Genomics, Selection and Morpho-Functional Evaluation
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the student with theoretical and practical knowledge of zootechnical disciplines through the framing of various genomics and selection techniques and the treatment of the morpho-functional evaluation of livestock animals.
Expected learning outcomes
. Knowledge and understanding: at the end of the course, the student will acquire knowledge related to the basic principles for the use of genomic data (SNP chip genotypes and sequences) in the selection and reproductive management practices of animals in zootechnical production. Furthermore, the student will have acquired knowledge and understanding skills in the morpho-functional evaluation of animals and will be able to recognize the most important judging regions and identify the main defects of livestock animals.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student must be able to apply the acquired knowledge for the identification and understanding of the different aspects that characterize the various animal production systems, also in relation to technological innovations in genomics and selection applied to zootechnical systems and morpho-functional evaluation.
3. Making judgment: the student must be able to critically and proactively approach the study of the subject by analyzing the material provided by the teacher and the recommended texts. The practical lessons in the classroom and on the farm will help develop the student's critical and judging skills regarding the selection of zootechnical species, also in relation to the production system.
4. Communication: the student must acquire communication skills using the specific technical terminology related to the topics covered in the course. Working groups on practical activities will contribute to the development of the student's ability to correctly communicate and transmit what has been learned.
5. Lifelong learning skills: the notions and reasoning skills acquired during the course will enable the student to continue independently studying, deepening, and continuously updating their knowledge in the field of animal production, both during their university career and in their future work.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student must be able to apply the acquired knowledge for the identification and understanding of the different aspects that characterize the various animal production systems, also in relation to technological innovations in genomics and selection applied to zootechnical systems and morpho-functional evaluation.
3. Making judgment: the student must be able to critically and proactively approach the study of the subject by analyzing the material provided by the teacher and the recommended texts. The practical lessons in the classroom and on the farm will help develop the student's critical and judging skills regarding the selection of zootechnical species, also in relation to the production system.
4. Communication: the student must acquire communication skills using the specific technical terminology related to the topics covered in the course. Working groups on practical activities will contribute to the development of the student's ability to correctly communicate and transmit what has been learned.
5. Lifelong learning skills: the notions and reasoning skills acquired during the course will enable the student to continue independently studying, deepening, and continuously updating their knowledge in the field of animal production, both during their university career and in their future work.
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
Part I: Genomics and Selection
1) Sequencing and genotyping (2 hours)
2) Commercial SNP chips for genotyping (2 hours)
3) Quantitative Trait Loci and SNP markers (3 hours)
4) The infinitesimal genetic model in a genomic perspective (3 hours)
5) Genomic selection: tools, populations, prediction equations (3 hours)
6) The estimation of prediction equations from the "training population" to the application of prediction equations in the "application population" (3 hours)
7) Management of genomic variability in the female herd (2 hours)
8) The genomic consultant in the company: management of farm reproduction using genomic information (2 hours)
9) Classroom exercises on genomic data (4 hours)
10) Technical visit to dairy cattle farms that use genomic selection also on the female herd (4 hours)
Part II: Livestock judging
1) Principles of judging livestock animals (2 hours)
2) Market types, classes and grades of farm animals with emphasis on food production animals (2 hours)
3) The body regions: head and neck (2 hours)
4) The body regions: the trunk (3 hours)
5) Limbs and foot (3 hours)
6) Coat colors of animals (1 hours)
7) Principles of animal mechanics (1 hours)
8) Functional recording for milk and meat (2 hours)
9) Dairy cow evaluation (2 hours)
10) Beef cattle evaluation (2 hours)
11) How to judge conformation in dairy caw and beef cattle with pictures and video demonstration (2 hours)
12) Technical visit to a dairy farm with a practical judging of a dairy cow (3 hours)
13) Technical visit to a beef cattle farm (3 hours)
1) Sequencing and genotyping (2 hours)
2) Commercial SNP chips for genotyping (2 hours)
3) Quantitative Trait Loci and SNP markers (3 hours)
4) The infinitesimal genetic model in a genomic perspective (3 hours)
5) Genomic selection: tools, populations, prediction equations (3 hours)
6) The estimation of prediction equations from the "training population" to the application of prediction equations in the "application population" (3 hours)
7) Management of genomic variability in the female herd (2 hours)
8) The genomic consultant in the company: management of farm reproduction using genomic information (2 hours)
9) Classroom exercises on genomic data (4 hours)
10) Technical visit to dairy cattle farms that use genomic selection also on the female herd (4 hours)
Part II: Livestock judging
1) Principles of judging livestock animals (2 hours)
2) Market types, classes and grades of farm animals with emphasis on food production animals (2 hours)
3) The body regions: head and neck (2 hours)
4) The body regions: the trunk (3 hours)
5) Limbs and foot (3 hours)
6) Coat colors of animals (1 hours)
7) Principles of animal mechanics (1 hours)
8) Functional recording for milk and meat (2 hours)
9) Dairy cow evaluation (2 hours)
10) Beef cattle evaluation (2 hours)
11) How to judge conformation in dairy caw and beef cattle with pictures and video demonstration (2 hours)
12) Technical visit to a dairy farm with a practical judging of a dairy cow (3 hours)
13) Technical visit to a beef cattle farm (3 hours)
Prerequisites for admission
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but basic knowledge of genetics, anatomy and physiology of domestic animals is required.
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures in the classroom and practical exercises. In addition, technical visits in livestock farms will be carried out.
Teaching Resources
Lectures presentation and teaching materials available in ARIEL platform
Suggested Textbooks:
- Balasini D. - Zoognostica - Ed. Edagricole
- Genetic Improvement of Farmed Animals (2021). Geoff Simm, Geoff Pollot, Raphael Mrode, Ross Houston and Karen Marshall, CABI International. Disponibile sulla piattaforma CABI: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/epdf/10.1079/9781789241723.0000
Suggested Textbooks:
- Balasini D. - Zoognostica - Ed. Edagricole
- Genetic Improvement of Farmed Animals (2021). Geoff Simm, Geoff Pollot, Raphael Mrode, Ross Houston and Karen Marshall, CABI International. Disponibile sulla piattaforma CABI: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/epdf/10.1079/9781789241723.0000
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam sessions are 7 in one year and they take place in the months of: January, February, April, June, July, September, October. Additional exam sessions for off-course students may be held in the months of May and November. To take the exam it is mandatory to register for the session through the SIFA online service of the University. The exam consists of an oral interview with references to both frontal teaching and the topics of the practical exercises. The final vote evaluation is out of thirty. The test will evaluate the knowledge and the ability to understand and apply knowledge, the skills of criticism and judgment. The ability to exhibit and the use of appropriate terminology will also be evaluated.
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Bagnato Alessandro, Moretti Vittorio Maria
Professor(s)
Reception:
The teacher is happy to help students after a requested appointment by email
Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi