B8442 - Imaging of the Male and Female Genital Tract and Mammary Gland, Andrology and Semen Evaluation, Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy Monitoring

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student: knows imaging of male and female reproductive organs, including the mammary gland; knows the methodologies for the breeding soundness examination of males; knows the methodology for monitoring pregnancy; is able to perform semen evaluation; knows how to perform estrous cycle monitoring.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated course in "Reproduction and Lactation"
The integrated course "Reproduction and lactation" aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization and function of the male and female reproductive systems and the mammary gland, as well as the associated laboratory and imaging techniques, essential for recognizing normal clinical aspects in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in the management of the peripartum period and neonates, as well as the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of milk.
The Integrated Course "Reproduction and Lactation" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.17, 1.21, 1.22, 1.24.

SPECIFIC COURSE CONTENTS

LECTURES

Andrology and Breeding Soundness Examination (4 hours)
Principles of breeding soundness examination in male animals and clinical evaluation of the reproductive system
Semen collection techniques in domestic species
Semen evaluation: basic and specific methodologies for the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of semen. The normal spermiogram

Estrous Cycle Monitoring (3 hours)
Clinical, ultrasonographic, and laboratory monitoring of ovarian activity
Interpretation of reproductive findings for cycle staging

Pregnancy Monitoring (3 hours)
Principles and methodologies for pregnancy diagnosis
Clinical, ultrasonographic, and laboratory monitoring of pregnancy
Assessment of fetal viability and normal pregnancy development
Clinical applications of pregnancy monitoring

Imaging of the Male Reproductive System (2 hours)
Imaging anatomy of the normal male reproductive organs
Ultrasonographic examination of the testes, epididymis, accessory sex glands, and penis
Principles, indications, and interpretation of imaging findings

Imaging of the Female Reproductive System and Mammary Gland (2 hours)
Imaging anatomy of the normal female reproductive tract
Ultrasonographic examination of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and mammary gland
Principles and clinical applications of reproductive imaging

PRACTICAL SESSIONS (6 hours)

Basic semen evaluation

Estrous cycle and pregnancy monitoring

Imaging of Reproductive System

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material consists of recommended books and of material available for students on Virtuale (indirizzo https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

In particular, the following books are recommended:

- Noakes E.D., Parkinson T.J., England G.C.C. ”Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics”, Saunders Elsevier, 2019

- McKinnon A.O., Squires E.L., Vaala W.E., Varner D.D. “Equine Reproduction”, Second Edition, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011

-S.D. Johnston, M.V. Root Kustritz, P.N.S. Olson, Canine and feline theriogenology W.B. Saunders Company, 2001

-Feldman E.C., Nelson R.W., Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction, Saunders Comp, Philadelphia, 2024

Teaching methods

Teaching consists of 2 CFUs for a total of 20 hours, including 14 hours of lectures and 6 hours of practical lessons.
If needed, the frontal and practical lessons can be delivered in remote or mixed mode (remote and presence).
Lectures are supported by multimedia presentations, clinical images, ultrasonographic videos, and case-based discussions to illustrate the normal anatomy and imaging of the male and female reproductive systems. Particular emphasis is placed also on semen evaluation, estrous cycle monitoring, pregnancy monitoring, and breeding soundness examination of the male.
Practical lessons are conducted in the Clinical Skills Lab and teaching laboratories using teaching models, anatomical specimens, microscopes, and cytological preparations. They will also be carried out in the classroom using images and videos to encourage discussion and group work.
Students are encouraged to actively participate in discussions and practical activities to develop clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills.
In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, in particular the practices carried out in the laboratory, attendance of this training activity requires all students to complete modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and to participate in module 3 of specific training on safety and health in the workplace. Indications on the dates and methods of attendance of module 3 can be found in the appropriate section of the "course website.”

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course “REPRODUCTION AND LACTATION” consists of a written examination including 40 multiple-choice questions, distributed as follows:

10 questions (2 CFU) on Systematic and topographical veterinary anatomy of the male and female reproductive system and mammary gland;

10 questions (2 CFU) on Physiology of reproduction, mammogenesis, lactogenesis and galactopoiesis;

10 questions (2 CFU) on Imaging of the male and female genital tract and mammary gland, andrology and semen evaluation, estrous and pregnancy monitoring;

5 questions (1 CFU) on Obstetrics, first care of the newborn, and passive transfer of immunity;

5 questions (1 CFU) on Milk production and composition.

Each correct answer is worth 1 point. No points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions. A minimum score of 24/40 is required to pass the examination.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, or computers) may be used during the examination, except for those explicitly authorized by the instructor.

The final grade is awarded according to the following conversion scale:

scoring 24: grading 18

scoring 25: grading 19

scoring 26: grading 20

scoring 27: grading 21

scoring 28: grading 22

scoring 29: grading 23

scoring 30: grading 24

scoring 31: grading 25

scoring 32: grading 26

scoring 33–34: grading 27

scoring 35–36: grading 28

scoring 37–38: grading 29

scoring 39: grading 30

scoring 40: grading 30L

Negative results are not graded numerically but are recorded as "withdrawn" or "failed" in the AlmaEsami electronic transcript and do not affect the student's academic record.

Grades will be published on the AlmaEsami platform within 5 working days after the examination.

Students may reject once the final grade (University teaching regulations ART. 16, paragraph 5) by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Mazzoni Maurizio

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Lectures are held in the classroom using slide presentations with images and videos.

Practical sessions are conducted in the Clinical Skills Lab, teaching laboratories or in classroom using anatomical specimens, cytological preparations and teaching models, images and videos.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Cunto