78787 - BIOTECNOLOGIE DELLA PRODUZIONE ANIMALE

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has acquired the background needed i) to analyze the genome of fam animals, ii) to use genetic markers in animal breeding and selection programs aimed to improve meat and milk production traits, iii) to understand the concepts of animal breeding in the most relevant livestock species, iv) to run parentage analyses in livestock, v) to molecularly identify animals and trace individual animals and breeds, vi) to authentify animal products, vii) to monitor and run conservation programs of animal genetic resources. The student can plan studies aimed at applying new biotechnologies in animal breeding and selection, as well as the conservation of autochthonous breeds, for the sustainable development of animal production chains.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “Biotechnologies of animal production”, subdivided into two units: “Animal production” and “Genomics”

SPECIFIC CONTENTS:

MODULE “Animal production – Paolo Zambonelli”

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Introduction of the course.
• Elements of animal productions: production systems, production chains (dairy and meat products, eggs, honey, and other productions and services, transformed products).
• The classification of livestock species, breeds; economically relevant traits in animal breeding.
• Domestication of farm animals: domestication centers and derived genetic diversity, origin of breeds.
• Biodiversity and conservation of genetic resources in farm animals for the sustainability of productive systems.
• Population genetics and genomics in livestock.
• Basic Genetic Model for Quantitative Traits.
• Concepts of genetic improvements and selection in livestock populations.
• Methods of genetic evaluation. Inbreeding and crossbreeding.

  Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• The course includes seminars carried out by professionals from wildlife animal management and/or educational visits.

  MODULE “Genomics – Giuseppina Schiavo”

  The syllabus is structured as follows:

  Lectures:

• Genomic analyses in dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs, sheep, goat, rabbits, horses, poultry species (chicken and turkey), honey bees, dogs, and aquaculture species.
• Genomic selection.
• QTL analyses, genome-wide association studies in livestock populations.
• Molecular genetics of animal disease resistance. One health concept.
• Major genes in livestock.
• Genome editing in livestock species.
• Genomics of coat colors and morphological traits in domestic animals.
• Food genomics – applications for authenticity and traceability of animal products.

  Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• The course includes seminars carried out by professionals from wildlife animal management and/or educational visits.

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Readings:

• PowerPoint presentation.
• Pagnacco G., “Genetica animale (Terza edizione)” (2020). Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
• Scientific articles and websites reported on the lectures.

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and/or educational visits.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2, which focus on health and safety training in work environments (via e-learning), and Module 3, which focuses on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Course “Biotechnologies of animal production” consists of two oral exams.

Each interview will be based on the main topics of the course and consists of two to three questions. The duration will be about 20 minutes.

In evaluating the oral exam, the instructor will use the following grading scale:

• Basic understanding of only a few course topics; analysis skills emerge only with the instructor’s help; generally correct language → 18–22.
• Limited knowledge of several topics; independent analysis only on procedural issues; correct language use → 23–26.
• Broad knowledge of course topics; ability to make autonomous critical judgments; mastery of discipline-specific terminology → 27–29.
• Comprehensive understanding of course content; fully independent critical analysis and connections; excellent command of terminology and argumentation skills → 30–30 with honors.

The result of the oral exam will be communicated at the end of the session. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.

The exam is considered passed only if all parts are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by the average of the grades from the various parts of the exam, expressed out of 30. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

Grades for individual parts and the final grade will be published on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact within 5 working days of the exam.

Students may reject the final grade by informing the course examiner via e-mail within five working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Paolo Zambonelli.

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.

Teaching tools

Slides of the lectures.

Text and website suggested.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via e-mail.

Links to further information

https://corsi.unibo.it/laurea/Biotecnologie/index.html

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Zambonelli

See the website of Giuseppina Schiavo