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
  • Lectures, mandatory assignments and group work.
  • Canvas, class discussions, tutoring with assignments, chat in Canvas and responses to questions in class.
  • Basic knowledge of animal breeding (e.g. HFX132), statistics, equivalent to STAT100 and genetics, equivalent to BIO120.
  • Written exam (3 hours). A-F.
  • An external examiner assesses the written examination.
  • Group assignment (presentation and report)
  • 4 lectures per week, plus assignments.
  • 50% overlap with BIO248
  • Letter grades
  • Special requirements in Science