BI1413, Animal Breeding, 7.5 Hp
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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

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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

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.

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

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.

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.