Credit hours
In-class work per week |
Practice per week |
Credits |
Duration |
Total |
4 |
2 |
8 |
15 weeks |
120 hours |
Instructor
Gerson Barreto Mourão
Objective
Provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge on the principles and applications of genetic improvement in key species for animal production, with a highlighted focus on beef and dairy cattle, pigs, poultry, and sheep. Discuss the essential tools to understand the planning of genetic improvement programs applicable to various domestic species.
Content
Genetics of qualitative and quantitative traits. Genetic variation. Mode of gene action. Heritability and genetic correlation. Genotype-environment interaction. Selection of breeders, factors affecting genetic gain. Selection methods. Mating systems, inbreeding, and outbreeding. Crossbreeding in animal production. Animal biotechnology. Aspects of improvement in major domestic animal species.
Bibliography
BORDON, R. M. Understanding Animal Breeding. 2nd ed., Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. 538p., 2000.
ELER, J. P. Teoria e Métodos em Melhoramento Genético Animal. FZEAZ/USP, Apostila, Pirassununga, 2017.
GAMA, L. T. Melhoramento Genetico Animal. FUNPEC Editora, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 649 p., 2023
FALCONER, D.S.; MACKAY, T.F.C. Introduction to Quantitative Genetics. 4th ed., Longman Group Limited, Essex, Englande, 464 p., 1996.
KHATIB, H. Molecular and Quantitative Animal Genetics (Coursesmart), 336 pages, Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (March 2, 2015)
VAN VLECK, L.D. Selection index and introduction to mixed model methods. CRC Pres. Boca Raton, FL., 481 p., 1993.
Recommended journals: 1. BMC Genetics / BMC Genomics 2. Journal of Animal Science 3. Journal of Dairy Science 4. Livestock Production 5. Genetic, Selection and Evolution 6. Journal Animal Breeding and Genetics