WageningenX: Genetic Models for Animal Breeding

Course Description

This comprehensive course on Animal Breeding and Genetics offers an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices involved in selectively breeding domestic animals to enhance desirable traits in future generations. Developed by WageningenX, this intermediate-level course provides students with a solid foundation in the genetic and statistical concepts necessary to design and implement effective breeding programs.

What Students Will Learn

The essential steps in creating a successful animal breeding program
Key concepts and principles in animal breeding and genetics
Application of genetic models and tools for predicting breeding values
Techniques for forecasting genetic change and inbreeding in animal populations
Understanding the dissemination of genetic progress across various animal species

Pre-requisites

High school level mathematics and genetics
2nd or 3rd year university level statistics
Basic understanding of biology and life sciences

Course Content

Introduction to Animal Breeding and the seven steps of setting up a breeding program
Defining breeding goals for genetic improvement and diversity
Collection and analysis of information on family relationships, performance, and DNA
Genetic models and concepts such as heritability, repeatability, and Mendelian sampling
Estimating breeding values and calculating their accuracy
Calculating and understanding the response to selection
Mating schemes and long-term contributions to inbreeding

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for professionals working with animals, including breeders of cows, poultry, horses, pigs, dogs, sheep, goats, fish, and shrimp. It is also valuable for students pursuing advanced studies in breeding and genetics at the M.Sc. level, providing them with an advanced starting point for their education.

Real-World Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course will enable professionals to:

Understand the impact of breeding on animal populations
Make informed decisions based on genetic principles
Design and implement effective breeding programs
Improve desirable qualities in domestic animals while maintaining genetic diversity
Contribute to the sustainable development of animal agriculture and aquaculture
Advance their careers in the field of animal breeding and genetics

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Animal Breeding

Overview of the seven steps needed to set up a breeding program

Module 2: The Breeding Goal

Characteristics of a breeding goal and defining goals for genetic improvement and diversity

Module 3: Collection of Information and Family Relationships

Value of relationship, performance, and DNA information; concept and consequences of inbreeding; methods to quantify relationships and inbreeding

Module 4: Genetic Models

Concepts of genetic models, applying suitable models for different traits, understanding heritability, repeatability, common environment ratio, and Mendelian sampling

Module 5: Ranking the Animals

Estimating breeding values using various information sources and calculating the accuracy of estimated breeding values

Module 6: Response to Selection

Calculating and understanding response to selection, key elements and trade-offs in selection, mating schemes and long-term contributions to inbreeding

This course is part of the Professional Certificate Program "Animal Breeding and Genetics," offering students the opportunity to advance their careers and gain a comprehensive understanding of this vital field.