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Genetic Models for Animal Breeding

edX, Online
Length
6 weeks
Next course start
Start anytime See details
Course delivery
Self-Paced Online
Length
6 weeks
Next course start
Start anytime See details
Course delivery
Self-Paced Online
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Course description

Genetic Models for Animal Breeding

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.

Upcoming start dates

1 start date available

Start anytime

  • Self-Paced Online
  • Online
  • English

Suitability - Who should attend?

Prerequisites:

The prerequisites are a high school level of mathematics and genetics and a 2nd or 3rd year university level of statistics.

Outcome / Qualification etc.

What you'll learn

  • 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

Training Course Content

Introduction to Animal Breeding

Introduction to the seven steps that are needed to set up a breeding program.

The breeding goal

Learning the characteristics of a breeding goal and how to define a breeding goal for genetic improvement and for genetic diversity.

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.

Genetic models

Learning 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.

Ranking the animals

Learning 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.

Response to selection

Learning 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.

Course delivery details

This course is offered through Wageningen University & Research, a partner institute of EdX.

4-6 hours per week

Expenses

  • Verified Track -$149
  • Audit Track - Free
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