Biotechnologies of animal products

12 CFU - 2° Semester

Teaching Staff

LUISA BIONDI - Module Animal products authentication - AGR/19 - 6 CFU
DONATA MARLETTA - Module Molecular genetics in animal breeding - AGR/17 - 6 CFU

Learning Objectives

Animal products authentication
Aim of the course is to give the knowledge and the skills on the bio-markers as a tool for the authentication of animal products, with particular emphasis on the traceability of the feeding system.
Molecular genetics in animal breeding
To provide knowledge on molecular biology techniques applied to the management of animal populations, to the genetic selection and to the improvement of livestock and of animal production.

Detailed Course Content

Animal products authentication
1. Tracking and tracing: definitions and outlines of the EU rules.

2. Products of animal origin: elements of animal production systems; elements of physiological basis of milk and meat production; breeding system and product quality.

3. Tracing of feeding system and/or geographic area of origin.
- Data statistical analysis: basic knowledge.
- Direct, indirect and physics biomarkers.
- Factors affecting the biomarkers variability in feedstuffs.
- Biomarkers metabolism in domestic animals.
- Biomarkers as a tools for feeding system or geographic area of origin traceability: scientific literature examination.
Molecular genetics in animal breeding
Genetics of quantitative traits. Population genetics: genetic structure of animal populations. Livestock biodiversity conservation. Molecular markers in animal breeding. Characterization of livestock genomes. Sequencing and bioinformatic tools (outlines). Genes associated to animal productions. Candidate genes, QTLs and Marker Assisted selection. Genomic selection. Molecular markers and genetic traceability in animal productions. Biotechnologies applied to animal reproduction and transgenic animals (outlines).

Textbook Information

Animal products authentication
Cassandro M., Mele M., Trevisi E. (ed.) 2010. Sicurezza e tracciabilità nei sistemi di produzione del latte. Aracne editrice s.r.l., Roma.

Secchiari P. (a cura di) 2014. Alimenti di origine animale e salute. Fondazione Iniziative zooprofilattiche e zootecniche. Brescia, n. 95.

Selected scientific papers, published in international scientific journals, will be given to the students during the class meeting.

All the suggested sources, including also the slides commented in the class, are available on Studium.
Molecular genetics in animal breeding
Barcaccia, Falcinelli “Genetica e genomica- VOL III” Liguori Editore; Pagnacco “Genetica animale applicata” Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Selected scientific papers, published in international scientific journals, will be given to the students during the class meeting.

All the suggested sources, including also the slides commented in the class, are available on Studium.

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