ANSC30020 Animal Breeding I

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module consists of two sections. The first section deals with the main concepts and principles of Animal Breeding including:- domestication; qualitative and quantitative traits; types of gene action; variation and its measurement; selection between and within breeds; factors affecting rates of genetic gain and the response to selection. The second section deals with the applications of the basic principles to dairy, beef, sheep and pig breeding. The national breed improvement strategies for the various species are outlined and include the breeding goals, traits recorded, and selection of breeds and breed crosses used.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: Explain the underlying concepts and principles involved in selection for breed improvement. Outline factors controlling the rate of genetic gain and the response to selection in breeding programmes. Demonstrate how the basic principles are applied in breed improvement strategies.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Autonomous Student Learning

64
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Module content will be delivered by in class lectures. Students will also be assigned papers to read and have to answer key question in relation to the paper. Student will also be expected to make presentations on animal breeding topics. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
ANSC20010 - Genetics and Biotechnology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): An exam based on multiple choice questions, with one correct answer out of four possible answers. Week 5 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20

 No
Exam (In-person): A multiple choice question exam with one correct answer out of a possible four answers. Week 9 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20

 No
Exam (In-person): This is an end of semester exam (held in the RDS) based on questions that require essay type questions. Students will be given four questions of which they have to answer any three. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will be provided with feedback on continuous assessments in class post assessment, when all students have completed that component.

The following is a suggested reading list. These books are available from the library, I do not require you to buy them.

1. Understanding Animal Breeding - Richard M. Bourdon
2. Genetic Improvement of Cattle and Sheep - Geoff Simm
3. Introduction to Quantitative Genetics - Falconer and Mackay
4. Statistics for Veterinary and Animal Science - Aviva Petrie and Paul Watson

During the semester I will make interesting research and review papers and popular press articles available to the class.
Name Role
Miss Jennifer Doyle Tutor