12390 - Veterinary Andrology

Academic Year 2024/2025

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Veterinary Medicine (cod. 8617)

Learning outcomes

After complete this module, students acquire knowledge about semn evaluation and causes of infertility in tha main domestic animal species. The student will be also able to apply the techniques of collecting and evaluating semen. The acquired skills are in preparation for the clinical andrology.

Course contents

 Prerequisites: The student who accesses this teaching already knows, and knows how to use for clinical applications, the aspects related to the normal morphology and physiology of the male reproductive system. It is necessary that the student has the understanding of the spoken and written English language to allow the reading of slides (which the teacher could use in class) and of extracts from publications, scientific and manual texts, as well as watching videos.


The "Veterinary Andrology" course aims to provide the student with the intellectual and operational tools to perform a clinical examination and an in-depth spermiogram aimed at establishing the suitability of the male for reproduction. The course also aims to provide the student with the tools operational to use semen in artificial insemination in domestic animals.

The course program is structured as follows: - Review of anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system (using kahoot). - Causes of hypo / infertility in male and female. -Italian and European Law on Animal Reproduction. - Evaluation of the reproductive function of the male in domestic animals. - Main techniques for collecting semen in domestic animals. - Macro-microscopic evaluation of the ejaculate, assessment techniques and laboratory methods. - Theoretical and practical aspects of the conservation of seminal material in domestic animals.

The Syllabus of the course unit and the list of EAEVE Day One Competences that the course unit contributes to achieving can be viewed on the dedicated page.

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching material necessary for the preparation of the exam consists of the material (slides presented in lessons updated every year; scientific articles and reviews found by the teacher in international journals relevant to the learning of the subject) that students can find at  https://virtuale.unibo.it/
To learn more about the topics covered in class, the following texts can be consulted:

1. Hafez, B & Hafez ESE. Reproduction in farm animals, 7th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008. ISBN 0-683-30577-8

2. Kustritz MR. Canine and Feline Reproduction, 1st Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.

3.  McKKinnon A.O.,Voss J.L.,  Equine Reproduction , Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia 1997.

Teaching methods

During the lectures will be presented and discussed issues relating to veterinary andrology. 

Interactive lessons will be held through the use of devices such as Kahoot or Wooclap. The course will be accompanied by laboratory exercises and educational exit at the National Institute of Artificial Insemination (INFA).

The practical exercises are intended to provide the opportunity for each student to be able to put into practice what they have learned in class. 

Assessment methods

The course is part of the integrated course of Physiopathology of Animal Reproduction and Assisted Reproductive Techniques that includes the courses of Physiopathology of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination and Assisted Reproductive Technologies. The final score will be defined by an average of the scores of the three modules. Examination commission will include the teachers of the courses that are part of the integrated course.


The evaluation test consists in a written examination. During the written test the student has to answer to 24 questions (18 multiple choice questions; 5 short essay questions; 1 image to describe).


Each multiple choice question has 3 options, and only one is the correct answer. The score can be 0 (zero) or 1. In the short essay questions the score can be from 0 (zero) to 2. The non-answer is considered incorrect (0) in both the type of question.


The time available to the student for the written test is 30 minutes. During the test is not allowed the use of support material as textbooks, notes, and computer media.


Registration on AlmaEsami. Exam on Esami OnLine.
During the day of the examination all 3 modules of the integrated course can be taken (30 questions in 1,5 hours).

Teaching tools

PC with a video projector, DVD, scientific publications, specialized websites. For the practical part will be used specialist equipment for semen collection, evaluation and manipulation, testicles from slaughtered animals.

Office hours

See the website of Eleonora Iacono

SDGs

Life on land

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.