.-Genomics and animal breeding
PROF. PAOLO AJMONE MARSAN
COURSE AIMS
To provide students with knowledge and tools needed to understand and
critically evaluate methods and strategies of farm animal breeding.
COURSE CONTENT
Novel molecular technologies for molecular marker genotyping and
whole genome sequencing.
Structure and organization of livestock genomes; use of DNA
marker information to identify genes responsible for genetic defects
or controlling useful traits.
Population genetics: allelic and genotypic frequencies,; HardyWeinberg equilibrium; evolutionary forces altering the equilibrium;
parentage and inbreeding; genetic diversity within and between
populations.
Quantitative genetics; genetic and environmental variation;
repeatability and heritability; phenotypic and genetic correlation
between traits.
Herd books and registers; animal recording; pedigree and DNA
based genetic evaluation of sires and dams.
Selection criteria and objectives; selection indices; selection
schemes.
The application of genomic data to selection: genome-wide analyses
and genomic selection.
TUTORIALS.
CFU
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
Technical visits to technology platforms, biotech companies and
breeding associations
READING LIST
Referente Book
G. PAGNACCO, Genetica animale applicata, Editore CEA, 2004.
Suggested Books
B. KINGHORN-J. VAN DE WERF-M. RYAN, Animal Breeding. Uso delle nuove tecnologie Edizioni Plus,
Pisa, 2004.
L.D. VAN VLECK-E.J. POLLAK-E.A.B. OLTENACU, Genetica per le Scienze Animali, SEU, Servizio
editoriale Universitario di Pisa, 1988.
VAN VLECK-POLLACK-OLTENACU, Genetics for the Animal Sciences, Editore W H Freeman & Co.,
ASIN: 0716718006, 1995.
F.W. NICHOLAS, Veterinary Genetics, Oxford University Press, New York, USA, 1987.
D.S. FALCONER-T.S.C. MACKAY, Introduction to quantitative genetics, 4th edition, Longman
Scientific & Technical, Essex, UK, 1996.
A.J. CLARK, Animal breeding. Technology for the 21st Century, Overseas Publishers Association,
Amsterdam, NL, 1998.
F.W. NICHOLAS, Veterinary Genetics, Oxford University Press, New York, USA, 1987.
TEACHING METHOD
The course includes classroom lectures, group project work and presentations by
outside lecturers/professionals with sector-specific expertise.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
Oral exam, intermediate tests and group project work presentations
Needs of prior kowledge: Basic Genetics and Statistics
NOTES
Prof. Ajmone Marsan receives students at the Institute of Zootechnics after lectures.