Animal Physiology and Assisted Reproduction
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
To provide scientific knowledge on the physiology of the most common animal species and on assisted reproductive techniques applied to domestic animals. Students are given theoretical and practical information on the functions of the principal systems and apparatuses (blood, digestive, reproductive, endocrine, urogenital, respiratory, circulatory, mammary), and about collection, selection and treatment of gametes for artificial insemination and in vitro embryo production.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able to demonstrate its knowledge on the main physiological mechanisms of the apparatuses and on the principles of assisted reproduction techniques that can be applied to animals. His independent judgment will consist in the ability to evaluate and select animal gametes, both male and female, for assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination and in vitro embryo production. It is also expected that students could demonstrate communication skills and proper use of scientific terminology that will allow them to successfully attend other courses in the same field.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
ANIMAL PHISIOLOGY
LECTURES
Blood: cells, plasma, coagulation process.
Gas exchanges in blood.
Monogastric digestive physiology: introduction, stomach and intestine functions, glands of digestive system.
Polygastric digestive system: rumen, reticulum, omasum functions: biochemistry of rumen; rreticulorumen motility; bird digestive system.
Excitable cells: neuron and action potential; striated, smooth and myocardial muscle.
Heart mechanics and circulation.
Endocrinology: hormones, endocrine cells and endocrine secretion; functions of hypophysis, thyroid, endocrine pancreas, adrenal. Calcium metabolism.
Epiphysis and photoperiod.
Kidney and its functions.
Reproduction in Mammals: endocrinology and female reproductive aspects. Estrous cycles, pregnancy and parturition. Male reproductive endocrinology and spermatogenesis.
Lactation and its regulation.
PRACTICALS
Evaluation techniques of hematological parameters and analysis of the milk structure.
ASSISTED REPRODUCTION
LECTURES
Fundamentals of Assisted Reproduction.
Artificial Insemination.
Collection of ejaculate and epididymal spermatozoa.
Semen composition.
Semen evaluation.
Fertilization process.
Collection and selection of oocytes.
Fundamentals of in vitro embryo production (in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture).
PRACTICALS WITH SMALL GROUPS OF STUDENTS or TO INDIVIDUAL STUDENT
Semen evaluation.
Oocyte collection
Oocyte selection and staining
LECTURES
Blood: cells, plasma, coagulation process.
Gas exchanges in blood.
Monogastric digestive physiology: introduction, stomach and intestine functions, glands of digestive system.
Polygastric digestive system: rumen, reticulum, omasum functions: biochemistry of rumen; rreticulorumen motility; bird digestive system.
Excitable cells: neuron and action potential; striated, smooth and myocardial muscle.
Heart mechanics and circulation.
Endocrinology: hormones, endocrine cells and endocrine secretion; functions of hypophysis, thyroid, endocrine pancreas, adrenal. Calcium metabolism.
Epiphysis and photoperiod.
Kidney and its functions.
Reproduction in Mammals: endocrinology and female reproductive aspects. Estrous cycles, pregnancy and parturition. Male reproductive endocrinology and spermatogenesis.
Lactation and its regulation.
PRACTICALS
Evaluation techniques of hematological parameters and analysis of the milk structure.
ASSISTED REPRODUCTION
LECTURES
Fundamentals of Assisted Reproduction.
Artificial Insemination.
Collection of ejaculate and epididymal spermatozoa.
Semen composition.
Semen evaluation.
Fertilization process.
Collection and selection of oocytes.
Fundamentals of in vitro embryo production (in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture).
PRACTICALS WITH SMALL GROUPS OF STUDENTS or TO INDIVIDUAL STUDENT
Semen evaluation.
Oocyte collection
Oocyte selection and staining
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
Attendance is strongly recommended for lectures and exercises.
Frontal lessons and laboratory exercises in small groups are given.
In the lectures, students are involved by stimulating their interest and encouraging them to participate by asking questions and asking to summarize parts already covered in the previous lessons.
In small group practical exercises, the student is guided to achieve autonomy in the manual skills necessary for the manipulation and treatment of gametes in vitro. For animal physiology, students are also involved with the help of computer simulations, always in order to fix the concepts with true examples.
Frontal lessons and laboratory exercises in small groups are given.
In the lectures, students are involved by stimulating their interest and encouraging them to participate by asking questions and asking to summarize parts already covered in the previous lessons.
In small group practical exercises, the student is guided to achieve autonomy in the manual skills necessary for the manipulation and treatment of gametes in vitro. For animal physiology, students are also involved with the help of computer simulations, always in order to fix the concepts with true examples.
Teaching Resources
- Sjaastad et al. Physiology of Domestic Animals, 3rd ed., Scandinavian Academic Press, 2016.
- Gordon I., Laboratory production of cattle embryos, CAB International, 1994, University Press, Cambridge. ISBN 0 85198 928 4.
- Articoli scientifici
- Slides of the Lectures in Ariel
- Gordon I., Laboratory production of cattle embryos, CAB International, 1994, University Press, Cambridge. ISBN 0 85198 928 4.
- Articoli scientifici
- Slides of the Lectures in Ariel
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge acquired and consists of a multiple choice test (assisted reproduction) and an interview (animal physiology). The weighted average results in a minimum approval grade of 18 and a maximum grade of 30 "cum laude" (with honors).
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 6
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 3
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 36 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 12 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 12 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Faustini Massimo, Luvoni Gaia Cecilia Rita
Professor(s)