Genomics, Selection and Morpho-Functional Evaluation

A.Y. 2023/2024
6
Max ECTS
56
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/17 AGR/19
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The aim of this course is to provide the knowledge of the genomic basis for the management of populations in animal productions with particular reference to the principles of genomic selection and to the use of the genomic tools used in the reproductive herd management of animals.
Furthermore, the student will be provided with notions relating to the traits of the main bovine, ovine, caprine and swine breeds and to the theory and practice of livestock judging techniques.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will have the knowledge of the basic principles for the use of genomic data (genotypes and sequences) in zootechnical practices. The students will be able to apply the genomic selection at the farm and population level. At the farm level, they will be able to develop the applicative process for the use of genomic selection in the herd, with particular reference to ruminants. At the population level, they will be able to compare reproducers and the different international genomic selection schemes.
Furthermore, the student will acquire knowledge in the morphological and functional evaluation of livestock and will be able to recognize the most important external parts of the animals and to identify the main defects, with reference to a standard.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Part I: Genomics and Selection
1) Sequencing and genotyping (2 hours)
2) Commercial SNP chips for genotyping (2 hours)
3) Quantitative Trait Loci and SNP markers (3 hours)
4) The infinitesimal genetic model in a genomic perspective (3 hours)
5) Genomic selection: tools, populations, prediction equations (3 hours)
6) The estimation of prediction equations from the "training population" to the application of prediction equations in the "application population" (3 hours)
7) Management of genomic variability in the female herd (2 hours)
8) The genomic consultant in the company: management of farm reproduction using genomic information (2 hours)
9) Classroom exercises on genomic data (4 hours)
10) Technical visit to dairy cattle farms that use genomic selection also on the female herd (4 hours)

Part II: Livestock judging
1) Principles of judging livestock animals (2 hours)
2) Market types, classes and grades of farm animals with emphasis on food production animals (2 hours)
3) The body regions: head and neck (2 hours)
4) The body regions: the trunk (3 hours)
5) Limbs and foot (3 hours)
6) Coat colors of animals (1 hours)
7) Principles of animal mechanics (1 hours)
8) Functional recording for milk and meat (2 hours)
9) Dairy cow evaluation (2 hours)
10) Beef cattle evaluation (2 hours)
11) How to judge conformation in dairy caw and beef cattle with pictures and video demonstration (2 hours)
12) Technical visit to a dairy farm with a practical judging of a dairy cow (3 hours)
13) Technical visit to a beef cattle farm (3 hours)
Prerequisites for admission
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but basic knowledge of genetics, anatomy and physiology of domestic animals is required.
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures in the classroom and practical exercises. In addition, technical visits in livestock farms will be carried out.
Teaching Resources
Lectures presentation and teaching materials available in ARIEL platform
Suggested Textbooks:
- Balasini D. - Zoognostica - Ed. Edagricole
- Genetic Improvement of Farmed Animals (2021). Geoff Simm, Geoff Pollot, Raphael Mrode, Ross Houston and Karen Marshall, CABI International. Disponibile sulla piattaforma CABI: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/epdf/10.1079/9781789241723.0000
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam sessions are 7 in one year and they take place in the months of: January, February, April, June, July, September, October. Additional exam sessions for off-course students may be held in the months of May and November. To take the exam it is mandatory to register for the session through the SIFA online service of the University. The exam consists of an oral interview with references to both frontal teaching and the topics of the practical exercises. The final vote evaluation is out of thirty. The test will evaluate the knowledge and the ability to understand and apply knowledge, the skills of criticism and judgment. The ability to exhibit and the use of appropriate terminology will also be evaluated.
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Shifts:
1 TURNO UNICO PER TUTTI GLI STUDENTI
Professor: Bagnato Alessandro
2 TURNO UNICO PER TUTTI GLI STUDENTI
Professor: Moretti Vittorio Maria