Reproductive and Embryo Technologies for Biodiversity Preservation in Companion Animals
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
With this course, Students will be introduced to the applications of reproductive and embryo technologies in programs aimed at preserving biodiversity in companion animals. The course will first give an overview of the technologies currently available and will then consider some of the more recent advances in the field. A hands-on approach will be preferentially adopted to provide Students with practical skills that can be used to support biodiversity programs by using reproductive technologies in the main companion animal species (cat, dog, horse).
Expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding: at the end of this course Students will be able to describe the main reproductive technologies that can be used for the implementation of biodiversity programs and the basic principles of gametes and embryos' manipulation and cryoconservation.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the acquired knowledge and skills will allow Students to choose, among the array of the available reproductive technologies, which one(s) is(are) the best suited for implementing programs for the preservation of biodiversity, according to the specific needs. With the practical sessions, Students will learn to apply some of these technologies in the species considered.
3. Making judgments: at the end of this course Students will be able to contribute to the planning of programs for the preservation of biodiversity, especially for the species considered.
4. Communication: at the end of this course Students will be able to exhaustively explain, using the scientific terminology, the role of reproductive technologies for the implementation of programs for the preservation of biodiversity in mammals.
5. Lifelong learning skills: gaining a knowledge of the basics of reproductive technologies, together with the exposure to recent scientific literature in the field, will allow Students to achieve a methodology and the intellectual skills to further study topics related to reproductive technologies and biodiversity preservation programs.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the acquired knowledge and skills will allow Students to choose, among the array of the available reproductive technologies, which one(s) is(are) the best suited for implementing programs for the preservation of biodiversity, according to the specific needs. With the practical sessions, Students will learn to apply some of these technologies in the species considered.
3. Making judgments: at the end of this course Students will be able to contribute to the planning of programs for the preservation of biodiversity, especially for the species considered.
4. Communication: at the end of this course Students will be able to exhaustively explain, using the scientific terminology, the role of reproductive technologies for the implementation of programs for the preservation of biodiversity in mammals.
5. Lifelong learning skills: gaining a knowledge of the basics of reproductive technologies, together with the exposure to recent scientific literature in the field, will allow Students to achieve a methodology and the intellectual skills to further study topics related to reproductive technologies and biodiversity preservation programs.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
The following subjects will be developed in carnivores and equids:
- General and advanced concepts of gametogenesis and early embryogenesis (8 hrs).
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ARTs) in programs of genetic salvage (8 hrs).
- Principles of cryobiology applied to the banking of gametes and embryos (8 hrs).
- Animal management and assistance in Ovum Pick Up (OPU) and Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) protocols (8 hrs).
Other species will be addressed if deemed relevant.
- General and advanced concepts of gametogenesis and early embryogenesis (8 hrs).
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ARTs) in programs of genetic salvage (8 hrs).
- Principles of cryobiology applied to the banking of gametes and embryos (8 hrs).
- Animal management and assistance in Ovum Pick Up (OPU) and Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) protocols (8 hrs).
Other species will be addressed if deemed relevant.
Prerequisites for admission
Students are suggested to gain a general knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the genital system.
Teaching methods
Delivery mode: synchronous, in presence, through lectures, seminars and laboratory exercises in small groups.
Attendance is strongly recommended for lectures and for seminar and laboratory activities.
Attendance is strongly recommended for lectures and for seminar and laboratory activities.
Teaching Resources
Text Books:
- Ian Gordon. Reproductive Technologies in Farm Animals. 2003, CABI Publishing
- Rebecca Krisher. Oocyte Physiology and Development in Domestic Animals. 2013, Wiley-Blackwell
- Boes, J., Boettcher, P. & Honkatukia, M., eds. 2023. Innovations in cryoconservation of animal genetic resources - Practical guide. FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines, No. 33. Rome.
Scientific articles and additional material (slides of the class, videos, etc.) will be made available on the course's myAriel website
- Ian Gordon. Reproductive Technologies in Farm Animals. 2003, CABI Publishing
- Rebecca Krisher. Oocyte Physiology and Development in Domestic Animals. 2013, Wiley-Blackwell
- Boes, J., Boettcher, P. & Honkatukia, M., eds. 2023. Innovations in cryoconservation of animal genetic resources - Practical guide. FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines, No. 33. Rome.
Scientific articles and additional material (slides of the class, videos, etc.) will be made available on the course's myAriel website
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is a 1 hour-long written test and consists of 2 open questions aimed at ascertaining the acquisition of knowledge related to the topics covered both during the theoretical lessons and during the practical exercises. The evaluation is expressed on the basis of the correctness and completeness of the answer, the clarity of the exposition and the use of specific terminology. The grade is in thirtieths, and the maximum grade is 30 cum laude.
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 2
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 1
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professors:
Colombo Martina, Franciosi Federica
Professor(s)