ANIMAL BREEDING

The course aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge on the genetic improvement programs of the main livestock species. In particular, the contribution of biotechnologies to the genetic improvement of breeds in zootechnical production will be analyzed. Molecular genetic methods for the diagnosis of the main genetic diseases of zootechnical interest and for the genetic traceability of products of animal origin will be treated.

At the end of the course the student will have acquired the fundamentals of the methods and procedures for the evaluation and selection of breeding stock, necessary for the genetic improvement of the productive characteristics in the main species of zootechnical interest. He will be able to interpret genetic data and plan appropriate mating schemes. He will know the contribution of reproductive biotechnologies to genetic improvement. He will be able to apply some molecular biology techniques to the improvement and traceability of products of animal origin.

Lectures, exercises, seminars, technical visits.

The course includes 4 credits of lectures, held by the teacher, and 2 credits of other activities. The other activities include seminars and exercises (in the classroom and / or in the laboratory and / or didactic visits) and may also be held by experts on the subject.

If teaching is given in a mixed formula or remotely, necessary changes may be introduced to what was previously stated in order to comply with the provided and reported syllabus

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on teaching objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to ask the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs), in the persons of professors Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Anna De Angelis.

Quantitative genetics and statistic methods for breeding – Genetic markers and variability- Kinship and Inbreeding. Major genes, QTLs and Marker Assisted Selection (MSA). Cytogenetic analysis. Hereditary diseases. Genetic progress and reproductive biotechnology. Estimation of breeding value (EBV and GEBV). Molecular markers for the quality and genetic traceability of animal productions.

1. Pagnacco “Genetica animale. Applicazioni zootecniche e veterinarie” Editrice Ambrosiana.

2. Barcaccia, Falcinelli “Genetica e genomica” Vol III, Genomica e biotecnologie genetiche - Seconda edizione accresciuta Liguori Editore.Slide

3. Bittante Andrighetto Ramanzin ''Fondamenti di Zootecnica'' Liviana .

Selected scientific papers, published in national and international scientific journals, will be given to the students during the class meeting.

All the suggested sources, including also the slides commented in the class, are available on Studium.