208-344 Studies in Advanced Breeding

Either 208-275 Plant Production or 208-263 Animal Science and Nutrition

This subject includes:

• methods of breeding and improvement in plants and animals including the impact of biotechnology;

• genetic environmental interactions;

• determining genetic traits in plants and animals;

• policies and regulations of genetic material in breeding programs and commercial development;

• methods of plant breeding including somatic hybridisation and tissue culture;

• seed and bulk commodity quality, freedom from contamination, genetic purity and fitness for purpose;

• case studies on quality parameters for wheat, barley, pulses, pigs, poultry, beef cattle and prime lambs; and genetics in conservation programs;

• quality testing procedures;

• plant breeders rights and variety development and commercialisation;

• estimating breeding values; and

• speciation, hybridisation, vegetation provenances.

Mid-semester examination (20%), final examination (50%), and three case study assignments (each worth 10%). Pass in practical component required.