THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2020/2021

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : BSc Hons (Royal (Dick) Sch of Veterinary Studies)

Undergraduate Course: Sustainable Animal Breeding (VETS10027)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis 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 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.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Science for Agri-food Systems: Interactions within Systems (VETS08008) AND Science for Agri-food Systems: Cells to Organisms (VETS08009) AND Animal Systems (VETS08012)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Describe the key principles of animal breeding programmes and their application in practice.
  2. Evaluate the contributions of science and technology to animal breeding.
  3. Critically evaluate the sustainability of breeding programmes.
  4. Design a sustainable animal breeding programme.
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
KeywordsAnimal breeding; genetics; genetic improvement; farm animal genetic resources; breeding programmes
Contacts
Course organiserProf Geoff Simm
Tel: (0131 6)51 7437
Email: Geoff.Simm@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Gordon Littlejohn
Tel: (0131 6)51 7454
Email: Gordon.Littlejohn@ed.ac.uk
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