46381 - Physiopathology of Reproduction, Assisted Reproduction and Cloning

Learning outcomes

Collection, handling, storage of gametes and embryos of livestock species. Genomics and epigenomics of gametes and embryos. Assited reproductive techniques, sexing of semen and embryos, nuclear transfer, embryonic stem cells. Genetic modification of livestock. Organisation and management of laboratory and equipment for assisted reproduction. Impact of animal health and welfare. Use for livestock production or biomedical applications. The student shall be able to evaluate and introduce new techniques depending on the type and specialisation of the herd, evaluate the usefulness, pros and cons both for the producer and the consumer. The identification of new reproductive programmes based on market demand or on niche markes that are now developing.

Course contents

Oogenesis, spermatogenesis, fertilisation, embryonic development and placentation. Epigenetic mechanisms of embryonic development, embryonic mortality. Pharmacotoxicology, immunology and molecular biology of reproduction. Theoretical and practical aspects of collection and preservation of gametes. Techniques of embryo production in vivo and in vitro, storage and cryopreservation and transfer of embryos. Transgenic animals and cloning by nuclear transfer. Manipulation of the female and male germ line, embryonic stem cells. Management of the laboratory and the equipment necessary for assisted reproduction, quality control, national and international legislation regulating assisted reproduction. Effects on health and welfare of animals. Animal models of human diseases, engineering of animals for protein of pharmacological use or of organs and tissues for xenotransplantation. Ethical and regulatory aspects.

Readings/Bibliography

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

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

3. Spelta, R & Corbella, E. Tecniche di fecondazione artificiale. CittàStudiEdizioni / UTET Diffusione srl, 2003. ISBN 88-251-0118-X.

4. Nagy Andras. Manipulating the mouse embryo : a laboratory manual. Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. : Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, ©2003. ISBN: 0879695749 0879695919

5. Brew M Noden, Alexander De Lahunta. Embriologia degli animali domestici. Edizione Italiana a cura di Piero Ceccarelli e Bruno Ferrandi. Edi-Ermes, 1991. ISBN 88-7051-083-2

6. Gordon, I. Laboratory Production of Cattle Embryos, 2nd Edition. Biotechnology in Agriculture Series, No 27 Ireland , September 2003, 592 pages HB 0851996663

7. JD Watson, M Gilman, JA Witowsky, M Zoller. DNA ricombinante. Edizione Italiana pubblicata da Zanichelli Editore, Bologna, 1994.

8. National Research Council of the National Academies. Animal biotechnology, science based concerns. The National Academies Press 500 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 2002. ISBN 0-309-08439-3 (www.nap.edu)

Teaching methods

During lectures there will be a discussion of issues connected with animal reproduction and connected technologies of livestock species in particular. Classes will be complemented by practical sessions. These sessions will be individual so that each student can immediately practice what he /she has been shown or taught in classes. These activities will be organised in such a way that the students can address problems and find solutions of the techniques discussed during classes.

Assessment methods

There will be an oral examination that will include questions to assess what the student has learnt during teaching classes and the solution of a practical problem that has been addressed during training.

Teaching tools

Use of PC with multimedia projector, VHS, scientific publications in specialised journals, specialised web sites For practical courses specialised equipment will be used for recovery, handling, manipulation and cell culture laboratory equipment.

Office hours

See the website of Cesare Galli