Learning objectives
The course aims to enable the student to know and to understand the veterinary reproductive diseases (etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment) in herd, equine breeding and companion animals, to acquire the ability to use the knowledge and understanding gained in the diagnosis of problems linked to the reproductive field of the herd related to obstetrical and gynecological diseases, to prepare an appropriate management and therapies planning showing communication skills and learning skills. Furthermore, the course aims to provide the basis to realize a proper plan of synchronization of oestrus in order to organize breeding and optimize the reproductive and productive performances of the farm. The concepts and principles essential to the correct execution and programming of an embryo transfer and learn about the cryopreservation in bovine embryos. Ultimate goal will be to introduce students to the knowledge of the basis for the reproductive management of herds in the different livestock species and be able to integrate into a group of veterinary work for the conduct and implementation of best practices of diagnostic, therapeutics, prevention and making judgement.
Prerequisites
As required by the Degree Course Guidelines.
Course unit content
Reproductive management in dairy farm: ovarian follicles and corpus luteum dynamics and estrus detection systems in cattle; synchronization protocols; Reproductive Tract Scoring (RTS); Embryo Transfer - historical notes; oocytes evaluation; evaluation and embryos classification (cattle - horses); Standards for ET IETS (International Embryo Transfer Society); Evaluation of sperm cells. Legislation on animal breeding; splitting and embryo sexing ; GIFT; ICSI; Embryo therapy in repeat breeders; Slow freezing embryo – Technical; Ultra-fast freezing embryo (Vitrification) – Technical; handling embryos under stereozoom.
Neutering and surgery in genital tract disease in small animals.
Full programme
Reproductive management in dairy farm: ovarian follicles and corpus luteum dynamics and estrus detection systems in cattle; Follicles and Corpus luteum dynamics
Estrus detection systems in cattle
Synchronization protocols
RTS (Reproductive Tract Scoring)
Embryo Transfer - historical notes
Rating oocytes
Rating sperm
Evaluation and embryos Classification (cattle - horses)
Standards of ET IETS (International Embryo Transfer Society)
Existing legislation on animal breeding
Splitting and embryo sexing
GIFT
ICSI
Embryo terapy in repeat breeders
Slow freezing embryo - Technical
Ultra-fast freezing embryo (Vitrification) - Technical
Handling embryos under stereozoom
Surgery of genital tract in small animals
Delivery and neonatal period nella cagna e nella gatta
Bibliography
R.S. Youngquist - W. R. Threlfall - CURRENT THERAPY IN LARGE ANIMAL THERIOGENOLOGY, SECOND EDITION ISBN 10: 0-7216-9323-7 ISBN 13: 978-0-7216-9323-1 - 2007.
Angus O. McKinnon James L. Voss. Equine reproduction. Blackwell publishing (1995).
Seidel G.E. Jr, and Sarah Moore Seidel, 1991. Training manual for embryo transfer in cattle. http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/T0117E/T0117E00.htm#TOC.
Stringfellow D.A., Seidel S.M., 1998. Manual of the International Embryo Transfer Society – Third Edition.
Teaching methods
The course will take place through lectures and practical session in cows and mares at the departmental facilities, visits dairy farms and at the local public slaughterhouse. In companion animals practical sessions during clinical activities at the Teaching Veterinary Hospital in cows and mares at the departmental facilities,
During the lectures will be to support specific and updated Power Point presentation of the topics covered, will be screened instructional videos into DVDs that will be discussed and compared with the students.
Assessment methods and criteria
A final written examination will be carried out in open-ended responses in which the student will demonstrate knowledge and the understanding in the course programme; demonstrating that they understand the concepts and diagnostic of the pathological situations of interest obstetrics and gynecology, will also be required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding gained in identifying the problems of running a farm and breeding in companion animals and know how to prepare a plan of care and diseases prevention in cooperation with other practitioners.
Other information
Nine examination sessions are scheduled troughout the academic year, as reported on ESSE3 platform website. Five more examination sessions are schedule for “fuori corso” and “ripetenti”. A minimun period of 14 days is required between two subsequent examination sessions. The examining board consists at least two members.
