Animal Breeding and Genetics

Description

Course Description Contents: By lectures and tutorials this course will introduce the main principles underlying genetic improvement in livestock and companion animals. These principles include aspects of population, quantitative and molecular genetics as well as principles of breeding programs. Biological aspects are integrated in the course. In this introductory course the focus is on all aspects needed to run breeding programs either focusing on genetic improvement and on conservation of genetic diversity. During the practicals, students will work in pairs on a case study to run and optimize a breeding program. Learning Outcomes: learning outcomes After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to: Describe the steps that need to be taken when setting up a breeding program Calculate and interpret genetic parameters such as heritability and repeatability using simple statistical methods Calculate probabilities of inheritance for monogenic traits using pedigree information Calculate family relationships and inbreeding coefficients in simple pedigrees Estimate breeding values and their accuracy from phenotype information and family relationships for simple situations Explain how DNA markers can be used to estimate breeding values and increase genetic gain in breeding programs Predict and evaluate response to selection and genetic diversity in breeding programs. Activities: - lectures (explanation of theory); - tutorials (exercises); - practicals (work on a case study 'designing a breeding program for dairy sheep'). Assumed Knowledge: We assume knowledge on basic principles of Mendelian inheritance and statistics (mean, variance, regression, correlation), such as presented in the introductory BSc courses GEN11806 and MAT15303/403. Continuation Courses: ABG31306 Examination: Assessment method(s) Weighting (%) Minimum grade Validity* Group Assignment report 0 Pass 0 If the report is graded as sufficient, and the combined grade for the midterm and final exam is higher than 5.5, a bonus of 0.5 will be awarded. The bonus will only be rewarded in the academic year in which the assignment was submitted. Individual Written test with open questions 75 5,00 1 Written exam with 5-6 open questions. When the combined mark is equal to or greater than 5.50, a bonus of 0.50 will be awarded if the report for the case study in the practicals is graded as sufficient. Individual Written test with closed questions 25 None 0 Midterm exam with 38 multiple choice questions. The midterm exam only counts when the mark is higher than the mark of the written exam. When the combined mark is equal to or greater than 5.50, a bonus of 0.50 will be awarded if the report for the case study in the practicals is graded as sufficient. The bonus will only be rewarded in the academic year in which the midterm exam was made. *The duration of the validity is expressed as years after the academic year in which a passing grade for this assessment was obtained. Literature: Study guide and other study material for practicals are available in Brigthspace. Lecture notes will be provided (and are also available as pdf in Brigthspace). Practical information and Schedule Credits: 6 ECTS Language of Instruction: English Mode of Delivery: Taught on the Campus Campus Location: Wageningen Chair Group: Animal Breeding and Genomics Course Schedule: Link to the most recent course schedule Teaching Methods Below find the contact hours and teaching methods for this course. Teaching methods are expressed in credits study load (one credit equals 28 clock hours and study load includes alle necessary activities like preparation, contact hours and self study). Contact hours are expressed in time slots of 40 minutes. Teaching Methods: Credits:: 1,9; Contact hours:: 12 Credits:: 1,5; Contact hours:: 16 Credits:: 0,8; Contact hours:: 24 Credits:: 1,8 Grading of this course Grading scale: Grades (0-10) Course Periods Offered and Registration Below find in which period(s) the course is offered, how to register for this course and what course registration deadlines apply. For a complete overview, check our Academic Calender. Registration through OSIRIS Student: You can register through OSIRIS Student up to the deadline mentioned. Course Schedule: Link to the most recent course schedule Periods and deadlines for registration: Timeslot(s): Afternoon Registration Period: 1 June 2025 until 3 August 2025 23:59 Extended registration period for new students:: 4 August 2025 until 31 August 2025 23:59 Deregistration period: until 31 August 2025 23:59 Staff The course coordinator, examiner and lecturers of this course are mentioned below. When a special contact person or contact email address for this course applies, this is listed below the lecturers. When applicable, please use that way to contact the course team. Otherwise, contact the course coordinator to contact the course team. Staff: Email-address: pascal.duenk@wur.nl; Email-address: pascal.duenk@wur.nl Email-address: mario.calus@wur.nl; Email-address: bart.ducro@wur.nl Email-address: pascal.duenk@wur.nl Email-address: mario.calus@wur.nl