Training Course 06: Genetics and Management of Companion Animals

The aim of this course is to provide the practical knowledge that are needed for the management and feed of companion animals, in order to meet the needs of the customers of a clinical vet. The focus will be on dogs and cats mainly, but also on rodents and birds. Further attention will be given to the prevention of genetically transmitted diseases. Another important theme concerns the pathogenic and clinical aspects of diseases dealing with metabolism and feed, to develop specific diets to prevent them and to identify the best diet as therapeutic support. Furthermore, unconventional but widespread species will be treated. We will visit also breeding and productive facilities

Knowledge and understanding:
-managing hereditary disorders with breeding programs
-monitoring of morphological characters useful in breeding programs
-knowledge of a proper formulation of industrial and homemade dietary plans for dogs and cats 
-management of the main species belonging to NAC (new pet animals: rodents and lagomorphs)

To be able to apply knowledge to:
-read the results of pedigree and select purebred breeding
-develop specific diets as therapeutic support for dogs and cats
-understand pet food labels and because of the new tendencies in the food market
-evaluate the behavior of the small pets and the environmental enrichments used in the normal breeding routine

Communication skills:
-the students must be able to correctly use the specific scientific terminology
Learning skills:
-developing an ability of learning related to the professional context