2025
Genetic Animal Improvement
Name: Genetic Animal Improvement
Code: ZOO15232I
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Animal Science
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Learning Goals
The subject aims to provide a thorough understanding of different methods used in domestic animal breeding, including population, quantitative and molecular genetics. On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
1-Have a comprehensive understanding of the animal breeding theory which forms the basis for inferring genetics effects at the population level and the consequences at the farm level;
2-Express the meaning and application of a range of genetic parameters;
3-Estimate breeding values and use genetic tools to determine the impact of selection and crossbreeding;
4-Evaluate a range of genetic tools (including molecular and reproductive biotechnologies) for the design of breeding programs.
1-Have a comprehensive understanding of the animal breeding theory which forms the basis for inferring genetics effects at the population level and the consequences at the farm level;
2-Express the meaning and application of a range of genetic parameters;
3-Estimate breeding values and use genetic tools to determine the impact of selection and crossbreeding;
4-Evaluate a range of genetic tools (including molecular and reproductive biotechnologies) for the design of breeding programs.
Contents
1.Population Genetics
1.1.Simply-Inherited and Polygenic traits;
1.2.Gene and Genotypic Frequencies
1.3.Gene Action
1.4.Parameters of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
1.5.Detection of carriers for recessive genes
1.6.Inbreeding
2.Quantitative Genetics;
2.1.The Genotype x Environment Interactions
2.2.Estimation of genetic parameters:
2.2.1.Heritability
2.2.2.Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations
2.3.Selection;
2.3.1.The Response to Selection
2.3.2. Repeated Records
2.3.3. Correlated responses to selection;
2.3.3.1.Selection Indexes; BLUP-Animal Model
2.3.4.Genomic Genetic Evaluation
2.4. Crossbreeding;
2.4.1.Crossbreeding and Heterosis
2.4.2.Direct and Maternal Effects
2.4.3.Main types of Crossbreding
2.4.4.Structure of an organized selection scheme: Close Nucleus breedig scheme and Open Nucleus breeding scheme
3. Genetic Improvement Programs, in practice
4. Biotechnologies for genetic improvement and/or preservation of endangered breeds.
1.1.Simply-Inherited and Polygenic traits;
1.2.Gene and Genotypic Frequencies
1.3.Gene Action
1.4.Parameters of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
1.5.Detection of carriers for recessive genes
1.6.Inbreeding
2.Quantitative Genetics;
2.1.The Genotype x Environment Interactions
2.2.Estimation of genetic parameters:
2.2.1.Heritability
2.2.2.Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations
2.3.Selection;
2.3.1.The Response to Selection
2.3.2. Repeated Records
2.3.3. Correlated responses to selection;
2.3.3.1.Selection Indexes; BLUP-Animal Model
2.3.4.Genomic Genetic Evaluation
2.4. Crossbreeding;
2.4.1.Crossbreeding and Heterosis
2.4.2.Direct and Maternal Effects
2.4.3.Main types of Crossbreding
2.4.4.Structure of an organized selection scheme: Close Nucleus breedig scheme and Open Nucleus breeding scheme
3. Genetic Improvement Programs, in practice
4. Biotechnologies for genetic improvement and/or preservation of endangered breeds.
Teaching Methods
Teaching: Teaching will be based on theoretical and practical exposition of the subject and students will be conducted in carrying out practical examples to achieve: The use of methodologies for estimating genetic parameters;, The prediction of additive genetic value in the context of genetic evaluation of individuals; The estimate of genetic progress using selection and crossbreeding. The examples used to carry out the practical exercises are based on real facts associated with the genetic improvement plans implemented by the commercial sector as well as by local breeders. The subject will have a focused on the role of animal breeding for Onehealth and for improvement of health of companion animals. Theoric-Practical classes will have two components, first part, 1 hour dedicated to an activity of active learning and the second half dedicated to discussion.
Assessment
Continuous evaluation: without continuous evaluation
2. Final evaluation: exam maximum 20 values
Every week in TP classes, students answer a questionnaire (with consultation) focusing on the subject matter covered so far, with greater emphasis on the last lecture. The results of the questionnaire are discussed with the students in the second half of the lesson. The quizzes are prepared in Google forms. Students receive feedback on the quiz. Students can identify subjects that they need to understand better and the teacher can identify subjects that need to be explained using a different approach to facilitate learning - Participation in 75% of the quizzes carried out in TP classes is worth 1 point more than the final mark, never exceeding 20 points.
2. Final evaluation: exam maximum 20 values
Every week in TP classes, students answer a questionnaire (with consultation) focusing on the subject matter covered so far, with greater emphasis on the last lecture. The results of the questionnaire are discussed with the students in the second half of the lesson. The quizzes are prepared in Google forms. Students receive feedback on the quiz. Students can identify subjects that they need to understand better and the teacher can identify subjects that need to be explained using a different approach to facilitate learning - Participation in 75% of the quizzes carried out in TP classes is worth 1 point more than the final mark, never exceeding 20 points.
Teaching Staff
- Andreia de Jesus Amaral Gomes Barbosa Fonseca [responsible]
Certificações
