Module Code - Title:

BY4036 - AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Year Last Offered:

2023/4

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

2

Tutorial

0

Other

0

Private

6

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

BY4025

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

The purpose of the module is to introduce the students to the principles and modern technological developments and applications in the area of farm animal reproduction in current agricultural practice

Syllabus:

Physiology of reproduction, parturition and lactation, animal breeding, genomics, DNA technology, oestrus synchronisation, oestrus detection systems, artificial insemination, use of sex-sorted sperm, in vivo and in vitro embryo production, cloning, transgenesis and use of hormones in animal production.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Students will be able to: • Describe in detail the physiology of reproduction, parturition and lactation in farm animals. • Outline how animal breeding indexes in dairy and beef cows as well as sheep are calculated and how these indexes are applied to increase profitability at farm level. • Discuss the most up-to-date advances in genomics and how these are being used in breeding indexes including the most up-to-date DNA technology. • Outline the most up-to-date technologies in oestrus synchronisation, oestrus detection systems, artificial insemination, use of sex-sorted sperm, in vivo and in vitro embryo production as well as cloning and transgenesis. • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of hormones in animal production systems.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Defend and challenge existing and proposed agricultural biotechnology practices, formulate improvements, with special consideration for the contribution of these practices to society, and argue the merits and demerits of the modern advances in food production systems.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Students will be able to: • Successfully dissect the reproductive tract of the cow and bull and relate structure to function and physiology • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of all the available online tools in animal breeding • Develop a breeding strategy for an individual farm • Design a multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) program including a synchronisation program for donor and recipients females • Perform an objective evaluation of the use of hormones in animal production

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

The module will be taught through lectures and practical laboratory work to provide for knowledge development and skill acquisition; problem solving to develop critical thinking and innovation; group projects, both laboratory and literature based, to develop collaborative proficiency in working as member of a team and confidence in applying scientific knowledge.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Senger, P.L. (2005) Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition, (2nd Ed.) , Current Conceptions INC

Hafez, E. and Hafe,z B. (2000) Reproduction in Farm Animals (7th Ed.) , Blackwell Publishing

Other Relevant Texts:

Gordon, I. (1995) Reproductive Technologies in Farm Animals, (1st Ed.) , CABI Publishing

Bourdon, R.M. (2000) Understanding Animal Breeding and Genetics (2nd Ed.) , Prentice Hall

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester - Year to be First Offered:

Module Leader:

sean.fair@ul.ie