Genetics and Poultry Science

A.Y. 2023/2024
12
Max ECTS
112
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/17 AGR/20
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The teaching activity is divided in two modules. The module "Genetic improvement" provides the student the basis and principles of selection for the genetic improvement of the main livestock species (cattle, pig, small ruminants), both at the theoretical level and for the implementation of populations and herds genetic management. The module "Farming technologies for poultry and rabbit productions' aims to introduce students to the poultry and rabbit sectors providing principles and characteristics of productive chains, farming systems and management of strain/breeds reared for meat and egg production.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of principles of selection for the genetic improvement of livestock species, associated to apply the genetic knowledge to simple simulated cases. Critical knowledge to understand the organization of poultry and rabbit production chains, evaluating the intensive farming systems and the production performance of the genetic lines/pure breeds.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Prerequisites for admission
None, however for the module of Genetic improvement we strongly advice to take the following couses: 1) Genetics, general biology and agro-ecology, 2) Phisiology
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam is a written test about the topics included in the teaching programs of the two modules. The written test includes two sections (one per module). Each section includes multiple-choice questions (module "Farming technologies for poultry and rabbit productions') and open questions (module "Genetic improvement") on specific subjects. The final score (in thirty) is the mathematical average of the two section scores.
The online registration into the UniMI SIFA website is compulsory.
Genetic improvement
Course syllabus
History and genetics of development of livestock species and breeds (2 hrs. lecture)

Principles of population genetics - genes and population: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift (2 hrs. lecture and 2 hrs. exercise)

Genetic variation within breed and between breeds (8 hrs lecture and 4 hrs. exercise). Within breed: genetic relationship and inbreeding (pedogree and molecular), parameters of genetic variation (n. alleles, observed and expected heterozigosity); dynamics of inbreeding and effective population size. Between breeds: genetic distances.

Selection (23 hrs lecture and 9 hrs. exercise). Productive and functional traits (dairy and beef cattle, pig, small ruminants): Organisation and management of traits recording; Qualitative and quantitative traits; From phenotype to genetic index; genetic progress in herds and populations.

Kinship and inbreeding population management, with and without selection (2 hrs lecture and 1 hr. exercise).

Animal genetic resources and conservation (3 hrs. lecture).
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and Class exercises
Teaching Resources
Teaching material available on ARIEL-UNIMI, to be eventually completed with the textbook "Genetica animale: applicazioni zootecniche e veterinarie". G. Pagnacco. 2020. Casa Editrice CEA."
Poultry and rabbit farming
Course syllabus
Theoretical lectures
Evolution of the poultry and rabbit sectors, statistics of production and organization of the national sectors (3 hours).
Introduction to poultry selection and genetic resources for intensive meat and egg production; introduction to rabbit selection and breeds for meat production (6 hours).
Aspects of morphology and reproduction in poultry and rabbits (5 hours).
Farming systems for poultry and rabbit meat production, performance and legislation (9 hours).
Farming system for table egg production, performance and legislation (7 hours).
Management for meat and egg production and biosecurity (7 hours).
Aspects of poultry and rabbit feeding (3 ore).
Practical lectures
Multimedia support will be used to show buildings and equipments for intensive farming. The participation to a poultry exhibition and/or visits to farms will be planned. Seminars held by field experts to discuss topical topics will be planned (16 hours).
Teaching methods
The course has 6 CFU (56 hours) providing:
- theoretical lectures (4 CFU - 40 hours)
- practical lectures (1 CFU - 16 hours) including multimedia support and seminars held by field experts. Visits to exhibitions and/or farms can be planned according to current opportunities.
Teaching Resources
Textbook suggested:
Avicoltura e Coniglicoltura (2015) Eds. Cerolini S, Marzoni M., Romboli I., Schiavone A. e Zaniboni L., Point Veterinaire Italie, Milano.

Website
https://sceroliniaa.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Genetic improvement
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS - University credits: 6
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor: Gandini Gustavo
Poultry and rabbit farming
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE - University credits: 6
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours