Biotechnologies of animal products

Learning Objectives

• Animal products authentication

  Aim of the course is to know the reliable bio-markers aiming at the authentication of animal products; particular emphasis is given to the traceability of the feeding system.

• Molecular genetics in animal breeding

  To provide knowledge on molecular biology techniques applied to the management and the breediing of the livestock breeds and populations and to the genetic traceability of the animal productions.

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 the traceability of feeding system or geographic area of production: 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 papers, published in international scientific journals, will be given to the students during the class meeting.

  All the suggested study sources, including the slides commented in the class, will be available on Studium http://studium.unict.it/dokeos/2017/.

• 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 the slides commented in the class, are available on Studium.