Training course 06: Genetics and management of companion animals

The course will focus on canine and feline inherited diseases with particular attention to molecular genetic diagnostic procedures used in international laboratories. The prevention and eradication of hereditary pathologies through breeding plans management will be studied. The aim of the genetic course section is to supply an effective tool in genetic study for dogs and cats. The main genetic principles will be taught in the course to be applied in dog and cat breeding programs and selection choices.

The course will focus on canine and feline pure breed populations management considering evaluations and selection choices aimed to preserve welfare and genetic biodiversity. Canine and feline ethnology: breeds evolution and classification, official studbooks, demography. Selection plans. Phenotype evaluation. Companion animal choice and management

The general aim of this course is to contribute to the formulation of nutritionally balanced diets for different stages of the life of dog and cat, while complying with relevant EU legislation on dog and cat nutrition. To achieve this objective, up-to-date scientific knowledge on cat and dog nutrition, minimum and maximum nutrient levels, guidance for the assessment of the nutritional value of pet foods, practical nutrient recommendations for management of nutrition will be discussed. Nutrient requirements, vary considerably even between animals kept under the same conditions, will be evaluated in relation to the age, breed, body size, body condition, insulation characteristics of skin and hair coat, temperament, health status or activity and environmental factors. Particular attention will be posed on the education on understanding pet food labels and on the guidelines for homemade diets to promote animal care

In the module "Small Pets: Management and Behavior " all the aspects of the management of the main species belonging to NAC (new pet animals) will be investigated, with particular reference to rodents and lagomorphs, in compliance with the regulations in the field of animal welfare.
It will also illustrate their use as animals for scientific research purposes, in accordance with the principle of 3R.
A special study will cover methods for assessing the behaviour of animals through non-invasive imaging methods and the environmental enrichments used in the normal breeding routine

In the document of the Day one competences "(DOCs), drawn up by the European Coordinating Committee on Veterinary Training, there is a list of knowledge and skills that the new graduate must possess. The electronic logbook lists the practical skills that the student must acquire to satisfy what is reported in the DOCs document. The hospital rotation is aimed at making the student acquire the skills and competences shown in the electronic logbook which from time to time it will be appropriate to apply on patients and case studies assigned.