reproductive compartment of animal breeding.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites of the course are reported below for both Educational Units.
For the Educational Unit 'Animal breeding and Biotechnology' it is necessary to have a solid knowledge of Mendelian genetics and genetics of population. Moreover, it is necessary to have a solid knowledge of Methodologies applied to Agriculture and ability to work using Microsoft excel.
For the Educational Unit 'Technologies of Animal Reproduction' it is necessary to have a solid knowledge of Anatomy and physiology of Domestic Animals.
The prerequisites and the procedure of examination is the same for the students that will or will not attend the classes.
It is really recommended to attend the classes.
For the Educational Unit 'Animal breeding and Biotechnology' it is necessary to have a solid knowledge of Mendelian genetics and genetics of population. Moreover, it is necessary to have a solid knowledge of Methodologies applied to Agriculture and ability to work using Microsoft excel.
For the Educational Unit 'Technologies of Animal Reproduction' it is necessary to have a solid knowledge of Anatomy and physiology of Domestic Animals.
The prerequisites and the procedure of examination is the same for the students that will or will not attend the classes.
It is really recommended to attend the classes.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be an oral examination. The final mark will be calculated as weighted average of the mark that the student will get in the 2 different Educational Units: "Animal breeding and Biotechnology" and that of "Technologies of Animal Reproduction".
In particular, the exam for each Educational Unit will be to discuss a topic freely selected by the student as well as questions on other topics or questions to solve problems related to the subjects of the program.
For both Educational Units, the exam mark will be based on:
- ability to discuss the state of the art of a topic that the student will freely choose between the discussed subjects during classes;
- theoretical knowledge of the topics of Educational Unit;
- practical knowledge of the subject matter of Educational Unit;
- ability to speak technical language correlated with educational unit.
In particular, the exam for each Educational Unit will be to discuss a topic freely selected by the student as well as questions on other topics or questions to solve problems related to the subjects of the program.
For both Educational Units, the exam mark will be based on:
- ability to discuss the state of the art of a topic that the student will freely choose between the discussed subjects during classes;
- theoretical knowledge of the topics of Educational Unit;
- practical knowledge of the subject matter of Educational Unit;
- ability to speak technical language correlated with educational unit.
Miglioramento genetico e biotecnologie in zootecnia
Course syllabus
Genetics and animal Breeding: an overview and a short history: from the pre-mendelian period to genome editing. Recalls of classical genetics: Mendel, Linkage disequilibrium. Population genetics: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium Evolution of animal populations.
Quantitative genetics: polygenic model, statistical parameters, selection tools; heritability and repeatability of traits of interest. Kinship and inbreeding: Path coefficient and tabular methods
Prediction of genetic progress and comparison of selection programs: Genetic progress by generation and by year: genetic variability, selection intensity, generation interval, accuracy. The four ways for genetic gain. Factors of variation of genetic progress: species, sex, method of reproduction, methods for genetic evaluation; phenotypic and genetic variability, heritability, correlation and repeatability. Genetic indexes and evaluation of sire and dam. Evolution of methods and models for estimated breeding values: comparison between contemporaries, BLUP animal model, test day model. Reliability of the EBV. International evaluations: Interbull and ICAR. Genomic selection for sires and dams. Main genetic indexes used in the selection in Italy Genetic improvement in the farm: tools available to breeders for the choice of sires and dams
Biotechnology applied to animal breeding. Basic techniques: PCR, restriction enzymes, sequencing. Molecular markers used in animal husbandry (microsatellites, SNPs). The genomes of the main farm animal species: evolution of methods and available information. Identifications of genomic regions under natural and anthropic selection. Genetic markers for the traceability of animal production, for the study and management of farm animal genetic resources, for the assessment of the genomic background of animals and breeds and for the estimation of genomic relationship.
Practical part: web-sites of the breeders associations and other sources of information on the organization of animal breeding and genetics; using software to calculate the main genetic statistics for animal breeding and animal population management; animal genomic databases: searching for information about traits, genes, QTLs and pathway,
Quantitative genetics: polygenic model, statistical parameters, selection tools; heritability and repeatability of traits of interest. Kinship and inbreeding: Path coefficient and tabular methods
Prediction of genetic progress and comparison of selection programs: Genetic progress by generation and by year: genetic variability, selection intensity, generation interval, accuracy. The four ways for genetic gain. Factors of variation of genetic progress: species, sex, method of reproduction, methods for genetic evaluation; phenotypic and genetic variability, heritability, correlation and repeatability. Genetic indexes and evaluation of sire and dam. Evolution of methods and models for estimated breeding values: comparison between contemporaries, BLUP animal model, test day model. Reliability of the EBV. International evaluations: Interbull and ICAR. Genomic selection for sires and dams. Main genetic indexes used in the selection in Italy Genetic improvement in the farm: tools available to breeders for the choice of sires and dams
Biotechnology applied to animal breeding. Basic techniques: PCR, restriction enzymes, sequencing. Molecular markers used in animal husbandry (microsatellites, SNPs). The genomes of the main farm animal species: evolution of methods and available information. Identifications of genomic regions under natural and anthropic selection. Genetic markers for the traceability of animal production, for the study and management of farm animal genetic resources, for the assessment of the genomic background of animals and breeds and for the estimation of genomic relationship.
Practical part: web-sites of the breeders associations and other sources of information on the organization of animal breeding and genetics; using software to calculate the main genetic statistics for animal breeding and animal population management; animal genomic databases: searching for information about traits, genes, QTLs and pathway,
Teaching methods
The Educational Unit 'Animal breeding and Biotechnology' is organized into classes corresponding to 3 CFUs and practical training for 3 CFUs. The practical training will be carried out in informatic rooms and visits at centres of animal breeding.
Teaching Resources
Slides and materials (such as datasets, link and scientific papers as well as webpages) of the classes will be uploaded on Ariel website of Educational Unit 'Animal breeding and Biotechnology' (https://pcrepaldimgbaz.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/)
Tecnologie della riproduzione animale
Course syllabus
Anatomy of male and female reproductive organs including differences between farm animal species. Physiology of male and female gametogenesis. The estrus cycle in farm animal species. Artificial Insemination. Semen cryopreservation. Control and manipulation of the estrus cycle. Embryo transfer. Embryo cryopreservation. Ovum pick up and in vitro fertilization. Genomics applied to animal reproductions. Epigenetic applied to animal reproduction. Cloning and genome editing
PRACTICAL CLASSES
Thawing, evaluation and capacitation of bovine semen
Collection and evaluation of bovine oocytes from slaughterhouse ovaries
Visit to a private company the steps for preservation of bovine semen
Visit to a private lab to see an in vitro embryo production
PRACTICAL CLASSES
Thawing, evaluation and capacitation of bovine semen
Collection and evaluation of bovine oocytes from slaughterhouse ovaries
Visit to a private company the steps for preservation of bovine semen
Visit to a private lab to see an in vitro embryo production
Teaching methods
The Educational Unit 'Technologies of Animal Reproduction' will be organized into classes corresponding to 3 CFUs and practical training for 1 CFU. The practical trainings will be carried out in laboratories and visiting centres of animal reproduction management.
Teaching Resources
Slides, book titles as well as scientific papers will be uploaded on the Ariel website of the Educational Unit (https://rpasquariellotra.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/)
Miglioramento genetico e biotecnologie in zootecnia
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS - University credits: 6
Field activity: 8 hours
Computer room practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Computer room practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Crepaldi Paola
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Crepaldi Paola
Tecnologie della riproduzione animale
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 4
Field activity: 8 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Pasquariello Rolando
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Pasquariello RolandoProfessor(s)
Reception:
keeping an appointment by e-mail
Sezione di Zootecnica Agraria, 1st floor, Via Celoria 2
Reception:
On request with appointment by e-mail
Via Domenico Trentacoste 2, 20134, Milano