Theory:
Dairy animal species; Composite breeds of dairy animals: origin, populations, distributions and their development; Economically important traits recorded in dairy animal breeding; Breeding plans for dairy animals. Native breeds performance, scope and methods of improvement; Field and modern recording systems; Standardization of dairy records for genetic and environmental traits; Predicted transmitting ability for different dairy characters; Nuclear breeding programs: Dairy breed development programs in the tropics; Artificial insemination,
Phenotypic, genetic and environmental correlations; Growth, milk, and reproduction traits and their genetic basis.Selection methods- direct selection, indirect selection, simultaneous selection for more than one trait; Systems of mating;Measurements of reproduction parameters, reproduction biotechnologies; synchronization, super ovulation and embryo transfer technology; Semen /embryo sexing, transgenic and cloning, estrus control and controlled breeding. Reproductive failures: genetic, anatomical and physiological causes; use of genetic selection markers; and male reproduction and AI technology.
Practical:
Heat detection of dairy animals using heat detection aids; physical, biochemical & morphological evaluation of semen of livestock; determination of sperm enzyme (acrosomal enzymes & transaminase activity); semen collection using AV, evaluation, processing & preservation; Oocyte / Embryo freezing protocols; In vitro fertilization protocols; Micro manipulation of early embryos; Monitoring reproductive organ using ultra sonography; Collection of embryos using non-surgical procedures; Transferring embryos using non- surgical procedures.
- Teacher: Chencha Chebo