Genetic Models for Animal Breeding from edX

Animal breeding involves the selective breeding of domestic animals with the intention to improve desirable (and heritable) qualities in the next generation. This course introduces the steps required to design a program for breeding animals and teaches the genetic and statistical concepts that are needed to build a solid breeding program.

In this course you will learn how an animal breeder balances the need for improving desirable qualities of the animals with the need for genetic diversity and long sustainability of the program. The scientific concepts in genetics that are applied in animal breeding will be explained and you will learn to apply the models and computational methods that are used in animal breeding.

PrerequisitesKnowledge in the area of statistics at 2nd or 3rd year university level is needed to follow this course successfully.

For whom Professionals working with animals will use the knowledge from this course to understand the impact of breeding on their populations, and will be able to include the genetic principles in their decisions. For further studies such as M.Sc. level courses in breeding and genetics, this course will allow you an advanced starting point.

Although this course is open to everyone, it is particular useful for breeders of:

Cows
Poultry/Chicken
Horses
Pigs/Swine
Dogs
Sheep
Goat
Fish
Shrimp

Professional Certificate Program This course is part of the Professional Certificate Program "Animal Breeding and Genetics". Join the other course in the program, Evaluating Animal Breeding Programs, and advance your career as a breeder.

The course is developed with financial support and input from the Koepon Foundation and the African Chicken Genetic Gains project.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The steps required in setting up a breeding program.
Understanding of the main concepts in animal breeding.
Applying genetic models and tools to predict the breeding value of animals.

Applying tools to predict genetic change and/or inbreeding in populations.
Understand the dissemination of genetic progress in different animal

The steps required in setting up a breeding program.
Understanding of the main concepts in animal breeding.
Applying genetic models and tools to predict the breeding value of animals.
Applying tools to predict genetic change and/or inbreeding in populations.
Understand the dissemination of genetic progress in different animal

Syllabus

Module1: Introduction to Animal BreedingIntroduction to the seven steps that are needed to set up a breeding program. Module 2: The breeding goalLearning the characteristics of a breeding goal and how to define a breeding goal for genetic improvement and for genetic diversity. Module 3: Collection of information and family relationships Learning the value of information on relationships, performance, and DNA information, including the concept and consequences of inbreeding. Learning methods to quantify relationships and inbreeding.

Module 4: Genetic modelsLearning the concept of genetic models and to apply suitable genetic models for different traits. Learning the genetic concepts of heritability, repeatability, common environment ratio and mendelian sampling.

Module 5: Ranking the animalsLearning to estimate the breeding value of animals, using single or multiple sources of information, including DNA information. Learning to calculate the accuracy of estimated breeding values.

Module 6: Response to selectionLearning to calculate the response to selection and knowing its key elements and consequences of trade-offs between them. To understand mating schemes and long term contributions to inbreeding.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the steps required to design a program for breeding animals

Provides the genetic and statistical concepts needed to build a solid breeding program

Emphasizes the balance between improving desirable qualities and maintaining genetic diversity

Taught by experienced instructors with a strong reputation in animal breeding and genetics

Suitable for professionals working with animals and those pursuing advanced studies in breeding and genetics

Provides a comprehensive overview of animal breeding and genetics

Reviews summary

Animal breeding course

According to students, this course is useful, especially for those interested in formal breeding programs. While the initial material may require some additional external study, the course is thoroughly recommended by a verified student. The only reason it did not receive a 5-star rating was due to some frustrating quizzes that could be improved to provide better learning opportunities.

Students find this course to be a good value for their money.

"I felt the verified course was very good value for money for a student..."

Some students found the quizzes to be frustrating.

"The only reason not to give it 5 stars was because I sometimes found some of the quizzes a little frustrating in how they were worded..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Genetic Models for Animal Breeding with these activities:

Review Animal Breeding Terminology

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Familiarize yourself with key terms and concepts related to animal breeding to enhance your understanding of course materials.

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Review the course syllabus and readings.
Create a glossary of important terms.

Review Statistics Concepts

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Review basic statistics concepts and probability theory to strengthen your foundation for understanding animal breeding concepts.

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Review concepts of mean, variance, standard deviation, and probability.
Practice applying statistical tools and techniques.

Compile a List of Animal Breeding Resources

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Gather and organize a comprehensive list of resources (e.g., websites, books, articles) related to animal breeding to support your learning and future reference.

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Explore reputable sources and search for relevant content.
Create a structured document or database to store and organize the resources.

Ten other activities

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Exercises on the Genetic Basis of Traits

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Gain proficiency in the genetic basis of traits by solving multiple problems and applying key concepts.

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Review the genetic basis of traits covered in Module 3
Attempt the practice exercises provided at the end of the module
Check your answers against the solutions provided

Solve Sample Problems

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Practice solving sample problems to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.

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Identify the key concepts involved in the problem.
Apply the relevant genetic models and tools to solve the problem.
Check your solution against the provided answers or ask for feedback from peers or instructors.

Calculate Heritability and Repeatability

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Enhance your understanding of genetic models by practicing the calculation of heritability and repeatability, which are key concepts in animal breeding.

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Review the concepts of heritability and repeatability.
Solve practice problems involving the calculation of heritability and repeatability using real or simulated data.
Check your solutions against provided answers or consult with peers or instructors for feedback.

Tutorial on Statistical Methods in Animal Breeding

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Enhance your understanding of statistical methods used in animal breeding by following guided tutorials.

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Identify the statistical methods covered in Module 4
Search for online tutorials or video demonstrations on these methods
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the techniques
Apply the learned methods to analyze animal breeding data

Follow Tutorials on Breeding Program Design

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Expand your knowledge by following guided tutorials or online courses that provide practical insights into designing and implementing breeding programs.

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Identify reputable sources for tutorials or online courses.
Follow the tutorials or courses, taking notes and completing exercises.
Apply what you've learned to your own understanding of breeding program design.

Develop an Infographic on Genetic Diversity

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Create a visually engaging infographic to summarize the importance of genetic diversity in animal breeding and its impact on the sustainability of breeding programs.

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Gather and synthesize information on genetic diversity and its significance.
Design and create the infographic, using appropriate visuals and text.
Share the infographic with peers or instructors for feedback and discussion.

Pedigree Analysis Project

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Develop a deeper understanding of genetic inheritance and family relationships by constructing and analyzing pedigrees.

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Select a specific trait or disease to focus on
Gather pedigree information from multiple generations within a family
Construct a pedigree diagram using appropriate symbols and notations
Analyze the pedigree to identify patterns of inheritance and calculate genetic risks
Write a report summarizing your findings and conclusions

Design a Breeding Program for a Dairy Farm

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Apply your knowledge to design a breeding program tailored to the specific needs of a dairy farm, considering factors such as breeding goals, genetic diversity, and sustainability.

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Define the breeding goals and objectives for the dairy farm.
Research and select suitable genetic models and tools to use in the breeding program.
Develop a plan for collecting and analyzing data on the animals' performance and genetic relationships.
Implement the breeding program and monitor its progress regularly.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the breeding program and make adjustments as needed.

Develop a Model for Predicting Genetic Progress

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Apply your knowledge to create a computer model or simulation that can predict the genetic progress of a breeding program under different scenarios.

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Choose appropriate genetic models and parameters for your simulation.
Develop and implement the model or simulation.
Validate the model or simulation using real or simulated data.
Use the model or simulation to explore different breeding strategies and predict genetic progress.

Animal Breeding Simulation

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Develop a comprehensive understanding of animal breeding principles by creating a simulation model.

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Design a simulation model that incorporates genetic and environmental factors
Implement the model using a programming language or software
Run simulations and analyze the results to predict genetic progress and inbreeding
Write a technical report documenting the model, simulation results, and conclusions

Career center

Learners who complete Genetic Models for Animal Breeding will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Poultry Breeder

Poultry Breeders specialize in breeding and raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other poultry species for meat, eggs, and other products. Genetic Models for Animal Breeding is particularly relevant to Poultry Breeders as it covers the genetic principles and techniques used in poultry breeding. The course provides insights into flock management and selection strategies to improve poultry performance and profitability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Poultry Breeder

Animal Breeder

Animal Breeders develop and improve animal species through selective breeding, aiming to enhance desirable traits such as growth, production, and disease resistance. Genetic Models for Animal Breeding offers a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in setting up a breeding program, genetic models, and tools to predict genetic change. These concepts are essential for Animal Breeders to make informed decisions in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Breeder

Swine Breeder

Swine Breeders focus on breeding and raising pigs for meat production. This course offers valuable knowledge in the genetic basis of pig production traits, selection methods, and breeding program design. By understanding these concepts, Swine Breeders can develop breeding strategies to enhance the quality and efficiency of their pig herds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Swine Breeder

Dairy Cattle Breeder

Dairy Cattle Breeders specialize in breeding and raising dairy cows to produce milk. Genetic Models for Animal Breeding provides a thorough grounding in the genetic principles of dairy cattle breeding, including milk production, fertility, and disease resistance. This knowledge enables Dairy Cattle Breeders to make informed decisions in selecting and breeding cows to improve herd performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dairy Cattle Breeder

Livestock Production Manager

Livestock Production Managers oversee the breeding, care, and production of livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry. This course provides a solid understanding of animal breeding principles, including genetic models, inheritance patterns, and selection strategies. This knowledge is valuable for Livestock Production Managers to improve the genetic quality and productivity of their livestock.

See salaries and explore the career path for Livestock Production Manager

Fish Breeder

Fish Breeders specialize in breeding and raising fish species for food, sport, or ornamental purposes. Genetic Models for Animal Breeding provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of fish production traits, including growth rate, disease resistance, and reproductive performance. This knowledge enables Fish Breeders to develop effective breeding strategies to improve the quality and productivity of their fish populations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fish Breeder

Sheep Breeder

Sheep Breeders specialize in breeding and raising sheep for wool, meat, or milk production. Genetic Models for Animal Breeding provides insights into the genetic basis of sheep production traits, including fiber quality, growth rate, and lambing performance. This knowledge enables Sheep Breeders to develop effective breeding strategies to improve the productivity and profitability of their flocks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sheep Breeder

Beef Cattle Breeder

Beef Cattle Breeders focus on breeding and raising cattle for beef production. This course offers a solid understanding of the genetic factors influencing beef production traits, such as growth rate, carcass quality, and feed efficiency. By applying the principles learned in this course, Beef Cattle Breeders can optimize their breeding programs to produce high-quality beef cattle.

See salaries and explore the career path for Beef Cattle Breeder

Shrimp Breeder

Shrimp Breeders focus on breeding and raising shrimp for food production. This course offers a solid understanding of the genetic factors influencing shrimp production traits, such as growth rate, disease resistance, and survival. By applying the principles learned in this course, Shrimp Breeders can optimize their breeding programs to produce high-quality shrimp for the aquaculture industry.

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Animal Geneticist

Animal Geneticists research the application of genetics to domestic species, such as cattle, pigs, chickens, horses, dogs, pet fish, laboratory animals, and shrimp. This course, Genetic Models for Animal Breeding, may be useful for seeking this type of role because it offers a foundational understanding of the key concepts of breeding domestic species. Topics such as breeding goals and programs, genetic models and heritability, will lay a framework for understanding the work that an Animal Geneticist carries out.

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Goat Breeder

Goat Breeders focus on breeding and raising goats for milk, meat, or fiber production. This course offers a foundational understanding of the genetic principles underlying goat production traits, including milk yield, meat quality, and fiber characteristics. By applying the knowledge gained in this course, Goat Breeders can optimize their breeding programs to enhance the performance of their goat herds.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to analyze biological data, including genetic data. This course provides a solid foundation in statistical concepts and methods used in animal breeding, such as heritability estimation, genetic correlation, and selection index. This knowledge is valuable for Biostatisticians working in the field of animal breeding to design and analyze genetic studies effectively.

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Animal Science Professor

Animal Science Professors conduct research and teach courses in animal breeding, genetics, nutrition, and other aspects of animal science at universities and colleges. Genetic Models for Animal Breeding provides a comprehensive overview of the field, covering the latest advances in genetic models, breeding strategies, and animal welfare. This course can serve as a valuable resource for Animal Science Professors to stay up-to-date with current research and best practices in animal breeding.

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Agricultural Economist

Agricultural Economists analyze the economic aspects of agriculture, including animal production systems. This course provides a foundational understanding of the economic principles and models used in animal breeding, such as cost-benefit analysis, risk management, and market analysis. By gaining knowledge in these areas, Agricultural Economists can evaluate the economic feasibility and sustainability of animal breeding programs.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and other health conditions in animals. Genetic Models for Animal Breeding may be useful for Veterinarians interested in animal breeding and genetics. The course provides insights into the genetic basis of animal health and disease, which can help Veterinarians understand the genetic factors contributing to certain conditions and develop appropriate treatment strategies.

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