Animal Breeding

Overview

This Animal Breeding course from Warnborough College includes a sound introduction to genetics. Relevant to any type of animal (pets, farm animals, wildlife, horses, dogs, etc). Personal guidence from highly qualifed and experienced animal scientists and practitioners.

Course Aims

• Explain how genes control the inheritance of characteristics, using two specific examples of animal breeding.

• Distinguish between the phenotype and the genotype, of a specified farm animal.

• Distinguish between dominant and recessive gene pairs.

• Explain the differences in the function of chromosomes, of a specified fowl, when compared with a specified mammalian farm animal.

• Describe the linkage of gender with the expression of non-sex character traits, in a specified farm animal.

• Explain the role of mutation in animal breeding, including both positive and negative aspects.

• Explain the role of the environment in all factors which determine genetic expression in animals.

• Explain the relevance of hybrid vigour to breeding different animals, including; *chickens *pigs *sheep

• Explain heritability in different classes of livestock, including: * dairy cattle *beef cattle *pigs *sheep.

• Develop a set of aims for a breeding program, for a chosen farm animal.

• Develop a checklist of criteria for selecting animals in a breeding program for a specified type of farm animal.

• Explain natural selection, by giving an example of its application in a farm animal breeding program.

• Explain artificial selection in animal breeding programs, including: * it’s aims *the methods used.

• Explain genetic regression by giving an example of its possible occurrence in a farm breeding program.

• Design a checklist of factors to consider when purchasing breeding stock for a specified farm situation.