Genetics and Management of Companion Animals

The course will focus on canine and feline inherited diseases with particular attention to molecular genetic diagnostic procedures used in international laboratories. The prevention and eradication of hereditary pathologies through breeding plans management will be studied. The aim of the genetic course section is to supply an effective tool in genetic study for dogs and cats. The main genetic principles will be taught in the course to be applied in dog and cat breeding programs and selection choices.

Topics covered (32 hours):
1. Study of the main hereditary diseases in dog and cat. (20 hours)
2. Genes that control hereditary diseases (10 hours)
- genetic tests that are available and their application
3. Access to molecular biology databases for the study of the genes involved in hereditary diseases of dog and cat (2 hours)

Inglese
The course will focus on canine and feline pure breed populations management considering evaluations and selection choices aimed to preserve welfare and genetic biodiversity. Canine and feline ethnology: breeds evolution and classification, official studbooks, demography. Selection plans. Phenotype evaluation. Companion animal choice and management

Topics covered (32 hours): da fare Stefano
Domestication: phylogeny and evolution of canine populations (4 hours)
Protection of biodiversity: herd books and vital records (4 hours)
Morpho-attitudinal classification of canine populations (4 hours)
Aptitude models in the dog-technical field (4 hours)
Principles of zoognostic evaluation applied to the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of the well-being of dogs and cats. (4 hours)
Farm management techniques. (12 hours)

The general aim of this course is to contribute to the formulation of nutritionally balanced diets for different stages of the life of dog and cat, while complying with relevant EU legislation on dog and cat nutrition. To achieve this objective, up-to-date scientific knowledge on cat and dog nutrition, minimum and maximum nutrient levels, guidance for the assessment of the nutritional value of pet foods, practical nutrient recommendations for management of nutrition will be discussed. Nutrient requirements, vary considerably even between animals kept under the same conditions, will be evaluated in relation to the age, breed, body size, body condition, insulation characteristics of skin and hair coat, temperament, health status or activity and environmental factors. Particular attention will be posed on the education on understanding pet food labels and on the guidelines for homemade diets to promote animal care.

Topics covered (32 ore):
Nutritional status assessment (Screening Evaluation and Extended Evaluation) (2 hours)
Energy and nutrient requirements for maintenance and in various physiological conditions (puppy, pregnancy, lactation, elderly...) (4 hours)
Study and discussion of clinical cases (3 hours)
Nutritional composition of feed for dogs and cats, functional ingredients (3 hours)
Novel food (insects, algae, and alternative proteins) (3 hours)
Commercial and homemade diets: formulation with calculation programs (2 hours)
Diet and Microbiome of dogs and cats; nutritional management of gastrointestinal disorders; opportunities and challenges of fecal microbiota transplantation (3 hours)
Dietary-nutritional strategies for obesity in dogs and cats (2 hours)
Nutritional approach to oncological patients (2 hours)
Key nutritional factors for allergic patients (2 hours)
Development of nutritional plans in specific pathological conditions: urolithiasis, hepatic diseases, renal and pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus (2 hours)
Nutritional keys for cachexia, frailty, and sarcopenia (2 hours)
Introduction to assisted feeding: parenteral and enteral (2 hours)

In the "Small pets: management and behavior" module, the aspects related to the breeding and management of the main species belonging to the New Companion Animals (NCA) group will be explored in detail, in particular the basic management and breeding characteristics of amphibians, reptiles, passerines, psittaciforms, rodents, rabbits and ferrets will be described. The management of the breeding will be described from the perspective of knowledge of the species bred in order to ensure the animals' maximum levels of welfare.

Topics covered: (32 hours):
Management and welfare of amphibians and reptiles (6 hours)
Management and welfare of passerines and psittaciformes (8 hours)
Management and welfare of rodents (8 hours)
Management and well-being of lagomorphs (8 hours)
Management and welfare of ferrets (2 hours)