Evaluating Animal Breeding Programmes

Module 1: Introduction

Introduction to evaluating animal breeding programmes, along the seven steps that are needed to set up a breeding programme.

Module 2: Crossbreeding and Dissemination

Learning about heterosis and crossbreeding, including crossbreeding schemes in practice. Learning about the most important breeding programme structures and schemes, and about which key factors influence this structure.

Module 3: Evaluation of Breeding Programmes

How do we assess genetic improvement in breeding programmes? Let’s investigate limits to selection, genotype by environment interaction and its consequences for breeding programmes. Learn how multi-trait selection can reduce unwanted correlated responses.

Module 4: Genetic Diversity I - Monogenic Recessive Disorders

This module is all about the nature of monogenic recessive disorders, their mode of inheritance and about strategies to eliminate these defects. Learn about the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and about genetic drift in relation to genetic diversity.

Module 5: Genetic Diversity II - Population Level

Let’s study the forces that affect genetic diversity on a population level, and factors that influence the rate of inbreeding. We will predict the rate of inbreeding in simple situations, and learn how to monitor genetic diversity. Finally, we will discuss in vivo and in vitro strategies to conserve genetic diversity.

Module 6: Breeding Programmes in Practice

Introduction to evaluating animal breeding programmes in practice, through a number of real life situations. How do the different topics covered in the course affect choices made when designing and evaluating a breeding programme?