Breeding Management of Poultry Local Breeds

The course aims to provide knowledge regarding the management for small populations of poultry local breeds. The following major subjects are considered: techniques for conservation of biodiversity, guidelines for phenotypic characterization, herd book of poultry breeds, poultry management for rearing and reproduction; conservation programs.

. Knowledge and understanding: the student, at the end of the course, will have to demonstrate knowledge on techniques for conservation of animal genetic resources, phenotypic characterization of poultry breeds, reproductive management in small population for conservation of biodiversity.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding useful for the choice and implementation of: suitable conservation technique, management and mating scheme for breeder populations.
3. Making judgments: the student must demonstrate the ability to critically present the information acquired. To this aim, specific practical activities are planned at the Poultry Unit (DIVAS, UniMI) and/or at further conservation poultry centers.
4. Communication: the student is expected to use technical appropriate language, in particular terminology referring to the poultry sector. The practical activities are intended to stimulate the ability to use specific terminology and the ability to discuss scientifically with peers.
5. Lifelong learning skills: the student must gain the ability to use acquired knowledge to interpret field breeding conditions and advanced scientific reports, for instance searching scientific databases and critically organising new information.