This course is a hybrid course with four hours per week of instruction, including in-person (face-to-face) lectures, online presentations, quizzes and self-directed worksheets.
The major topics in this course include the following:
- Genetics
- the history of genetics, simple mendelian patterns of inheritance and their relevance to genetic disease in domestic animals
- client and breeder counselling with regard to genetic disease
- the economic significance of genetics in domestic animal production and how this relates to herd management - Breed specific genetic diseases
- common and relevant genetic diseases in the domestic species - Reproduction
- definitions
- reproductive anatomy and physiology of domestic species
- estrus determination and manipulation of the estrous cycle
- reproductive diagnostic techniques
- management of breeding programs, artificial insemination and embryo transfer
- pregnancy and dystocia diagnosis and management
- perinatal care
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Discuss the principles of genetics and inheritance with emphasis on their applications.
- Use tools such as the punnet square and pedigree charting to counsel clients in decision-making about animal breeding programs.
- Discuss reproductive anatomy and physiology in both companion animal and food animal species.
- Explain the signs of normal pregnancy, normal parturition and dystocia in companion animal and food animal species and be able to counsel owners when veterinary intervention is needed.
- Use reproductive diagnostic techniques.
- Explain techniques used in semen collection, artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
- Discuss manipulation of the reproductive cycle in various species.
The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of “C” or 60% is required in order to pass this course. Evaluation will be based on quizzes and assignments, at least one midterm and a final written examination.
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.
Successful completion of Year 1 of the Veterinary/Animal Health Technology Program
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