78787 - BIOTECNOLOGIE DELLA PRODUZIONE ANIMALE

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has the background needed to analyse the genome of farm animal species, to use DNA markers in selection plans to improve production traits in livestock, to determine animal relationships, to trace and authentify animal products (at the individual and breed level) and to manage animal biodiversity. Moreover, the student can plan studies and applications using new technologies and approaches considering the expected developments in the field of animal genomics.

Course contents

1) Principles of animal production. Animal production biology.

2) Breeds. Introduction of Animal Breeding.

3) Techniques and technologies for genome analysis. The genome of farm animal species: cattle, pig, chicken, horse, sheep, goat, rabbit and dog.

4) Next generation sequencing platforms: Illumina High Seq, Roche 454, Ion and Proton Torrent, Oxford Nanopore - Applications: RRL, Target resequencing, SNP discovery, RNA-Seq, etc.

5) Application of DNA markers for animal breeding in cattle, pig, chicken, horse, sheep, goat and rabbit. QTL analyses and genome wide association studies in farm animal species.

6) Principles and tools for genomic selection.

7) DNA markers for parentage analysis and animal identification.

8) Authentication and traceability of animal products using DNA markers: breed authentication using polymorphisms in coat colour genes in farm animal species.

9) Analysis of animal biodiversity and conservation programs.

10) Biotechnologies in animal nutrition.

Readings/Bibliography

Notes from the lectures, scientific papers provided during the course.

Teaching methods

The course is based on lessons that are integrated with class exercises and visits to the livestock genomics and next generation sequencing labs.

Assessment methods

The final exam is held at the end of the course and is based on an interview which has as aim the evaluation of the student about the main objectives of the course:

1) Basic knowledge of the animal production sector;;

2) Knowledge on livestock genomics;

3) Knowledge of the most important biotechnology applications in the animal production sector.

The final score is defined according to the interview with three questions, each related to the three main objectives of the course. The student can chose as a first question an argument of his/her choice. The remaining two questions are linked to the chosen argument.

Exam dates are defined according to the needs of the students and the rules of the degree course.

Teaching tools

Computer slides, lab instruments, scientific papers that are provided to the students during the course. Slides of the lessons are given to the students at the end of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Fontanesi