Unit 2350: Animal Genetics and Breeding

1. Introduction to Animal Genetics

• Definition of genes, alleles, chromosomes
• Genetic inheritance basics in animals
• Overview of DNA structure and function

2. Mendelian Genetics in Animals

• Gregor Mendel's laws: Law of Segregation and Law of Independent Assortment
• Application of Mendelian inheritance to animal breeding
• Punnett squares and predicting offspring genotypes and phenotypes

3. Genetic Variation in Animal Populations

• Sources of genetic variation: mutation, recombination, gene flow
• Importance of genetic variation for adaptation and selection
• Population genetics concepts: gene pool and allele frequency

4. Quantitative Genetics in Animal Breeding

• Definition of quantitative traits vs. qualitative traits
• Heritability: concepts and estimation
• Genetic correlations between traits
• Role of quantitative genetics in selection and breeding decisions

5. Selective Breeding in Livestock

• Principles of selective breeding
• Breeding methods: mass selection, family selection, crossbreeding
• Target traits: growth rate, milk production, disease resistance
• Advantages and limitations of selective breeding

6. Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in Animal Breeding

• Molecular markers: SNPs, microsatellites
• How MAS improves selection accuracy and efficiency
• Examples of MAS in livestock breeding programs

7. Genomic Selection in Animal Breeding

• Overview of genomic technologies (genotyping arrays, sequencing)
• Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs)
• Integration of genomic data into breeding programs
• Benefits over traditional selection methods

8. Inbreeding and Genetic Diversity in Animal Breeding

• Effects of inbreeding: inbreeding depression and fitness
• Measuring and monitoring genetic diversity
• Strategies to maintain genetic variability: outcrossing, rotational breeding

9. Genetically Modified Animals

• Genetic engineering techniques: transgenesis, CRISPR-Cas9
• Applications in research, agriculture, and medicine
• Case studies of genetically modified animals

10. Ethical Considerations in Animal Breeding

• Welfare concerns related to genetic manipulation
• Ethical debates around selective breeding and GM animals
• Regulatory frameworks and responsible breeding practices