208-325 Applied Animal Reproduction

This subject involves the use of animals. Students should be aware that this is an essential part of the subject and exemption from this component is not possible.

202-103 Biology for Land and Food Resources or 650-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms; 208-202 Animal Physiology.

The aim of this subject is to give students of animal science and management the fundamentals of applied reproductive biology and to develop the skills necessary for the management of reproductive performance of domestic animals. The content includes comparative structure and function of male and female reproductive organs; endocrinology and neuro-endocrinology of reproductive cycles; mating, fertilisation, pregnancy, parturition and lactation; environmental control of reproduction, nutrition-reproduction interactions, seasonality, and stress and behavior; use of exogenous hormones to manipulate reproduction; reproductive biotechnologies including embryo transfer; and manipulating male reproduction.

At the completion of this subject students should:

• understand the comparative structure and function of male and female reproductive systems;

• understand the endocrine and neuroendocrine control of reproductive cycles;

• understand factors affecting reproduction and reproductive potential, and the importance of appropriate management of domestic animals for optimising reproductive performance; and

• understand, and be able to apply, techniques, including new and emerging technologies, for modifying reproductive performance.

One problem-based learning project with assessment (20% of final marks), two written practical reports of not more than 2000 words (15% each of final marks), one 3-hour written essay or short-answer style examination (50% of final marks).