- Docente: Roberta Davoli
- Credits: 6
- SSD: AGR/17
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Animal production and control of wildlife (cod. 0875)
Learning outcomes
The course aims to give to the students the basic elements of genetics of population and statistics necessary to understand the theoretical aspects of quantitative genetics, selection and genetic merit estimation methods of animals selected for reproduction and then to go to the application of principles of quantitative genetics in practising breeding. Moreover the course aims also to underline that the knowledge of the theory of selection is an essential step very important in the applicative field of gentic improvement of farm animals .
Course contents
Course contents
Genetics of population and Hardy-Weinberg law, qualitative and quantitative traits. Heredity of quantitative traits. Genetics and environmental factors influencing the variability of quantitative traits. Normal distribution ( Gauss curve). Basic elements of correlation and regression. Outline of variance analysis. Coefficient of heritability and repeatability. Coefficient of relationship. The kinship and genetic improvement. Inbreeding. The operative steps of selection. The choice of the animals for reproduction on the basis of genetic merit.Genetic evaluation of the animals on the basis of the individual phenotype (performance test) and or of related animals :pedigree index, sib-test, progeny test . Selection of parents of next generation using BLUP and Animal Model ( some elements). Selection for more than one trait. Realization of selection in Italy for the main bred specie. Crossing and using of crossing (few elements). Outline of Biotechnologies and genetic improvement of farm animals.
Readings/Bibliography
Class notes of the lessons
G.Bittante, I.Andrighetto, M.Ramanzin. "Fondamenti di Zootecnica" -Liviana Editrice
G.Pagnacco "Genetica animale applicata" Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and slides presentation
Visit to farms
Discussion with expert in the field
Assessment methods
Oral exam
Teaching tools
Slides presentation
Exercises on specific themes
Visit to zootechnical farms
Experts invitation to present data to the student
Office hours
See the website of Roberta Davoli