About this course

This course deals with how breeding and selection affect the biology of farm animals. We begin by elucidating natural selection and the costs of domestication, as well as discussing the ethical framework for livestock breeding. An introduction to genetic coding and strategies for growth and development, genetic size scaling and resource allocation will be given. The course deals with the physiological consequences of selection, both in terms of production traits, feed utilization and product quality. The course will deal with how selection affects functional characteristics such as fertility, health, longevity, maternal traits and behaviour. Furthermore, interactions between genetics and environment (GxE), and the use of genomic tools and gene editing are included.

Learning outcome

The student will be able to evaluate and ethical consequences of selection, and to analyse ethical and animal welfare problems concerning livestock breeding. The student will learn to describe and analyse the animal as a self-regulating biological system with developmental and coping strategies developed through natural evolution and subsequent adaptation to a production environment.

Students will be familiar with examples of how domestic animal breeding have resulted in partial disruption of this biological system, and consequences of this including on animal welfare. Students will be able to analyse these examples and reflect on how different domestic animal breeds and species can be compared.

The students will understand the following concepts: fitness, resource allocation, maternal effects, development strategies etc. The most important traits and general trends in domestic breeding will be understood. Students will understand how to compare breeds and species of livestock. The student must have insight in ethical and biological aspects of breeding and be able to contribute in discussions in this field.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures with discussions. Independent studies. Presentation of group work.

  • Teaching support

    Teachers will provide active guidance during and between the lectures.

  • Syllabus

    Lecture notes / presentations and scientific articles.

  • Prerequisites

    Basic background in animal breeding. (HFA200 or the equivalent.)

  • Assessment method

    Oral exam.

    Letter grades: A-F



    Oral exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddelkode: A1 No calculator, no other aids Oral exam Karakterregel: Passed / Not Passed

  • About use of AI

  • Examiner scheme

    An examiner assesses the oral examination. Individual examination result.

  • Mandatory activity

    Presentation of group work and participation in all presentations.

  • Preferential right

    Animal Science and EM-ABG