- Biological basis and aids for breeding work. - Definition of breeding goal and discussion of registration of needed information. - Economic value of traits in the breeding goal and calculation of economic profits of the breeding work. - Optimization of breeding plans. - Optimization of specific breeding plans for pigs, cattle, goats, poultry and fish.

Students will learn about the importance of biological, technical and economic conditions within the different animal species, including aquatic species, and evaluate this in alternative breeding plans.

In earlier courses, breeding plans and theory are presented. In this course students perform a case study on an existing breeding plan and may propose changes that may have implications for practical breeding work. Through individual studies, group exercises, individual semester assignments, the use of data programmes and lectures, students should be able to evaluate: Implications of biological factors and technological elements for breeding. - The definition of breeding goals, and what traits to register. - How to find economical values in breeding goals, and calculation of economical gain from breeding. - Optimization of breeding plans. Group work with topics from breeding plans for fish, pigs, poultry, cattle, sheep and/or goats will be carried out and presented.

Teacher assistance in data lab sessions. Contact with breeding organization people.

Textbook for HFA200 or other fundamental course in breeding/quantitative genetics. Distributed notes. Material on the course web site.

Breeding course. (HFA200 or AQB200.)

Practical breeding course. (HFA250, AQB270, or other courses containing animal breeding plans.)

Participation in group work and presentations. Submission of group assignment.

Grading on the basis of individual semester assignment.

300 hours, including structured time.

Special requirements in Science

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Lectures: ca. 20 hours. Exercises: ca. 20 hours. Group work: ca. 20 hours. Presentations of group work and individual assignments: 10 hours.

If there are less than 5 students, the lecturing routine will be altered.

External examiner.