65863 - Innovative Reproductive Technologies in Zootechnical Species

Learning outcomes

After completing this module the student has thorough knowledge of the physiology of animal reproduction, the male and female gametogenesis, embryonic development up to the stage pre-implantation. He knows also the most recent reproductive biotechnologies such as oocytes and spermatozoa collection and cryopreservation, maturation and fertilization in vitro culture of gametes and embryos. Artificial Insemination (AI) techniques,assisted reproductive technologies like MOET, OT, GIFT and IVEP. In particular, the student is able to perform the manipulation of male and female gametes for in vitro reproductive technology in species of veterinary interest, to apply synchronization and artificial insemination protocols.

Course contents

Life cycle of mammals. Infancy, puberty and reproductive phase. Endocrine regulation of sexual function in female and male. The oestrous cycle, ovulation, corpus luteum. Follicle waves. The different types of anoestrus. Hypothalamus –pituitary -gonad axe. Fertilisation. Maternal recognition of pregnancy. Embryonic development till blastocyst formation. Pregnancy. Delivery. Lactation and weaning.Reproductive in vitro biotecnologies applied to swineand aquatic, species.

Estrous and ovulation synchronization in bovine and horse. Sperm collection and preservation. AI fresh, cooled and frozen semen in bovine and horse. Sperm separation techniques. AI with low number of spermatozoa. Sperm and embryo sexing. Multiple ovulations and embryo transfer (MOET) in cattle. Embryo transfer in mare. Collection and cryopreservation of oocytes. Gamete and oocytes intrafallopian transfer (GIFT and OT). Bovine and equine in vitro embryo production (IVEP). Embryo cryopreservation. Principles of cloning.

Readings/Bibliography

Lesson notice and didactic materials supplied by the teachers.
Hafez E.S.E., Biologia e tecnologia della riproduzione nelle specie animali di interesse zootecnico, Ed. Italiana a cura di Seren E., Bono G., Tamanini C. Ed. Grasso, Bologna, (1984);
Dukes, Fisiologia degli animali domestici, Idelson-Gnocchi, Napoli (2002).
Scientific publications inherent reproductive technologies.
Reproduction in Cattle, Ball PJH, Peters AR. 3° ed. 2004 Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Equine Reproduction, McKinnon A , Squires EL, Vaala WE, Varner DD. 2° ed. 2011 Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology, Yoongquist RS, Threlfael WR. 2°ed. 2007 Sounders Publishing.
Laboratory production of cattle embryos, Gordon I. 2° ed. 2003 CABI Publishing.
Reproductive Technologies in farm animals, Gordon I. 2005 CABI Publishing.

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminarsand practical sessions in the laboratory and with animals

Assessment methods

The assessment method will be an oral discussion on lectures and practical sessions

Teaching tools

PC presentation and audio-visual tools

Office hours

See the website of Maria Laura Bacci