ANSC30010 Animal Reproduction

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module is for students with an interest in the physiology of reproduction in domesticated animals. The module includes comprehensive components on the physiological systems of reproduction and on the approaches that are used to manipulate reproduction in domesticated animals. The module gives students foundation knowledge of the physiology of hormones and pheromones of reproduction, ovarian and testicular function, sperm and oocyte development, embryo development, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and parturition. In addition to basic physiology, the module includes a large component on the application of physiology and new technologies to animal reproduction in agriculture including factors affecting puberty; expression, detection and synchronization of oestrous behaviour; artificial insemination, in vitro embryo production and embryo transfer.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: Explain and understand the endocrine control of reproduction; Explain factors controlling sperm production, reproductive cycles, ovarian follicular growth and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy; Evaluate the level of reproductive efficiency in different farm species; Evaluate the efficiency and impact of assisted reproductive technologies at farm level; Apply an understanding of reproductive physiology to formulate solutions to reproductive problems in animals.

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction
History of embryology
Testicular anatomy and function
Spermatogenesis & accessory glands
Semen collection and processing
Artificial insemination
Endocrinology (+ve & -ve feedback etc)
Reproductive cycles and hormones
Oogenesis and ovarian follicle development
Patterns of follicle growth
Luteolysis and maternal recognition of pregnancy
Sexual differentiation
Puberty
Pheromones
Oestrous behaviour and detection
Synchronisation of oestrus
Gamete transport and fertilization
Pregnancy and parturition
Embryo mortality
Superovulation and embryo transfer
In vitro embryo production
Cloning and transgenesis
Anoestrus - gestation, lactation, seasonal
Postpartum reproduction - Beef & Dairy
Reproduction in non-farm species

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36

Practical

9

Autonomous Student Learning

55

Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The majority of the course is delivered through face-to-face lectures. Each student will visit UCD Lyons Research Farm on two occasions during teh term for practicals in (i) anatomy of the non pregnant female reproductive tract; (ii) anatomy of pregnancy; (iii) semen collection and processing; and (iv) manipulation of reproduction 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students should have taken a basic course in biology before attempting this course.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: In-class MCQ style quiz around week 3 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Examination: In-class MCQ style quiz around week 6 Varies over the Trimester No Graded No

30

Practical Examination: In-class MCQ style quiz last week of semester Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

40


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Results for in-term tests will be given within 2 weeks of sitting the test.