2023

Genetic Animal Improvement

Name: Genetic Animal Improvement
Code: ZOO14014I
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area: Animal Science

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

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Sustainable Development Goals

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.

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.

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 breeders' associations.
Evaluation: The evaluation will consists of two written tests or a final written examination

Teaching Staff

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