72711 - Biotechnologies Applied to Animal Reproduction, Genetic Engineering and Cloning

Learning outcomes

The students will be knowledgable on developmental biology genomic and epigenetics of gametes and embryos in physiological and pathological conditions. The student will be able to perform  collection, handling, storage of gametes and embryos of livestock species. Assited reproductive techniques, sexing of  embryos, nuclear transfer cloning . Genetic modification of livestock. Organisation and management of laboratory and equipment for assisted reproduction. The student will learn to work in a team and work in a laboratory,  he/she will be able to understand the impact on health and welfare of the animals of the technicques both for agriculture and biomedical applications.

Course contents

Prof. Galli: Modulo 1: Theoretical and practical aspects of collection and preservation of female gametes. In vivo embryo production by superovulation and uterine flushing. In vitro embryo production, microfertilisation (ICSI). Morphological evaluation, sexing, cryopreservation and transfer of embryos. Laboratory and equipment management necessary for assisted reproduction, quality control. National and international legislation on animal assisted reproduction. Principles and techniques of animal cloning by nuclear transfer. Genetic engineering of large animals, potential and practical applications. Animal models of human diseases, engineering of animals for protein of pharmacological use or of organs and tissues for xenotransplantation. Effects on health and welfare of animals.  Ethical and regulatory aspects.

Dott.ssa Iacono: Modulo 2: Male breeding soundness examination. Theoretical and practical aspects of collection and preservation of male gametes. Sperm evaluation. Sperm separation techniques for in vivo and in vitro insemination. Reproductive cycle, estrous detection, induction of ovulation in livestock species in domestic animals. Artificial insemination techniques in domestic animals. Superovulation, embryo recovery and  transfer in pets and wild animals. Epigenetic mechanisms of embryonic development. Embryonic and fetal loss. Maternal recognition of pregnancy. Pregnancy maintenance. Pregnancy diagnosis. Gender determination of foetus. Parturition. Methods used for paternity allocation.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Hafez, B & Hafez ESE. Reproduction in farm animals, 7th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008. 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)

Classes' notes, teaching materials provided by the  professors

Teaching methods

During lectures there will be the presentation and the discussion of topics connected with animal reproduction and connected technologies of main livestock species. Classes will be complemented by practical sessions in the teaching laboratory and with animals. These sessions will be hands on so that each student can immediately practice what he /she has been shown or taught during classes. These activities will be organised in such a way that the students can address problems and find solutions for 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  classes and the techniques that have been addressed during the practical training in the teaching laboratory.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Cesare Galli

See the website of Eleonora Iacono