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UoR Home > Module Descriptions > AP2A34: Animal Breeding and Reproductive Technology

AP2A34: Animal Breeding and Reproductive Technology

Module Provider:

School of Agriculture, Policy and Development

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr MJ Bryant

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the biology of the reproduction of the domesticated species of animals, the means by which the reproductive process may be manipulated, and the means by which selection may be imposed upon populations in order to modify animal form and function.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

  • Describe the reproductive events occurring during the life cycle of the common domestic species and identify genetic and environmental factors contributing to the success or failure of reproduction
  • Describe methods by which control can be achieved over reproductive processes in both males and females in order to modify the outcome
  • Describe the principles affecting the rate of genetic change in populations of domestic animals and methods available to modify genetic change
  • Carry out simple calculations to establish outcomes to selection programmes.

    		•

    Additional outcomes:

    Outline content:
    This module is designed to give essential background to the biology and technology of animal breeding. Contents include the physiological bases of reproduction in cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats, the technology by which reproduction can be controlled and manipulated (e.g. artificial insemination and embryo transfer), and the theory and practice of selection in order to change the genetic make up of animal populations. An appreciation of these elements is important to students of agriculture and animal science but will also be of relevance to all students of applied biology.
    The Lecture Content covers:

  • The biology of puberty, conception, pregnancy and parturition
  • Modifying the success of reproduction in the domestic species through enhanced management and nutrition
  • The control of reproduction in the male and female by technological and pharmaceutical methods
  • Factors affecting genetic change in populations of domestic animals
  • Means of achieving genetic change in populations by both phenotypic and genetic selection
  • Breeding programmes for cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats.
    The Practical Content covers:
  • Development of a breeding programme for a specified species and situation. Results will be presented to the whole class and will form the basis of a written report.

    		•

    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    There will be two 50-minute lectures per week.

    Contact hours:

      Autumn Spring Summer
    Lectures   20  
    Tutorials/seminars      
    Practicals      
    Other contact (eg study visits)   6  
           
    Total hours   26  
           
    Number of essays or assignments   3  
    Other (eg major seminar paper)      

    Assessment:
    Coursework
    A report of the selection exercise to be submitted by the last day of the Spring Term (15% of the total marks). The presentations will take place in last three weeks of term (15% of the total marks). There will also be two tests during the course of the module (each worth 10% of the total marks).
    Relative percentage of coursework : 50%
    Penalties for late submission
    Standard University rule applies: 10% marks deducted for work submitted up to one week late. Work submitted more than one week late will be awarded a zero mark.
    Examinations
    A one-and-a half-hour examination requiring the answers to three questions from six.
    Relative percentage of examination: 50%
    Requirements for a pass
    A mark of 40% overall.
    Reassessment arrangements
    Re-examination in August/September only.
    Page last updated 18/May/2005
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