VET2123: Genetics and applied Animal breeding

Introduction

Genetics and Applied Animal breeding introduces students to how animals inherit characteristics generation to generation and also help students understand how animals can be improved using different methods/systems and technologies. 

This involves teaching genes transmission in animals, population genetics, genetic parameters (breeding values, progeny difference, genotypic values, gene combination values, producing ability, heritability, repeatability e.t.c)

It also involves teaching animal breeding methods (pure breeds, cross breeding (out breeding), inbreeding etc), Hybrid vigor, selection methods/systems  (Tandem selection, Independent culling, selection index, selection difference, selection potential etc) and  improved breeding technologies (DNA markers, AI, ET, cloning etc)

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course the student should be able to;

• Explain how animal characteristics are transferred generation to  generation
• Describe how genes are important in selection and breeding of the best animal to be selected for the next generation parent
• know the different reproductive technologies used in animal improvement