212-415 Advanced Animal Breeding

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

212-314 Genetics and Breeding. Otherwise permission must be sought from co-ordinator.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

On completion of the subject students should understand genetics as it is applied to animal breeding; have a sound knowledge of genetic improvement programs operating in the livestock industries; and be able to apply this knowledge in the design and management of animal breeding programs.

The topics to be covered include defining breeding objectives in economic terms; the meaning of genetic parameters such as hertiability; calculating and using estimated breeding values; prediction of selection response; the use of breed resources and cross breeding; the effects of inbreeding and its minimization; the structure of livestock populations; genetic improvement programs in dairy and beef cattle, sheep and pigs; use of reproductive and molecular technology in livestock improvement; genetic conservation in domestic animals; genetics of growth, lactation, reproduction, wool growth and quality, carcase composition, meat quality, and disease resistance. One assignment will involve the development of a complete breeding program for a production system of choice. The practical work will be partly based on computer analysis of alternative breeding programs and solution of practical problems and partly on the assessment of live animals.

Assessment

One 3-hour written examination (50 %), two written assignments of up to 5000 words (12.5 % each) and one 15-minute seminar (25 %).