ZOOTECHNICS AND GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

Integrated educational activity

Course Sheet

Academic Year of enrolment:

2021/2022

Optional/Mandatory:

Compulsory

Degree:

5-year Single Cycle Master's Degree Programme in VETERINARY MEDICINE

Language:

Italian

Moduls:

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

3 credits
GENERAL ZOOTECHNICS

3 credits

Credits:

Programme Year:

Hours of classroom activity:

Prerequisites:

Good knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology of domestic, ruminant and monogastric animals.

AF code:

40003746

Assessment Methods

Verification of learning:

The learning assessment procedures include a written test in progress, an intermediate written test (both optional) to be carried out on parts of the program and a final oral exam. The student will have to demonstrate: Knowledge and understanding: knowing the characteristics of each breed based on the species they belong to and their productive destination; knowing how to describe and morphologically evaluate a subject correctly; know the bases for building a genetic improvement plan and define selection objectives according to the production destination. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject to make logical connections that allow you to answer the questions posed in the exam; highlight the morphological differences deriving from the selection for a specific use and understand what the final (evolutionary) meaning of a given character is; to know exactly the methods of control and evaluation of the reproducers in order to obtain an improvement in the population. Critical and judgment skills: demonstrate the ability to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative aspects of morphological characters; know which genes are involved in the improvement plans and how their study can lead to a real improvement in the selection; independently choose the most appropriate genetic investigation for the information requested (recognition of paternity / maternity, isolation and amplification of genetic traits, identification of polymorphisms, etc.). Ability to communicate what has been learned: express oneself in a clear and relevant way, with appropriate terminology, especially using specific zootechnical terms. Part of the exercises, especially during the remote phase, are aimed precisely at training the student on this specific aspect by providing for the preparation of mini-lessons in Power Point on an assigned race, and the consequent exposure to the class of what has been elaborated, in order to develop the ability of communication and orderly presentation of what has been learned. Ability to continue the study autonomously over the course of life: the tools provided to continue independently in the study concern the basics of careful observation and accurate description. Through them the student will be autonomously able to extrapolate the information necessary to understand for what purpose the animal he is in front of, even if unknown, is selected and to help himself with the available sources of knowledge and his mental organization to draw the guidelines. of a selection plan aimed at obtaining genetic improvement without depleting the available genetic reserve. Acquired OCD: Demonstrate lifelong learning ability and a commitment to learning and professional development. This includes recording and reflecting on professional experience and taking steps to improve performance and competence (DOC 1.13). The Integrated Course helps to develop some skills that the student can use in his profession from the first day of work: 1.13; 1.16; 1.20; 1.28.

Teaching period

First semester

Objectives

The objectives of the course are to provide knowledge about the different breeds of domestic species with particular attention to the morphological differences arising from the different selection plans. At the end of the course the student will know the main breeds of domestic animals, their appearances and peculiarities and their diffusion on the national and foreign territory; the molecular basis of genetic information, of the trait’s inheritance, of the main qualitative genes involved in the expression of phenotypic traits and of the main quantitative genes involved in the different production performances. The skills of the students at the end of the course will be: to identify and describe a subject based on its specific breed; to evaluate the distinctive morphological traits of each breed and the qualitative and quantitative features of the morphological traits; to choose from the common molecular biology techniques the one most suitable for genotyping animals according to the main genes responsible for the traits to be selected. Through the knowledge acquired and the skills achieved, the student will finally have the essential skills to understand the main differences in production traits with particular attention to the importance of safeguarding biodiversity; to recognize the traits that allow a subject to become a good reproducer; to apply intra-breed selection methods on the basis of specific aptitudes, assuming the responsibility of preserving breed’s health, limiting inbreeding, maintaining correct genetic variability and avoiding damage deriving from extreme selective pressure. DOC acquired 1.20: Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding.

Contents

Dog breeds: classification and description of the 10 groups according to ENCI (8h); morphological and character description of the main feline breeds (2h). Bovine species: origins and evolution; consistency and distribution of the Italian and world bovine herd; the main Italian and foreign dairy and meat breeds, with dual and triple aptitudes (4h). Sheep and goat species: origins and evolution; morphological differences at the basis of production differentiation, main Italian and foreign breeds, consistency and distribution of the Italian and world sheep herd (2h). Swine species: origins and evolution, morphological characters and racial differences, main Italian and foreign breeds, consistency and distribution of the Italian pig herd (2h). Equine and donkey species: origins and evolution of the horse and donkey, classification by morphological criteria, main Italian and foreign breeds (2h). Biotechnologies related to the improvement and control of reproductive activity in animals of zootechnical interest, sexing of embryos and spermatozoa (2h).
Practices: morphological and functional evaluation in livestocks (3h) and pets (3h); online data base search for breeds’ information, for individual traits in StudBooks recordings (3h); 2h/student shift in VTH, aimed at recognize breed and coat colours and pattern in dogs and cats.
Genetic Improvement: Basics of basic genetics: the genome of animals of zootechnical interest, uses of coding and non-coding DNA in the zootechnical field; kinship testing, DNA fingerprinting; cytoplasmic inheritance (2h). Quantitative and qualitative traits; genetic and environmental variability; genetic polymorphism; allele and genotypic frequencies; heterosis and hybrid vigor; interaction between genes: additive genetic effects, modifier genes, epistatic genes, suppressor genes, lethal genes, sublethal genes (2h). Genetic evaluation of the reproducers, selection index, heritability, selection schemes (2h). Genetic tests: pedigree index, performance test, progeny test, sib test, animal model (2h). Feline genetics: genes involved in external characteristics; recognition and identification of hereditary diseases, elimination strategies from selected populations; systems of identification, importance and functions of the feline Pedigree (3h). Canine genetics: genetics of colors and external characteristics, major genes that act on phenotypic characters; the "genetic mistreatment", consequences of excessive selective drive and genetic isolation; identification of problems and strategies for reducing the incidence of genetic diseases; identification and pedigree systems (3h). Genetic improvement in the bovine species: selection in dairy and beef cattle: herd books, national, regional, and provincial associations responsible for the control and collection of data, selective schemes and tools (2h). Genetic improvement in sheep: selection schemes and objectives in Sardinian sheep (2h). Genetic improvement in pigs: schemes and objectives for the selection of the butchery pig and the charcuterie pig (2h). Genetic improvement in the equine species: selection and improvement strategies of the sport horse. The meat horse: selection and improvement strategies, the example of CAITPR in Italy (2h).
Practices: the application of molecular biology to the genetic improvement: PCR technique aimed to the isolation and amplification of a candidate gene from DNA; electrophoretic run on an agarose gel to analyze PCR results (3h); evaluation of a candidate breeder in bovine and equine specie, with linear form (3h); visit and activities in dairy sheep genetic center (3h); 2h/student shift in VTH, aimed at analyze the identification methods (microchip reading and tracking) and pedigree analyses in dogs and cats.

Recommended Bibliography

- DIALMA BALASINI: Zootecnica generale. Edagricole.
- DIALMA BALASINI: Zootecnica speciale, principali razze di animali domestici e tecniche di allevamento per le diverse produzioni. Edagricole.
- Giulio Pagnacco: Genetica Animale (Seconda edizione) Casa editrice Ambrosiana
The slides and other teaching materials used in class are made available to students on the University platform.

Teaching Methods

Frontal lessons with the support of ppt presentations, videos and animations. Based on the health conditions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the teaching of both modules will be provided according to the rules established by the University according to national provisions.
The practical exercises in the paddocks with large animals are aimed at ensuring the student's development of critical judgment skills through the exercise of observing an animal and its accurate description. Before approaching any animal, the student is educated on possible escape routes, on the correct approach to the animal, avoiding creating anxiety and stress for the animal, or situations of potential danger for himself and others.The student will be stimulated to independently recognize and describe an animal, critically arguing the information deriving from its observation and focusing attention on the morphological components useful for ensuring recognition of the production type and breed. Through this approach, the student will be able to continue studying independently at the end of teaching throughout his / her professional career.
The practical exercises in the laboratory are aimed at providing the student with the necessary tools to independently choose the most appropriate genetic investigation for the information requested (recognition of paternity / maternity, isolation and amplification of genetic traits, identification of polymorphisms, etc.).
The D1C acquired by practices will be recorded in the LogBook.
Additional hours, at the student's choice, may be dedicated to visits to livestock exhibitions in the area with the carrying out of evaluation mini-courses or assistance to the judges in the ring.
The Integrated Course helps to develop some skills that the student can use in his profession from the first day of work:
1.13 Demonstrate an ability of lifelong learning and a commitment to learning and professional development. This includes recording and reflecting on professional experience and taking measures to improve performance and competence;
1.16: Handle and restrain animal patients safely and with respect of the animal, and instruct others in helping the veterinarian perform these techniques;
1.20: Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding;
1.28: Apply the principles of biosecurity correctly

Contacts/More Information

Receipt
The teacher receives every day at the times available in addition to lessons and other institutional commitments, by prior arrangement. The meetings can be used via Teams, in case of impossibility to carry them out face-to-face.

ZOOTECHNICS AND GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

Course year: 1

Course year: 2

Course year: 3

Course year: 4

Course year: 5

Search form

ZOOTECHNICS AND GENETIC IMPROVEMENT