791-002 Animal Breeding

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Objectives:

The objective of this subject is to enable the students to:

• develop their knowledge of basic genetics into the related areas of population genetics;

• explain the inheritance of quantitative traits, the effect of the environment on their variations, and the concept of heritability;

• evaluate selection methods, investigate applications of reproductive technology and mating systems;

• interpret research data and apply research findings which are directly applicable to animal genetics reproduction.

Content:

The concepts of gene frequency and population equilibrium and factors affecting them. Continuous variations in quantitative traits, the environmental and genetic basis of such variations. Selection methods, selection differential, generation length, heritability, repeatability, response to selection in current and future generations. Aids to selection, repeated measurements, records of relatives, correlation between traits and correlated responses. Inbreeding and its co-efficient, heterosis and hybrid vigour, cross-breeding systems and breeding efficiency. Applications of reproductive technologies - semen and embryo handline, artificial breeding programs, endocrine manipulation.

Assessment: