ANSC30020 Animal Breeding I

Academic Year 2022/2023

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
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: MCQ examination Week 4 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

Examination: End of semester exam. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Continuous Assessment: MCQ examination. Week 8 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20


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 available to the class.
Name Role
Miss Jennifer Doyle Tutor