Module Details

Module Code: AGRI8004
Title: Animal Breeding
Long Title: Animal Breeding
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 6210 - Agriculture
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to enable the learner to have the understanding of the concepts and principles of Animal Breeding including genetic expression, qualitative and quantitative traits and genomic selection.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate the concepts associated with breed improvement.
LO2 Analyse the factors controlling the rate of genetic gain.
LO3 Use a practical application of breeding indexes for dairy herd improvement.
LO4 Analyse the process involved in genomic selection and application in the national herd.
LO5 Critique the economic implications of using genomic selection for national breed improvement
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Genetics
genes, chromosomes, alleles, qualitative and quantitative traits, phenotypic traits, cross-breeding, genetic engineering in animals, factors affecting the rate of genetic gain
Genomics
DNA profiling, gene expression, concepts associated with genomic selection, breed improvement, genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL's) of economic importance
Breed improvement
economic trait selection, parent averages, genomic proofs, Active Bull List, role of ICBF, national breed improvement strategy, Next Generation herds, practical application of breed improvement strategies
Economics
costs associated with genomic and genetic selection, economic benefits in breed improvement from genomic selection
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Genetic improvement.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture including guest lecturers from industry Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture including guest lecturers from industry Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Geoff Simm. (1998), Genetic improvement of cattle and sheep, Farming, Ipswich, [ISBN: 0-85236-351-6].
  • Rowen D. Frandson, W. Lee Wilke, Anna Dee Fails,. (2009), Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Wiley Blackhall, [ISBN: 978-0813813943].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Journal of Animal Science.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture 1 Group Elective 1