Biostatistics, General Zootechnics and Genetic Improvement

The course aims to provide the foundations of animal breeding and general animal husbandry applied to domestic animals. It will address aspects related to the reproductive management of populations and the selection of breeders through the principles of population and quantitative genetics. Topics related to molecular genetics will be covered with respect to genomic selection and diagnostics applied to livestock production. The course therefore provides the applied principles of genetic improvement in livestock production, with particular reference to the biotechnologies of molecular genetics and genomics available today. Information will also be provided on selection programmes currently active in the main livestock populations at national level. The principles of biostatistics applied to animal production will be treated in an applied way, with specific reference to farm data analysis

1) Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the course, students will:
· know the fundamental principles of population and quantitative genetics applied to domestic animal species;
· understand reproductive management, breeding selection and the organisation of genetic improvement programmes;
· be familiar with genetic markers, genomic selection and the main biotechnologies of molecular genetics and genomics;
· understand the principles of applied biostatistics for animal production and the use of data analysis tools (R and AI).

2) Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to:
· apply diagnostic methods and genomic selection procedures to practical cases;
· translate theoretical principles into management and improvement practices for livestock populations.
· use statistical software (R/RStudio) to process and interpret farm production data;

3) Making Judgements
Students will:
· develop the ability to independently assess selection programmes and farm data;
· be able to choose and justify breeding strategies, identify production factors affecting animal health and productivity and propose solutions;
· acquire a critical attitude in interpreting data analysis.

4) Communication Skills
Students will:
· communicate clearly and with appropriate technical terminology the results of genetic and statistical analyses to technicians, farmers and other stakeholders;
· be able to draft reports and present orally the results of evaluations and studies carried out during the course or on farms;
· correctly use the scientific terminology of genetics and animal production.