65860 - Methods of Molecular Genetics for the Improvement of Livestock Production

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student know the basic tools of molecular genetics and their main application for livestock production.

Topics concerning the knowledge of the animal genome and the main technologies for the study of the structural and functional genome of animals in livestock production will be developed. Moreover, the potential and application prospects of genome analysis of animals of zootechnical interest will be highlighted in order to improve the efficiency of selection. The course is part of an integrated course whose final objective is to give the student:

- an in-depth knowledge of the physiology of animal reproduction and the main reproductive biotechnologies applied to farm animals;

- the knowledge of the animal genome in species of zootechnical interest with reference to structural and functional genomics to identify the genes that control the productive and reproductive traits and main applications.

Course contents

The structure of DNA. Gene structure. RNA. Notes about: the genetic code, gene transcription and protein synthesis. Genetic markers.

The PCR technique, DNA and RNA sequencing. RFLP. CNV. The variability of the genome in the different regions that compose it. DNA polymorphisms: microsatellites, minisatellites, SNPs. SNP search and use of markers for genomic selection.

Candidate gene approach. Methods of identification of candidate genes and causative genes. Examples.

Notes on Microarrays and gene expression studies for the search for genes responsible for quantitative traits.

RNA analysis methods: mRNA, micro RNAs. functions of miRNAs and other ShortRNAs.

The search for QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci). Genome scanning for QTL and trait-associated genes and markers within QTL regions. Direct and indirect markers. Linkage Equlibrium and Linkage Disequilibrium.

Major genes and QTL for meat production; Major genes and QTL for productive traits in species of zootechnical interest with examples.

Use of markers for traceability of breed and/or species: limits and perspectives. DNA analysis for product traceability, animal identification and parental control with DNA analysis.

What are DNA Chips. Their use for genomic selection. Study of DNA variability at the genomic level by means of SNP DNA chips.

Notes on methods of genetic evaluation of breeding animals in genetic programs. Notes on genomic selection. Operational examples of use and application of genomic information for selection.

Readings/Bibliography

Power Point slides presented during the lectures and available on VIRTUALE platform

Genetics / Genomic textbook suggested by the teacher:

Pagnacco Giulio (2020) Genetica Animale Applicazioni Zootecniche e Veterinarie - terza edizione. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana / Zanichelli

Brown T.A. (2018) Genomi 4. EDISES.

The useful book chapter will be indicated during lessons.

Teaching methods

The course is based on lectures and the presentation of Power Points slides.

Meeting with experts of the field can be organized.

Assessment methods

The teaching of Molecular genetics methodologies for the improvement of livestock production is part of the Integrated Course (CI) "Biotechnology applied to animal production" together with the teaching of "Innovative reproductive technologies in farm animals". Therefore, the verification will be carried out only at the end of the lessons of the courses mentioned and consists of an oral test to verify the acquisition of the knowledge required by the course program. The overall evaluation takes into account jointly the level of knowledge achieved in relation to the topics addressed during the lessons of the two modules of the CI.

The assessment method is based on a oral exam of about 20 minutes.

The evaluation will be assigned according to the following criteria:

Sufficient preparation and capacity for analysis, expressed in a language that is barely formally correct, will determine the sufficiency (18-22).

A technically adequate preparation and a sufficient analytical capacity, even if not particularly articulated, expressed in correct terminology, will produce discrete evaluations (23-26).

An in-depth knowledge of the topics addressed in the course, together with a good analytical and critical ability and the proper use of specific terminology will be evaluated with good marks (27-29).

A very thorough knowledge of the topics addressed in the course, together with strong skills of critical analysis, and a full management of the specific terminology will be evaluated with the maximum score (30-30L).

The CI final score consider the evaluation obtained in both modules.

Teaching tools

Power Points slides are available on VIRTUALE (https://virtuale.unibo.it/) platform.

Meeting with experts of the field can be organized.

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Zambonelli