Module Title
Selection and Genetic Improvement
Semester
Semester 5
Teaching Unit
Fundamental Teaching Unit 2 (UEF 3.2.1)
Course Code / Subject
Course 1: Selection and Genetic Improvement
Credits and Coefficient
Credits: 8
Coefficient: 4
Course Instructor
Dr Redjeb Ayad, Lecturer (Maître de Conférences)
Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences
Department of Agronomic Sciences
Kasdi Merbah University, Ouargla
Course Objectives
The improvement of animal performance is achieved by acting either on environmental conditions or on the additive genetic value of farm animals. Genetic improvement through these approaches includes inbreeding, which aims to improve pure breeds while preserving genetic pools, and outbreeding, which promotes the creation of new strains with desirable traits. This module provides students with the theoretical and applied foundations of selection and genetic improvement strategies used in animal production systems.
Recommended Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of genetics and biostatistics acquired in the Natural and Life Sciences (SNV) common core or in the Bachelor’s degree in Animal Nutrition and Livestock Production is essential for understanding the concepts and applications addressed in this module.
Course Content
Chapter 1: Qualitative Genetics and Its Importance in Agronomic (Animal) Sciences
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Interactions between allelic genes and non-allelic genes
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Sex-linked genetics
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Lethal and undesirable genes
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Breed markers and major genes
Chapter 2: Population Genetics
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Gene and genotype frequencies
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Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium
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Estimation of frequencies
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Changes in frequencies
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Selection
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Mutation
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Migration
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Mating systems
Chapter 3: Quantitative Genetics and Genetic Improvement
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Additive gene effects
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Genetic parameters: heritability, repeatability, and correlations
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Selection objectives and criteria
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Genetic progress and its components
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Indirect response to selection
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Selection methods
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Estimation of the additive genetic value of breeding animals
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Use of breeding animals in purebred and crossbreeding systems
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Selection schemes
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Marker-assisted selection
Tutorials / Directed Work (TD)
Problem-solving exercise sessions:
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Series 1: Gene linkage and independence
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Series 2: Genetic distance calculations
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Series 3: Frequency calculations (Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium)
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Series 4: Frequency calculations (selection)
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Series 5: Frequency calculations (migration and mutation)
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Series 6: Coefficient calculations (heritability, repeatability, inbreeding)
Assessment Methods
Assessment consists of continuous assessment and a semester examination. The modalities, components, and weightings of continuous assessment are defined by the teaching team and communicated to students at the beginning of the semester.
Bibliographic References
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Ollivier, L., 2002. Elements of Quantitative Genetics. INRA.
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Henry, J.-P., 2003. Population Genetics: Courses, Exercises and Solved Problems. Dunod, Paris.
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Falconer, D. S., 1980. Introduction to Quantitative Genetics.
- Teacher: Ayad REDJEB