B8451 - Physiology of Reproduction, Mammogenesis, Lactogenesis, and Galactopoiesis

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student has knowledge of animal reproductive physiology. In particular, the student: knows the function of the female genital system, its neurohormonal regulation, pregnancy and parturition; knows the function of the male genital apparatus and its neurohormonal regulation; knows mammogenesis, lactogenesis and galactopoiesis and their endocrine regulation; knows how to recognise the various phases of the estrous cycle; knows how to perform a basic microscopic examination of semen.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “B8348 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 PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE:

To better understand the topics covered in this course, students are advised to have already acquired knowledge in the following areas:

• The background for the veterinary profession.
• The cell: from molecules to tissues.

CONTENUTI SPECIFICI DELL’INSEGNAMENTO:

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Physiology of puberty and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (1 hour)
• Male reproductive endocrinology: spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and ejaculation (2 hours)
• Female reproductive endocrinology: folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, ovulation, corpus luteum and luteolysis (3 hours)
• Estrous cycle: general and species-specific aspects. Estrous detection in different species (2 hours)
• Sexual behaviour and copulation (1 hour)
• Fertilization: sperm capacitation, sperm-oocyte interaction, and early embryonic development (2 hours)
• Maternal recognition of pregnancy, physiology of pregnancy and parturition (2 hours)
• Physiology of lactation. Mammogenesis, lactogenesis and galactopoiesis (2 hours)
• Comparative aspects of reproductive physiology in poultry (1 hour)

 

Laboratory/Practical Sessions (4 hours):

• Basic microscopic examination of spermatozoa and advanced assessment of sperm quality and function
• Guided viewing and discussion of videos illustrating reproductive physiology in different veterinary species, including estrous behaviour, parturition, and maternal behaviour

Readings/Bibliography

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

Supplementary reading:

• Klein G. B. Cunningham's Textbook of Veterinary Physiology, Elsevier ed. (2019).
• McDonald's VETERINARY ENDOCRINOLOGY AND REPRODUCTION. Ed. Pineda & Doooley, IowaState Press (5th edition).
• Equine Reproduction. McKinnon A, Squires EL, Vaala WE, Varner DD. 2a ediz. 2011 Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
• Sjaastad, Sand, Hove. Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici. Ed. It. a cura di C. Tamanini. CEA (2013).

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

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

PowerPoint presentations using a PC and videos. Quiz in class.

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

Office hours

See the website of José Manuel Ortiz Rodríguez