Course

Veterinary Genetics & Theriogenology

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Animal Health Technology
Course Code
AHTT 2305
Credits
3.00
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
This course will emphasize basic genetics for the understanding of breed related disorders and to provide background for understanding and assisting clients in their decisions about their animals’ breeding programs. Breed diversity and recognition are reviewed. A review of relevant normal and abnormal anatomy and reproductive physiology of both small and large animals is provided. Students will learn the veterinary team’s role in assisting large animal producers in herd animal health and efficiency, as well as learning practical aspects of artificial insemination (A.I.), and semen evaluation. The small animal component will include a review of laboratory tests used, A.I., and dystocia.
Course Content

A.  Genetics

 -- Principles and applications in both small and large animal medicine.  An understanding of basic relevant history of genetics, an understanding of theory, related medical and nursing practices as well as current practices in client and breeder counselling will be obtained.  The large animal component will include instruction in economically significant genetics in dairy and beef cattle and how this relates to herd management.

B.  Breed Recognition

 -- become familiar with the appearance and characteristics of breeds in a variety of species (including cats, dogs, lab animals, pigs, horses and domestic ruminants).  This will include a familiarity with common breed related disorders, and a review of their diagnosis and treatment.   Emphasis will be placed on the AHT’s role in laboratory testing and nursing for such conditions.

 C.  Theriogenology 

–         Reproductive anatomy and physiology (including estrus cycles and hormone changes, estrus  manipulation and determination)

–         Relevant definitions

–         Diagnostic techniques (including semen testing & pregnancy diagnosis),

–         Management of breeding programs (including artificial breeding: embryo transfer, artificial insemination, estrus manipulation)

–         Pregnancy and dystocia management.

Learning Activities

This course includes four hours of classroom instruction per week, and may involve field trips to local farms and breeding facilities.

Means of Assessment

Quizzes                                            30-40%

Case Reports                                    20-30%.

Attendance and participation                10%

Final Exam                                       20-30%

                                                        100%

Learning Outcomes
  1. To understand the principles of genetics and inheritance with emphasis on their applications.  
  2. To be able to counsel clients in decision-making about their animals’ breeding programs.
  3. To learn the techniques used in embryo transfer, artificial insemination etc.
  4. To have a practical knowledge of reproductive anatomy and physiology in both companion animal and domestic animal species.
  5. To understand and be able to utilize diagnostic techniques used in theriogenology.
  6. To understand normal pregnancies in domestic and companion animal breeds, and dystocia in each.
  7. To recognize common breeds in a variety of familiar species including dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheep and birds.
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

 

  1. McCurnin, Dennis & Bassert, J.M. 2006 Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians.  Elsevier. 6t h ed.    (required)                                                                                                                       

    2.    Bearden, H.J. & Fuquay, B. 2000 Applied Animal Reproduction   Pearson 5th ed.  (required)  

    3.    Sirois, Margi. current edition, Principles and Practice of Veterinary Technology. Mosby Inc. (recommended)

Requisites

Prerequisites

AHTT 1101 Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology

AHTT 1201 Veterinary Anatomy &Physiology 2

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for AHTT 2305
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Summer 2024