Genetics and Management of Companion Animals

The aim of this course is to provide the practical knowledges which needed for the management and feeding of companion animals, in order to meet the needs of the customers of a clinical vet. The focus will mainly be on dogs and cats, but also on rodents and birds and other animal species. Further attention will be given to the prevention of genetically transmitted diseases. Another important theme concerns the pathogenic and clinical aspects of diseases dealing with metabolism and feed, to develop specific diets to prevent them and to identify the best diet as therapeutic support. Furthermore, unconventional but widespread species will be treated. The aim of the course is to describe the main management, feeding and breeding techniques for new pet animals, as well as the ethogram of each affected species to better understand their behavioural adaptation to the environment. Breeding and productive facilities will be visited

Knowledge and understanding:-managing hereditary disorders with breeding programs-monitoring of morphological characters useful in breeding programs-knowledge of a proper formulation of industrial and homemade dietary plans for dogs and cats -management of the main species belonging to NPA (new pet animals)To be able to apply the knowledge to:-reading the pedigrees and planning selection strategies-develop specific diets as therapeutic support for dogs and cats-understand pet food labels and because of the new tendencies in the food market- Recognition and management of the small pets
Communication skills:-the students must be able to correctly use the specific scientific terminologyLearning skills:-developing an ability of learning related to the professional context