Animal breeding

Knowledge and understanding

The aim of the course is to provide the knowledge of the genetic improvement of animal species in livestock production.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course the student will have

- acquired the key notions to understand the principles and techniques of selection in zootechnics aimed at improving the productive, reproductive and immune-health aspects of livestock species.

- will be able to understand the principles of biodiversity, the reasons for the application of molecular biology techniques, and will be able to interpret the genetic and genomic data useful for preparing appropriate mating plans.

- will be able to apply some basic techniques of laboratory molecular biology and will acquire the basic notions for the computer management of genetic / genomic data

Autonomy of judgment

At the end of the course, the student will be able to understand the problems, rather than the potential of livestock farms according to the socio-cultural and environmental context, and evaluate the possibility and degree of corrective intervention that increase their efficiency, also with the help of genomic tools.

Communication skills

At the end of the course, the student will possess the specific cultural elements and scientific language of genetics, genomics and genetic improvement applied to animal husbandry.

Learning ability

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the autonomous ability to study and deepen the knowledge on genetics and genomics applied to animal husbandry through the consultation of texts, scientific articles and resources on the web.

The course will be carried out through lectures, exercises, seminars, and educational visits.

The course includes 4 ECTS of lectures, held by the teacher, and 2 ECTS of other activities for a total of 56 hours (28 + 28 hours). The other activities include seminars and exercises (in the classroom and / or in the laboratory and / or educational visits) and may also be held by experts in the field.

If the teaching were to be given in a mixed or "remote" way, the necessary changes with respect to what was previously stated may be introduced, in order to respect the program reported in the syllabus.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD:

to guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participated Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and / or SLDs) of the Di3A Department (http://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Elements of general zootechnics. 

Not mandatory but recommended. Attendance will be recorded for statistical reasons.

- Review of basic genetics. Molecular markers and genetic variability. The organization of the animal genome and the physical basis of heredity: chromosomes, DNA and RNA, genetic code, genes, alleles and genotypes, mutations. Technologies for the genetic / genomic characterization of animal species.

- The population genetics of livestock. Allelic and genotypic frequencies. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Evolutionary factors: mutation, migration, selection, population size, kinship and inbreeding.

- Measurement and study of biodiversity. Genetic variability within and between populations. Enhancement of livestock diversity as a tool for productive improvement and resilience.

- Quantitative genetics. Genotype and environment. Heritability, repeatability and correlation.

- Selection criteria and objectives. Reproductive value. Indexes and selection schemes.

- The application of genomic knowledge to selection: genome-wide analysis and genomic selection.

- Use of genomics to identify genes responsible for useful and harmful traits.

1) “Genetica Animale – Applicazioni zootecniche e veterinarie” – Giulio Pagnacco – Terza edizione

2020 – Casa editrice Ambrosiana - ISBN: 880852017X

2) “In vivo conservation of animal genetic resources” – FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines. No. 14 Rome – FAO 2013 - – ISBN: 978-92-5-107725-2 (print), 978-92-5-107726-9 (PDF)

Oral examination. The exam will begin with a presentation on a case study chosen by the student from among those agreed with the teacher. The form of presentation will be agreed at the end of the course between the students and the teacher. The exam will proceed with questions that may relate to the in-depth study of the presentation and / or the remaining parts of the program. The relevance of the answers to the questions, the quality of the contents, the ability to connect with other topics covered by the program, the technical language properties and the overall expressive capacity of the student will be taken into consideration for the evaluation. Oral examination can also be carried out electronically when the conditions require it.

The grading of the students will follow the following scheme:

- Not Eligible

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: important shortcomings and significant inaccuracies

Autonomy of judgment and communication skills: irrelevant. Frequent generalizations and inability to synthesize

Deepening skills: Irrelevant

- 18-21

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: low level. Demonstrates numerous deficiencies in knowledge and understanding of the study program.

Autonomy of judgment and communication skills: just sufficient. The arguments are expressed in an inconsistent and fragmented way.

Deepening skills: imprecise and irrelevant.

- 22-25

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: medium level. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of the study program.

Autonomy of judgment and communication skills: sufficient analytical and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed in a logical and coherent way.

Deepening skills: sufficiently relevant.

- 26-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: high level. Demonstrates a high knowledge and understanding of the study program.

Autonomy of judgment and communication skills: high analytical and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed by demonstrating a high critical evaluation and good language properties

Deepening skills: high

- 30-30 with praise

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent level. Demonstrates excellent knowledge and understanding of the study program.

Autonomy of judgment and communication skills: analytical and synthesis skills worthy of note. The arguments are expressed by demonstrating an excellent critical evaluation and excellent language properties.

Deepening skills: excellent

Biodiversity and its implications. Distribution of the phenotypes of a quantitative trait in a population. Inheritability and repeatability of a quantitative character. Genetic models. Relationship between individuals. Inbreeding. Genetic markers used in the diagnosis of kinship. Definition of Major Gene. Definition of QTL. Breeding assessment strategies. Breeding value (EBV and GEBV). Genetic markers and their applications in animal husbandry. Genetic progress and the role of reproductive biotechnology. Examples of major genes for animal production.