HFA200 General Animal Breeding

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Bjørg Heringstad

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:250 hours.

Teaching and exam period:Spring semester

About this course

This course provides a thorough introduction to animal breeding and quantitative genetics, and a brief introduction to plant breeding. Topics which will be covered are recording of phenotypes, kinship and inbreeding, the genetic model, genetic parameters, breeding values, heterosis, breeding plans and practical breeding programs.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

Describe why registrations are important in breeding
Describe how relationship and inbreeding are calculated
Describe the elements on the genetic model and how breeding values are estimated
Describe the factors contributing to genetic changes (Breeder’s Equation)
Describe the breeding program for the most common species
Describe the difference between animal and plant breeding programs

SKILLS

Calculate relationship and inbreeding
Estimate genetic parameters and breeding values for simple examples
Estimate heterosis and predict genetic change

COMPETENCE

Explain the theoretical prerequisite for genetic change
Assess the effect of different measures taken for a population

Learning activities
Lectures, mandatory assignments and group work.
Teaching support
Canvas, class discussions, tutoring with assignments, chat in Canvas and responses to questions in class.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of animal breeding (e.g. HFX132), statistics, equivalent to STAT100 and genetics, equivalent to BIO120.
Assessment method
Written exam (3 hours). A-F.
Examiner scheme
An examiner assesses the written examination.
Mandatory activity
Group assignment (presentation and report)
Teaching hours
4 lectures per week, plus assignments.
Reduction of credits
50% overlap with BIO248
Admission requirements
Special requirements in Science