NES2007 : Domestic Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement
NES2007 : Domestic Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Andrew Beard
- Lecturer: Professor Lucy Asher, Dr Miguel Velazquez
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The overall aim of the module is to enable students to understand the physiology of reproduction and the underlying principles and application of the methods used to artificially control reproduction and achieve genetic improvement, in order to enhance the sustainability of domestic animal production through animal breeding.
Outline Of Syllabus
(A) Physiology of reproduction (approx. 6 hours of lectures / lecture material),
….. incl. for example production of gametes, oestrous cycle, mating, pregnancy and postpartum
(B) Artificial control of reproduction (purpose and practice – approx. 6 hours of lectures/ lecture material / quizzes / videos)
…..incl. for example oestrus synchronisation. Control of ovulation and MOET. AI techniques and their development
(C) Introduction to genetic improvement (overview and vocabulary) and general principles of animal breeding (approx.. 6hrs of lectures / lecture material / quizzes)
….. incl. for example strategies for animal breeding, Genetic improvement in quantitative traits, Factors affecting the rate of genetic improvement, predicting breeding values, BLUP, Selection for multiple objectives,
(D) Specifics of genetic improvement in various species of animals (approx. 4 hrs of lectures / lecture material and farm visits incl. probably sheep, beef and dairy breed improvement schemes and breeding / reproduction in companion animals) including discussion of methods to improve the production, health / welfare and environmental sustainability of domestic animals through animal breeding.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of the module a successful student will be able to:
1. Use the basic terminology of applied animal reproduction and breeding
2. Describe the reproductive lifespan of a selection of domestic species and the mechanisms leading to the production of gametes, fertilization, embryo development and parturition.
3. Discuss the role of hormones in the natural control of the oestrous cycle, pregnancy, parturition and the postpartum period.
4. Describe methods for artificially controlling reproduction in domestic animals and comment on their use
5. Discuss the objectives of animal breeding and the problems faced by breeders
6. Explain principles involved in genetic improvement from the gene to the population level and identify strategies for genetic improvement
7. Analyse the factors which influence the rate of genetic improvement
8. Discuss the relative merits of methods used to predict breeding values and select for multiple objectives
9. Integrate knowledge of animal reproduction and genetic improvement techniques and evaluate how these techniques are applied to breeding programmes in a number of species to improve the production, health / welfare and environmental sustainability of domestic animals.
10. Reflect on the impact and limitations of modern animal breeding technologies on the animals concerned, the various animal industry sectors and the attitude of the public.
Intended Skill Outcomes
By the end of the module a successful student will be able to:
1. Identify the critical anatomical features of reproductive tracts in a laboratory setting (using post mortem material) and determine the likely reproductive status of an animal from ovarian features.
2. Appreciate the use of interview/consultancy skills in gaining information on management of reproduction and breeding programmes from livestock producers
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 12:00 | 12:00 | Revision and preparation for Semester 1 assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Preparation of Lab report |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Introduce principles and practices involved in control of reproduction and improving genetic merit |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Introduce principles and practices involved in control of reproduction and improving genetic merit |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Practical examining reproductive tracts from abattoir material (Cockle Park labs) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Provide information about objectives and problems in real breeding programmes from animal breeders |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Drop in / Q and A session with lecturer |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 14:00 | 14:00 | Background reading and research on module topics |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Writing up lecture, lab and field visits notes |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Introduction / guest speaker sessions on practices involved in improving fertility and genetic merit |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The early lectures and lecture material will introduce the vocabulary of animal reproductive physiology / breeding and describe the principles and practices involved in controlling reproduction and improving the genetic merit of animals (all knowledge outcomes). The practical will illustrate aspects of reproductive anatomy and physiology (knowledge outcomes 2 and 3 and skills outcome 1). Later lectures, guest speaker and/or farm visits will allow students to obtain information about the objectives and problems in real breeding programmes from animal breeders and advisers (knowledge outcomes 9 and 10 and skills outcome 2).
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 70 | Answer 2 questions out of 4. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 30 | The practical helps students understand the concepts & techniques of animal reproduction (up to 700 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The practical report will assess the students skills in the examination of experimental material, presentation and critical discussion (skill outcomes 1). The final examination will potentially assess all the knowledge outcomes using essay questions (students will answer 2 of 4). Successful students will demonstrate their ability to describe, discuss, integrate and analyse the principles and practices of animal breeding in their answers.
An alternative remote assessment will be a recorded oral presentation that will potentially assess all the knowledge outcomes. Successful students will demonstrate their ability in their slides and spoken words. A similar alternative assessment will be set for any Semester 1 Study Abroad student taking this module, who will not be in Newcastle during the January assessment period
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES2007's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES2007's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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