Animal Breeding
Course description
The course aims to provide general knowledge in breeding, with a particular focus on aspects of conservation biology and inbreeding.
Entry Requirements
- 5 credits statistics
Course facts
BI1413, Animal Breeding, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-04-23
Valid from : Spring semester 2025 (2025-01-20)
Level
First cycle (G1F)
Main field of study
Biology, Animal Science
Biology Area
Genetics
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
Swedish
Entry Requirements
- 5 credits statistics
Objectives
The course aims to provide general knowledge in breeding, with a particular focus on aspects of conservation biology and inbreeding.
Upon completing the course, students should be able to:
- utilize simple linear models to analyze and interpret biological data,
- explain fundamental genetic concepts both in writing and orally, and reflect on the purposes of animal breeding in a way that is easy to understand,
- explain the concept of biological variation, its causes, and how it can be described,
- explain how genetic variation is influenced by evolutionary processes and natural selection, and how it can be conserved,
- discuss and reflect on the heritability of traits and genetic correlations,
- perform simple calculations to estimate allele frequencies, genetic variation, heritability of traits, genetic correlations, breeding values of individual animals, and inbreeding coefficients,
- describe various types of breeding programs within both animal breeding and conservation projects and assess their implications for animal welfare,
- discuss and reflect on ethical dilemmas related to breeding.
Content
The course begins with an overview of animal breeding and its objectives. The course covers the following topics: biological variation and gene function, population genetics, conservation biology, inbreeding, measures of genetic variation and correlations between traits, and breeding programs. Estimation of variance components using ANOVA is included for simpler linear models. The course addresses both natural selection and strategies for genetic improvement of domesticated animals. Ethical issues are continuously discussed throughout the course, and students are trained to engage in ethical discussions related to breeding.
Lectures are interspersed with exercises, and students consolidate their knowledge through group discussions. The students practice the following general competencies in the course: discussion, reflection, problem-solving, mathematical skills, and communication in both oral and written forms.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written examination and approved participation in compulsory components.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Animal Biosciences
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Ethology and Animal Welfare (BSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Animal breeding | 7.5 | 0001 |
The Course Replaces
HV0131, BI1231 samt ersätter och överlappar delvis
Other Information
To assimilate the course content, students should have a basic knowledge of genetics, gene expression regulation, and basic statistics, including average and variation, statistical margin of error, and statistically significant differences, as well as the analysis and interpretation of relationships between variables.
The entry requirement of 5 credits statistics may be fulfilled through completed course ST0061 Basic mathematics and statistics for biologists, ST0059 Basic statistics for biologists, HV0139 Basic science – evolution and ecology or HV0141 Basic science - agriculture and animal science.