65985 - Animal Reproduction

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will acquire fundamental knowledge of reproduction in cattle, small ruminants, horses, and pigs, as well as of the technologies used for reproductive management, estrus synchronization, artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis, parturition, the puerperium, and the resumption of cyclic reproductive activity. In addition, students will gain an introduction to advanced biotechnologies applied to animal reproduction and the relevant legislation.

In particular, students will be able to:

• manage the reproductive performance and breeding program of a herd;
• perform semen collection, evaluation, cryopreservation and storage, and carry out artificial insemination procedures.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Students attending this course are expected to have acquired basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system and to be able to apply this knowledge in practical and clinical contexts. Students are also required to possess a sufficient command of written and spoken English to understand lecture slides, scientific papers, textbook chapters, and instructional videos used during the course (Teaching Regulations: Art. 4 – Attendance and Prerequisites).

Course Contents

The course is organized as follows:

1. Importance of Reproduction in Animal Production Systems (2 hours)

• Reproductive efficiency and economic sustainability.
• Main reproductive performance indicators.
• Fertility and productivity.

2. Fundamentals of Reproductive Physiology (4 hours)

• Functions of the male and female reproductive systems.
• Estrous cycle and endocrine regulation.
• Fertilization and establishment of pregnancy.
• Major reproductive differences among species.

(Only the physiological concepts required for understanding the subsequent topics will be covered.)

3. Reproductive Management of Livestock Species (6 hours)

• Reproductive characteristics of cattle, sheep and goats, pigs, and horses.
• Puberty and sexual maturity.
• Estrus detection.
• Breeding management and mating programs.
• Management of breeding males.
• Main fertility and reproductive performance indicators.

4. Reproductive Control Techniques (4 hours)

• Principles of estrus synchronization.
• Herd reproductive management.
• Planning and organization of breeding programs.
• Advantages and limitations of synchronization protocols.

5. Artificial Insemination (4 hours)

• Principles and objectives of artificial insemination.
• Organization of breeding and genetic improvement programs.
• Fresh, chilled, and frozen semen.
• Timing and management of artificial insemination.

6. Pregnancy Diagnosis, Parturition, and Puerperium (4 hours)

• Principles and methods of pregnancy diagnosis.
• Pregnancy management.
• Normal parturition.
• Puerperium and resumption of ovarian cyclicity.

7. Factors Affecting Fertility (2 hours)

• Nutrition and fertility.
• Animal welfare.
• Environmental and heat stress.
• Management-related causes of reduced reproductive performance.

8. Introduction to Reproductive Biotechnologies (4 hours)

• Sex-sorted semen.
• Embryo transfer.
• In vitro embryo production.

Practical Activities

Practical sessions will be conducted at the University Teaching Farm, the National Artificial Insemination Center, and the laboratories of the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences. Activities will include the evaluation of reproductive performance indicators, semen collection and basic semen assessment, semen handling and storage procedures, artificial insemination techniques, and reproductive management practices in livestock species.

Readings/Bibliography

Hafez, B & Hafez ESE. Reproduction in farm animals, 7th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000. ISBN 0-683-30577-8

HAFEZ E. Biologia e tecnologia della riproduzione nelle specie animali di interesse zootecnico. Ed italiana a cura di Seren E. Bono G. Tamanini C. Grasso Bologna.

Elli, M. Manuale Fatro di Riproduzione Bovina. Ed. Giraldi. Bologna 2004

Gordon, I. Reproductive Technologies in Farm Animals, CABI-Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK, 2004. ISBN 0 85199 862 3.

PEREZ F. PEREZ Y. Riproduzione animale: inseminazione artificiale e trapianto embrionale. Ed Piccin 1994

 

Slides

Teaching methods

Lectures will be delivered using PowerPoint presentations, videos, and interactive learning platforms such as Kahoot, Wooclap, and similar tools to promote student engagement and participation.

The course also includes practical sessions carried out at the University Teaching Farm, the National Artificial Insemination Center, and the laboratories of the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences. Students are required to reach these facilities independently.

Access to these facilities requires appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for farm and laboratory activities. Personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for specific practical activities, such as disposable gloves, will be provided by the instructor or host facility.

Assessment methods

Assessment Methods

The final examination is designed to assess the achievement of the course learning objectives.

The examination consists of a written test conducted in person through the University online examination platform (EOL – Esami Online).

The test includes:

• 18 multiple-choice questions (1 point for each correct answer);

• 5 short-answer questions (2 points for each correct answer);

• 1 image-based question requiring identification and comment (2 points for a correct answer).

Unanswered questions receive a score of zero. The minimum passing score is 18/30.

Students have 30 minutes to complete the examination. The use of textbooks, notes, electronic devices, or any other supporting materials is not permitted during the test. 

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

Registration for the examination must be completed through the AlmaEsami platform.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (DSA) who require accommodations for teaching activities or examinations are invited to contact the course instructor by e-mail, copying the relevant university support staff. Any concept maps or compensatory tools must be approved by the instructor at least 15 days before the examination date.

Teaching tools

Teaching activities will make use of a personal computer and multimedia projector, educational videos, scientific publications from peer-reviewed journals, and specialized websites relevant to animal reproduction and reproductive management.

Practical sessions will employ specialized equipment and instruments used in reproductive management and assisted reproductive technologies, including ultrasound scanners, artificial insemination devices, semen handling equipment, and other tools commonly used in livestock reproduction.

Office hours

See the website of Eleonora Iacono