95958 - MANAGEMENT OF REPRODUCTION IN SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL PRODUCTIONS

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students have acquired knowledge for the management of livestock reproduction, balancing reproductive efficiency, animal welfare and the environment. Furthermore, students acquire fundamental knowledge of reproductive biotechnologies with a major impact on the objectives mentioned above. Students also acquire the fundamentals of animal health and reproduction legislation.

Course contents

Different aspects of reproduction management (estrous cycles manipulation, natural mating and artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis, pre and post-partum management, reproductive biotechnologies, role of male), will be analyzed, with a special emphasis on the most relevant in ruminants (bovine, buffalo, small ruminants), swine, avian, rabbit and fish.

Topics will cover:

• Methods for herd/farm fertility evaluation
• Estrous cycle manipulation: estrus synchronization, Timed Artificial Insemination, management of seasonality
• Early pregnancy diagnosis as tool for improving reproductive efficiency
• Pre and post-partum metabolic diseases impacting reproductive efficiency
• Embryo transfer (in vivo and in vitro embryo production) for genetic selection and improving fertility
• Artificial Insemination, natural mating, sexed semen
• Organic farming: “hormones and antibiotics free” management of reproduction

Readings/Bibliography

• Hafez, B & Hafez ESE. Reproduction in farm animals, 7th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000. ISBN 0-683-30577-8
• Niemann-Sorensen A., Tribe D.E. Reproduction in Domesticated Animals, G.J.Kimg Editor, Elsevier, 1993
• Gordon, I. Reproductive Technologies in Farm Animals, CABI-Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK, 2004. ISBN 0 85199 862 3
• Noakes E.D., Parkinson T.J., England G.C.C. Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Saunders Elsevier, 2009
• DesCosteau L., Colloton J., Gnemmi G. Ruminants and Camelid Reproductive Ultrasonography, Wiley Balckwell, 2010
• Presicce Giorgio A. The Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) – Production and Research, BenthamEBooks, 2019
• Risco A. Carlos and Retamal Melendez Pedro Dairy Production Medicine, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011
• Field G. Thomas Beef production and Management Decision, PEARSON Prentice Hall, 2007

Teaching methods

The course is composed of theoretical part in the lecture room (32 hrs) and practical sessions (24 hrs).

In the lectures emphasis will be put on themes more relevant in the context of a sustainable management of reproduction

Prcatical sessions wil be mainly related to species with higher economical relevance on zootechinal economy, and outside visits to specialized laboratory, breeding centers and farms will be organized.

Assessment methods

Oral examination. Examination will last from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the preparation level of the student. Questions will be referred to the topics covered, and knowledge of the student, as well as his analytical skills, will be evaluated. Final score will be assigned based on the aforementioned criteria

Teaching tools

Teaching include classroom or video of specialist deeply involved in particular field such as assisted reproductive technologies, avian and fish reproduction and breeding management, organic farming.

Laboratory and practical training will support classrooms, where 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.

Office hours

See the website of Gaetano Mari