AN 106 - Dairy Genetics

3 Credits

This is a required course for the Year II students in the Dairy Science major of the Animal Science Technology program.

The improvement of dairy cattle via genetic selection and controlled breeding is one of the basic elements of dairy science. A student must understand the scientific genetic principals behind practical breeding of animals in order to make decisions as to which animals are selected to parent the next generation and what improvement over the parents they can logically expect.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

1. describe the part that genetics plays in the expression of traits and the interaction of genetics with the environment.
2. demonstrate an understanding of Mendel and population genetics and their applications through selection and mating techniques.
3. describe principles of selection and compare designs of breeding programs.
4. identify the traits of economic importance for the major classes of domestic animals.
5. have a solid foundation that will allow you to explore new and future technologies that are available for genetic improvements.

Reference Textbook(s):

Garrick, D. J., & Ruvinsky, A. (2015). The Genetics of Cattle (2nd ed.). C.A.B. International.

van Belzen, N. (2017). Achieving sustainable production of milk: Volume 1: Milk composition, genetics and

breeding. Burleigh Dodds Series in Agricultural Science. Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:

This course consists of approximately 3 hours of lecture per week. Students are expected to take part in their learning process through a variety of group activities and hands on learning experiences to reinforce materials in lecture. Any late assignments are not marked and receive a zero grade. The instructor reserves the ability to hold pop quizzes throughout the semester with no prior notification.

Classroom and laboratory attendance is considered vital to the learning process and as significant to the students’ evaluation as examinations and reports, therefore absenteeism is recorded.

1. Students having a combination of excused and/or unexcused absence of 20 percent or higher for the scheduled course hours can be required to withdraw and would then automatically receive a “RW” (required withdrawal) for the course, regardless of any other evaluation results. (RW is a failing grade).
2. An excused absence is one that is verified with your instructor. Verification should be prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence. Verification of the absence may take the form of a note from your doctor/College nurse regarding illness, or a note from another instructor regarding a field trip or other activity, or authorization by your instructor following an in-person meeting. Be sure to contact your instructor and ask what they will require from you as verification for each absence. An unexcused absence is anything NOT verified by the instructor prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence.

It is the students’ responsibility to know their own absentee record.

Normal hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with potential for evening courses, exams or extended field trips. Students are expected to be available for classes during these times.

Content of Course:
 

1. Domestication
2. Fundamentals of Genetics
3. Mendelian Inheritance
4. Crossbreeding and Heterosis
5. Genetic Diseases
6. Genetic Evaluation of Dairy Cattle
7. Genomics and Testing
8. Genetic Improvement Programs and Sire Selection

Makeup term tests are given only for excused absences and are expected to be made up as soon as possible (prior to the next class period if possible). In case of an emergency, call the instructor the day prior. The instructor reserves the ability to hold pop quizzes throughout the semester with no prior notification.

The student is advised to keep track of their own assignments and review returned materials.

The student must provide a written request for intended absences prior to the exam date to be eligible to have an alternate date. The student must contact the instructor within 24 hours after an unexpected, missed date. Failure to do so will forfeit the option of an alternate for assignments or examination date.

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course. Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.