BI2S009 - Breeding and Genetics 01 Apr 2025 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI2S009
Module Title: Breeding and Genetics
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader:
Module Team: Michele Gorman, Pete Dunford, Lauren Rees
First Intended Intake: SEP 2013 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100259 - genetics
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 4
Valid From 01 Apr 2025
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

Breeding programmes are the foundation for sustaining animal related enterprises, whether this is carried out directly or animals are procured. This module will give learners the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of animal breeding. Aspects covered will include reproductive physiology (anatomy and common disorders), breeding techniques and breeding and selection strategies including genetics.

To build knowledge and understanding relating to the cycle of events relating to pregnancy, parturition (normal & abnormal), neonatal care and growth and development.

To outline current breeding technology methodologies and treatment regimes.

Give an overview of selection of breeding stock and genetics

Content Summary

Genetics: Laws of Inheritance; Monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance; Gene interactions (incomplete dominance, co-dominance, multiple alleles, lethal genes, epistasis, polygenic inheritance, sex-linkage); family pedigree and pedigree charts; Chi-squared test;

Breeding Stock: Motives for breeding; Selection of breeding stock (male and female); Breeding records; Oestrus (Physiology, signs, manipulation); Optimum conditions of breeding stock (e.g. age, weight); Breeding Problems (Infertility, dystocia, post-partum problems); Management of breeding (mating, pregnancy diagnosis, pregnancy, parturition and rearing);

Reproductive technologies: Genetic engineering; cloning; transgenics/ gene editing; Use of hormones (e.g. infertility treatments; contraception, superovulation); artificial insemination and embryo transfer;

Ethics: Breeders responsibilities; use of reproductive technologies.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 48
Independent Study 76
Directed Study 76
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Analyse the effects of gene interactions on a selected population. Examine and appraise current methods of selection and manipulation of breeding stock.
LO2 Analyse and evaluate the management and improvement of breeding stock using selection and reproductive technologies.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 Examination 85 N/A 35 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Report (CW) 1 Learners will analyse the effects of gene interactions on a selected population and evaluate the management and improvement of breeding stock using reproductive technologies. 0 3250 65 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Onsite Closed Book Examination 1
Report (CW) 1

Reading List

Aspinall & Capello (2009) Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, 2nd ed., Elsevier

Cupps, P T (1991) Reproduction in domestic animals Academic Press

Willis, B.M. (1998) Daltons Introduction to Animal Breeding. 4th Ed. Blackwell Science.

Frandson, Wilke & Fails (2009) Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, 7th ed., Wiley-Blackwell

Gordon, I (1997) Controlled reproduction in farm animals, Vols 1 – 4. CABI

Simm, G. (2010) Genetic Improvement in Cattle and Sheep 2nd Ed. CABI Publishing.

Supplementary Reading Materials

Davies Morel M C G (1999) Equine AI. CABI

Davies Morel, M C G (2003) Equine reproductive physiology, breeding and stud management. 2nd ed. CABI

Journals

The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology

Veterinary Journal

Veterinary Record