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 |
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.
|
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2021/22, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Quota: 20 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
196 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
70 %,
Coursework
30 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Formative: Quiz
30% Summative Assessment: Computer-based assessment on prediction of response to selection or predicting breeding values.
30% Summative Assessment: Poster presentations and discussion on group work on design of breeding programme, inc business case for investment
40% Final Exam comprising MCQs and short answer questions
|
| Feedback |
Students will be given feedback via the formative quiz, during interactive laboratory practical sessions and field visits, and during the student-led group presentations on design of sustainable breeding programmes. |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | Exam | 1:30 | |
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.
|
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: Geoff.Simm@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Gordon Littlejohn
Tel: (0131 6)51 7454
Email: Gordon.Littlejohn@ed.ac.uk |
|
|
University Homepage