MIGLIORAMENTO GENETICO IN ZOOTECNIA

Knowledge and understanding
The course aims to provide knowledge of genetic improvement in livestock production.
Applying 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 livestock species’ productive, reproductive and immune-health aspects.
- will be able to understand the principles of biodiversity and 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
Making judgements
By the end of the course, the student will be able to understand the problems, rather than the potential, of livestock farms in their socio-cultural and environmental context, and evaluate the possibility and extent of corrective interventions, including the use of genomic tools, that increase their efficiency.
Communication skills
By the end of the course, the student will have the specific cultural elements and scientific language of genetics, genomics, and genetic improvement as applied to animal husbandry.
Learning skills
By the end of the course, the student will be able to independently study and deepen knowledge of genetics and genomics applied to animal husbandry by consulting texts, scientific articles, and web resources.

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

The course (6 ECTS) includes 3 ECTS of lectures (21 hours) taught by the teacher and 3 ECTS of other activities (42 hours). The other activities include seminars and exercises (in the classroom and laboratory) and educational visits, which may also be led by experts in the field.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Having basic knowledge of livestock science is useful.

Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives.

- Review of basic genetics. Molecular markers and genetic variability. The organisation 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 characterisation 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.

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

“Teaching’s contribution to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an action plan signed in 2015 by 193 countries, organised into 17 objectives inspired by a global model of sustainability to be achieved by 2030. In this context, this teaching will cover concepts related to protecting and enhancing livestock biodiversity, which is closely linked to production differentiation and the potential to increase the sustainability of the livestock sector. Enhancing extensive or semi-extensive livestock systems, which “exploit” livestock populations with limited diffusion adapted to local social and environmental contexts, is the only way to compensate for the effects of the intensive production model by promoting sustainable local micro-economies and enhancing marginal productive areas.

The above concepts recall objectives 12, 13 and 15 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which are reported below:

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Target 12.1: Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries

GOAL 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Target 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

GOAL 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Target 15.9 By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts

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); available at https://www.fao.org/4/i3327e/i3327e00.htm

Additional teaching material to be made available to students consists of:
- Copies of the PowerPoint presentations used during lectures and seminars.
- Scientific articles and other teaching materials provided by the instructor, including any relevant links and/or articles for further reading.

Oral examination. The exam will begin with the presentation (oral, possibly supported by multimedia) of a case study relevant to the course program and chosen by the student. The exam will include questions that may require in-depth analysis of the case study and/or the remaining parts of the program. The evaluation will consider the relevance of the answers, the quality of the content, the ability to connect with other topics covered in the program, the technical quality of the presentation, and the student's overall expressive skills.

The evaluation follows the following scheme:

Insufficient
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies
Ability to analyze and synthesize: irrelevant with frequent generalizations
Use of references: completely inappropriate
18-20  
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest with evident imperfections
Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate
Use of references: just appropriate
21-23  
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level
Ability to analyze and synthesize: a fair bility to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner
Using references: use standard references
24-26  
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge
Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented consistently
Using references: use of standard references
27-29  
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge more than good
Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis
Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth
30-30 with praise
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge
Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis
Use of references: important insights

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

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

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. Negative effects of inbreeding. Traditional selection vs genomic selection. 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. Differences between traditional selection and genomic selection.