Biotechnologies of animal products

Module GENETICA E GENOMICA NEL MIGLIORAMENTO DELLE PRODUZIONI ANIMALI

The module aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge on molecular and genomic genetics techniques applied to the management of animal populations, to the selection of reproducers, to the improvement and genetic traceability of livestock productions.

In detail, with reference to the so-called “Dublin Descriptors”, the course aims to provide the following knowledge and skills.

Knowledge and understanding abilities: The student will acquire specific knowledge on biotechnologies applied to the management of animal populations, to the reproduction and selection of animals in livestock production and to the improvement, safety and genetic traceability of products of animal origin .

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding abilities: The student will be able to produce and interpret genetic data to be used in improvement, management and protection plans for livestock populations; it will also be able to identify the biomarkers to be applied to the individual, species or breed genetic traceability of products of animal origin.

Making judgments: The knowledge and skills acquired during the course and in particular the activities, of individual study of some issues, and the critical analysis of the literature will allow the student to achieve autonomy of judgment and ability to study and operate independently.

Communication skills: Lectures, other activities and individual study on selected teaching material will allow the student to acquire the basics of technical language, also in English. The student will be encouraged to use the correct technical language in classroom discussions, as well as during other activities. The property of technical language contributes to the final evaluation of the student.

Learning skills: During the course of teaching, the collection and examination of scientific literature and the drafting of scientific reports are aimed at preparing the student for self-employment and critical analysis of literature. These skills are useful for the preparation of the degree thesis, for the drafting of a good research project for access to the doctorate and for the continuous updating of the knowledge and skills necessary for the profession.

Lectures, exercise, seminars, technical visits.

The course includes 3 ECTS of lectures, held by he teacher, and 3 ECTS of other activities which include, at the beginning of the course, 2 so-called "Zero Lessons" which aim to recall basic concepts essential for understanding the contents of the module and to standardize the preparation of students coming from different degree courses. Other activities include educational visits, seminars and exercises in the classroom and / or in the laboratory which may also be held by experts on the subject. In the classroom there will also be an intense research and critical analysis of the scientific literature, which will prepare students for the preparation and presentation of scientific reports and for the oral exam. Students will be able to work individually or in groups and discuss with each other and with the teacher.

Part of the exercises will be carried out jointly for an optimal integration between the two modules of the integrated course.

If the teaching is 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 envisaged and 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 specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP referring teachers for Di3A.

Genetic improvemnt  of quantitative traits in livestock. Main reproductive biotechnologies and cytogenetic analysis. Characterization of livestock genomes. Major genes associated to animal productions. Candidate genes and QTLs.  Marker Assisted Selection (MAS). Livestock biodiversity characterization and conservation. Population genetics: genetic structure of animal populations. Molecular markers in animal breeding. Molecular markers applied to the safety and the genetic traceability of animal productions. 

1. Barcaccia,  Falcinelli “Genetica e genomica- VOL III”  "Genomica e biotecnologie genetiche." Seconda edizione accresciuta -  Liguori Editore; 

2. Pagnacco “Genetica animale. Applicazioni zootecniche e veterinarie” Terza edizione. Editore Zanichelli.               

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

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

Oral examination. The exam will begin with the presentation and discussion of 2 case studies chosen by the students and approved by the teacher. The case studies will cover the following topics:

 - genes or QTLs involved in the selection for traits of zootechnical interest (quantity and quality of a production, resistance to a disease, prolificacy, adaptation to the environment);

- livestock biodiversity or genetic traceability of animal productions using molecular markers.

The 2 presentations must be short (max 15 slides each). The exam will proceed with questions on the remaining parts of the program.

The quality of the contents, the ability to connect with other topics covered by the program, the relevance of the answers with respect to the questions posed, the technical language properties and the overall expressive ability of the student will be evaluated.

Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.

The vote will take place by applying the following scheme:

Not suitable - Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies. Analysis and synthesis skills: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize. Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20 - Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections. Ability to analyze and synthesize: Just enough skills. Use of references: As appropriate.

21-23 - Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge Ability to analyze and synthesize: Is capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently. Use of references: Use standard references.

24-26 - Subject knowledge and understanding: Good knowledge. Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently. Use of references: Use standard references.

27-29 - Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good. Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis. Use of references: Has explored the topics.

30-30L - Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge. Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis. Use of references: Important insights.

Genetic basis of quantitative traits. Genetic structure of animal populations. Strategies for characterization and conservation of  livestock biodiversity. Molecular kinship and paternity exclusion. Multiplex PCR. Genomic analysis of domestic animals by DNA-CHIP. Examples of genes associated with animal production (also in case studies). Major genes, candidate genes and QTLs. Individual, species and breed genetic traceability (also in case studies). Main biotechnologies of reproduction. Cytogenetic analyzes and main chromosomal abnormalities in farm animals. Milk protein genes. Main bioactive peptides of dairy products.