212-407 Genetics and Breeding

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Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should: understand genetics as it relates to plant and animal breeding; be confident in applying genetics to improvement programs in plants and animals; have a good preparation for higher degree study in plant and animal breeding.

Content:

Animal Genetics and Breeding: application of genetics to animal improvement. The place of performance recording schemes. Formulation of breeding programs. Advanced topics in animal breeding. Data analysis, parameter estimation, selection indices, the effect of lifetime reproduction, utilisation of genetic engineering - transgenic animals. Plant Genetics and Breeding: methods, concepts and case studies in breeding for increased yield and quality of plant products. Methods, concepts and case studies in breeding for disease and insect resistance, or tolerance, in agricultural plants. Genetic modification of reproductive systems in plant breeding. The application of special techniques such as induced mutation, induced ploidy changes, cytogenetics, tissue culture and DNA transfer to the genetic improvement of agricultural plants. Practical Work Exercises and some formal practical classes and discussion to illustrate particular aspects of the lectures and to familiarise students with research techniques in animal and plant breeding. An excursion to a plant breeding institute may also be arranged.

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