65985 - Animal Reproduction

Learning outcomes

At the end of the teaching course the student acquire : - fundamental knowledges of reproduction and methods for estrous cycles manipulation in bovine and bubaline, small ruminants, equine and swine: estrous synchronization, artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis, parturition and puerperium; - fundamental knowledges of reproductive biotechnologies; - fundamental knowledge on semen collection, evaluation and cryopreservation.

Course contents

• Male and female reproductive tract: basics of anatomy, physiology and endocrinology of reproduction;
• Methods for the control of the estrus cycle: estrus detection, synchronization, artificial insemination and embryo transfer;
• Clinical, instrumental and laboratory pregnancy diagnosis, number of fetus, multiple pregnancies;
• Collection, evaluation, storage and cryopreservation of semen. Parameters to evaluate herd fertility;
• Breeding soundness evaluation in male and female. Principles of applied biotechnologies.

The topics are related in particular to cattle, buffalo, small ruminants, swine, equine.

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

Teaching methods

During classes there will be presentations regarding broad issues in animal reproduction and related technologies in livestock species. Laboratory training will support theoreticl classes. Il will be for each individual student with the aim to put into practice what he has been taught. Training will be organised in such a way that the student can address from a practical point of view what he/she has learn. There will be outside visits to specialized laboratory, breeding centers and farms.

For the practical activity the student needs safety device : short and long single use gloves, safety shoes.

Assessment methods

Oral examination. Examination will last from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the preparation level of the student and can also be taken in English . Level of knowledge and analysis skill will be taken in to account for the final score.

Teaching tools

Use of PC with multimedia projector, VHS, scientific publications in specialised journals, specialised web sites

For practical teaching and learning, specialised equipment will be used inclusing scanner, aids for artificial insemination and assisted reproductive procedures.

Office hours

See the website of Gaetano Mari