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

Learning outcomes

The student will learn developmental biology epigenetics of gametes and embryos in physiological and pathological conditions. The student will be able to perform collection, handling, preservation of gametes and embryos of livestock species. Assisted reproductive techniques, sexing of embryos, nuclear transfer cloning. Genetic engineering of livestock species. Set up 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 on the animals of the techniques both for agriculture and biomedical applications.

Course contents

Theoretical and practical aspects of collection and preservation of male gametes. Sperm evaluation. Sperm preparation techniques for in vivo and in vitro insemination. Reproductive cycles, oestrous detection, induction of ovulation, artificial insemination in livestock species. Embryo development and epigenetic mechanisms. Embryonic and fetal loss. Maternal recognition of pregnancy. Pregnancy maintenance. Pregnancy diagnosis. Collection, handling and preservation of female gametes. In vivo embryo production by superovulation and uterine flushing. In vitro embryo production: in vitro oocyte maturation, in vitro fertilization, microfertilisation (ICSI), embryo culture. Morphological evaluation, grading, sexing, cryopreservation and transfer of embryos. Laboratory and equipment management necessary for assisted reproduction, quality control. National and international legislation on animal reproduction. Principles and techniques of animal cloning by nuclear transfer. Genetic engineering of large animals, potential and practical applications. Genetic engineering of animal models of human diseases, for protein of pharmacological use or for organs and tissues for xenotransplantation. Effects on health and welfare of animals. Regulatory aspects.

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 teacher

Teaching methods

Lectures with power-point presentation support to deliver information, ideas and theories on animal reproduction and connected technologies of main livestock species. Classes will be complemented by practical laboratory sessions to give an insight into a working environment, knowledge of experimental methods and techniques and an understanding of academic material taught on the course. These sessions will be hands on so that each student can immediately practice what he /she has been shown or taught during lectures with the equipment available.

Assessment methods

There will be an oral examination that will consists of questions to assess what the student has learnt during lectures and the techniques that have been practiced during training in the teaching laboratory.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Cesare Galli