Management of Inherited Diseases Behavior and Welfare of Cat and Dog
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is providing the students with a tool for the study of the main inherited diseases that affect domestic animals (dog, cat), their managing, behaviour and welfare. The purpose of the course is teaching the student about the management of hereditary diseases, in particular molecular diagnostics available at the main international laboratories. Ample time will be dedicated to the application of new technologies from genomics sequencing of dogs and cats. The focus of genetic part is describing the main DNA tests that are available and that allow a more successful diagnosis and a more efficient genetic screening. The aim of the course will focus also on dog and cat behavior and welfare, considering communication and learning principles. Lessons about the preventions of behavioral problems will be given in order to improve a successful animal-human relationship. The main objective of the behavior and welfare part will be to describe the ethogram of the dog and cat, providing the basic notions to ensure a correct condition of welfare.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding demonstrate knowledge of the basic genetics and qualitative genetics; understanding of goals and methods of the selection schemes applied to the breeding of dogs and cats demonstrate knowledge in dogs and cats ethogram and in training and learning protocols Applying knowledge and understanding read results of parentage tests. Manage genetic evaluation information improve a successful animal-human relationship and prevent the main behavioral problems Making Judgements be able to interpret genetic evaluation to advise breeders regarding the selection of breeding animals. - be able to read the body language of dogs and cats and to prevent eventually behavioural problem and to improve the welfare of these animals in their specific environment in respect of their ehological needs. Making judgments: the student must demonstrate the ability to critically present the information acquired. Communication skills students must be able to correctly use the specific scientific and technological terminology. Learning skills: develop an ability of learning related to the professional context. Lifelong learning skills: the student must gain the ability to use acquired knowledge.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for a.y. 2024-25 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation
Course syllabus
- Didactic Unit - Management of inherited diseases of dogs and cats
Theoretical lessons
Inheritance selection traits
Breeding strategies, knowledge and elimination of recessive genes
Sex linked, sex limited and sex influenced traits
Epistasis , interaction, lethal genes in dog and cat
The influence of environment on heritability, penetrance, expressivity and pleiotropic effects
Coat Color genetic in relation to inherited diseases
Application of DNA techniques on dog and cat selection and breeding:
- Genetic identification and parentage test
- Pathologic inheritance
- Genetic variability control
- Gene analysis in morphologically important traits
Practical lessons
Exercises about the topics dealt with in the theoretical section
-Didactic Unit - behavior and welfare of cat and dog
Behavioral ethogram of the dog and cat
Developmental stages and social behavior
Communication
Learning principles
The human-animal relationship
Welfare, management and ethological needs
Prevention of behavioral problems in dogs and cats
Practical lessons
Exercises about the topics dealt with in the theoretical section
Theoretical lessons
Inheritance selection traits
Breeding strategies, knowledge and elimination of recessive genes
Sex linked, sex limited and sex influenced traits
Epistasis , interaction, lethal genes in dog and cat
The influence of environment on heritability, penetrance, expressivity and pleiotropic effects
Coat Color genetic in relation to inherited diseases
Application of DNA techniques on dog and cat selection and breeding:
- Genetic identification and parentage test
- Pathologic inheritance
- Genetic variability control
- Gene analysis in morphologically important traits
Practical lessons
Exercises about the topics dealt with in the theoretical section
-Didactic Unit - behavior and welfare of cat and dog
Behavioral ethogram of the dog and cat
Developmental stages and social behavior
Communication
Learning principles
The human-animal relationship
Welfare, management and ethological needs
Prevention of behavioral problems in dogs and cats
Practical lessons
Exercises about the topics dealt with in the theoretical section
Prerequisites for admission
No preconditions. The exam is divided into two written tests aimed at the finding of the acquisition, of the correct understanding and of the ability of reworking the contents of the course
Teaching methods
The lectures will be held at the university classrooms, whereas the practical training at the laboratories. The technical visits will take place in purebred dogs breeding
Teaching Resources
Didactic Unit - Management of inherited diseases of dogs and cats
Text: "Genetica animale e applicazioni zootecniche e veterinarie" Casa Editrice Ambrosiana Prof. Giulio Pagnacco
· Professor's lecture notes in PDF format
· Online materials available on Ariel website
- Didactic Unit - behavior and welfare of cat and dog
· Professor's lecture notes in PDF format
· Online materials available on Ariel website
Text: "Genetica animale e applicazioni zootecniche e veterinarie" Casa Editrice Ambrosiana Prof. Giulio Pagnacco
· Professor's lecture notes in PDF format
· Online materials available on Ariel website
- Didactic Unit - behavior and welfare of cat and dog
· Professor's lecture notes in PDF format
· Online materials available on Ariel website
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will consist of exercises and multiple choice questions
The test will be evaluated in thirtieths and the final mark will take into account the accuracy and the quality of the answers
The test will be evaluated in thirtieths and the final mark will take into account the accuracy and the quality of the answers
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Palestrini Clara, Polli Michele
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)