32719 - Biotechnologies in Animal Production

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has the background needed to analyse the genome of farm animal species, to use DNA markers in selection plans to improve production traits in livestock, to determine animal relationships, to trace and authentify animal products (at the individual and breed level) and to manage animal biodiversity. Moreover, the student can plan studies and applications using new technologies and approaches considering the expected developments in the field of animal genomics.

Course contents

1) Principles of animal production. Animal production biology.

2) Breeds. Introduction of Animal Breeding.

3)Techniques and technologies for genome analysis. The genome of farm animal species: cattle, pig, chicken, horse, sheep, goat, rabbit and dog.

4) Next generation sequencing platforms: Illumina High Seq, Roche 454, Ion and Proton Torrent, Oxford Nanopore - Applications: RRL, Target resequencing, SNP discovery, RNA-Seq, etc.

5) Application of DNA markers for animal breeding in cattle, pig, chicken, horse, sheep, goat and rabbit. QTL analyses and genome wide association studies in farm animal species.

6) Principles and tools for genomic selection.

7) DNA markers for parentage analysis and animal identification.

8) Authentication and traceability of animal products using DNA markers: breed authentication using polymorphisms in coat colour genes in farm animal species.

9) Analysis of animal biodiversity and conservation programs.

10) Biotechnologies in animal nutrition.

Readings/Bibliography

Notes from lessons, scientific papers.

Teaching methods

Lessons and practical exercises.

Available for thesis and training periods.

Assessment methods

Final interview.

Teaching tools

Computer slides, lab instruments, scientific papers

Office hours

See the website of Luca Fontanesi