Learning objectives
The student will be able to know and understand topics related to animal genetics and the sustainability of the current breeding programs.
D1 - KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the course, the student should demonstrate that he/she is able to:
1) explain basic concepts related to animal genetics (quantitative and molecular)
2) explain concepts related to the management of populations such as monitoring genetic diversity
3) explain how genomics is used in practice (e.g. on developing breeding program)
4) explain how association studies work and why they are used to understand the genetic background of relevant traits
D2 - APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the training activity, the student should demonstrate that he/she is able to:
1. Apply basic concepts for the management and monitoring of genetic diversity in animal populations
2. Understanding the potential / limitations of genomics both in the context of native local breeds and as an advanced tool in the breeding program
3. Ability to interpret the results obtained through bioinformatics analysis
D3 -MAKING JUDGEMENTS
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Independently evaluate which monitoring strategy and / or selection plan should be used according to breed and type of production
2. Describe the most appropriate tools and analyses in a given animal context
D4 - COMMUNICATION SKILLS
At the end of the training activity, the student should demonstrate that he/she is able to:
1. express himself/herself clearly and with appropriate terms
2. interpret and summarize scientific articles written in Italian and English;
D5 - LIFELONG LEARNING SKILLS
At the end of the training activity, the student will be able to:
1. Connect different topics
2. Understand the impact and implications of using genomics in animal production
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The course mainly focuses on the use of genetic and latest genomic technologies in order to improve sustainability of animal breeding and to provide innovation in the animal production sector. In particular, the following topics will be addressed: a) management and monitoring of genetic diversity between breeds and within breed via pedigree and genomic approaches (e.g. Fixation index, inbreeding, ROH); b) association studies using whole genome data to understand the genetic background of relevant traits (e.g. GWAS, QTL); c) prediction of the breeding value of animals on a genomic data and the use of genomic selection. Practical lectures will be provided using mainly the R software for which a brief introduction will be offered at the beginning of the course (link to the software: https://www.r-project.org/, https://rstudio.com/). Explanation on the use of other software for genetic and genomic analyses is also expected throughout the course.
Full programme
The course mainly focuses on the use of genetic and latest genomic technologies in order to improve sustainability of animal breeding and to provide innovation in the animal production sector. In particular, the following topics will be addressed: a) management and monitoring of genetic diversity between breeds and within breed via pedigree and genomic approaches (e.g. Fixation index, inbreeding, ROH); b) association studies using whole genome data to understand the genetic background of relevant traits (e.g. GWAS, QTL); c) prediction of the breeding value of animals on a genomic data and the use of genomic selection. Practical lectures will be provided using mainly the R software for which a brief introduction will be offered at the beginning of the course (link to the software: https://www.r-project.org/, https://rstudio.com/). Explanation on the use of other software for genetic and genomic analyses is also expected throughout the course.
Bibliography
1) Textbook: Animal breeding and genetics. Publisher: Centre for Genetic Resources and Animal Breeding and Genomics Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, the Netherlands. Author: Groen Kennisnet
2) Genomic management of animal genetic diversity. Publisher: Wageningen Academic Pub
Author: Oldenbroek Kor Year: 2017
3) Scientific papers
Teaching methods
The course is based on lectures using slides which will be available on the Elly platform. During the lessons, genetic software will be also used, which will be illustrated by the teachers and applied directly in the classroom.
Assessment methods and criteria
The verification of the expected learning outcomes described by indicator D1 and part of those described by indicators D2, D3, D4 and D5, is carried out by oral examination, divided into approximately three questions: two more theoretically-based aiming to verify the general knowledge of the candidate and its ability to communicate with the correct terminology; one more practical which aims to assess the student's ability to solve issues in the animal production system applying genetic and genomics tools. For students diagnosed with specific learning disorders (DSA), certified in accordance with law 170/2010, special support methods are provided. In the event of an emergency situation due to the COVID pandemic, the exams will be held in remote.
Other information
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