Undergraduate Course: Sustainable Animal Breeding (VETS10027)
Course Outline
| School | Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course examines the history, scientific basis and principles of animal breeding, focussing mainly on the genetic improvement of farmed animals. The course examines the translation of these principles into practical breeding programmes in the major farmed species (poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep, fish), including the use of new technologies. |
| Course description |
Highlight any changes to the academic description. This section should include an outline of the content covered by the course and a description of the learning experience students can expect to get.
This course examines the history, scientific basis and principles of animal breeding, focussing mainly on the genetic improvement of farmed animals. The course examines the translation of these principles into practical breeding programmes in the major farmed species (poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep, fish), including the use of new technologies. The course covers:
- Animal breeding history and key principles
- Strategies for genetic improvement
- Conservation of farm animal genetic resources
- Role of molecular, reproductive and phenotyping technologies
- Breeding programmes in major farmed species
- Challenges and opportunities in low and middle income countries
- Sustainable animal breeding.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the key principles of animal breeding programmes and their application in practice.
- Evaluate the contributions of science and technology to animal breeding.
- Critically evaluate the sustainability of breeding programmes.
- Design a sustainable animal breeding programme.
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Reading List
Essential: Genetic improvement of farm livestock. [Title TBC]. Simm, Pollott, Mrode, Houston & Marshall (2020). CABI
- OMIA - ONLINE MENDELIAN INHERITANCE IN ANIMALS - Catalogue/compendium of inherited disorders, other (single-locus) traits, & genes - Prof Frank Nicholas, University of Sydney
http://omia.angis.org.au
- Inc 'Landmark' genetics papers at http://omia.angis.org.au/key_articles/landmarks/
- AHDB Dairy Breeding & Genetics https://dairy.ahdb.org.uk/technical-information/breeding-genetics/
- http://www.signetfbc.co.uk/
- https://www.genusplc.com/
- http://breedplan.une.edu.au/
- https://www.icbf.com/wp/ |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Enquiry and lifelong learning
Outlook and engagement
Research and enquiry
Personal effectiveness
Communication |
| Keywords | Animal breeding; genetics; genetic improvement; farm animal genetic resources; breeding programmes |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Geoff Simm
Tel: (0131 6)51 7437
Email: |
Course secretary | Mr Gordon Littlejohn
Tel: (0131 6)51 7454
Email: |
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