GRS4201 - Comparative reproduction and conservation - 2017

This unit will focus on the reproductive biology and breeding of animals. The lectures and tutorials will build on an understanding of basic reproductive physiology and endocrinology to explore ways in which reproduction can be manipulated to increase the reproductive efficiency and genetic gain in farm animals and animals in danger of becoming extinct. How this information can be applied to the monitoring and regulation of reproduction in pets, zoo animals, Australian native animals and vertebrate pest species will also be explored. The approaches that will be examined include hormonal and immunological manipulation of reproduction, artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), intra-cytoplasmic sperm. A facility that is using these approaches will allow students to see first hand how fundamental information can be applied to achieve environmental and/or commercial outcomes.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the importance of reproductive biology and genetics in the management of farm animals, endangered and critically endangered animals, pets, zoo animals, Australian native animals and vertebrate pest species;
2. recall and discuss the techniques that are available to manipulate reproduction in animals, including the hormonal and immunological manipulation of reproduction, artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the cryopreservation of semen, and embryo production and transfer;
3. explain the limitations of the procedures that are applied to manipulate reproduction in animals and discuss the use of various techniques for improving breeding and population genetics in animals;
4. discuss the commercial, environmental and ethical issues related to the use of reproductive technologies on animals;
5. evaluate contemporary research papers and appreciate how an understanding of comparative reproduction and artificial breeding techniques can be applied to achieve environmental and/or commercial outcomes.

• Examination (2 hours) (30%)
• Research project report (3,000 words) (50%) (Hurdle)
• Prepare title and abstract for published article (title and abstract removed) (10%)
• Laboratory practical questions derived from sessions (10%)

This unit will be held over six weeks in second semester. In addition to attendance at lectures and tutorials students are required to attend practical demonstrations and site visits. Attendance from 9 am to 5 pm for a 3 day laboratory project is also required.

See also Unit timetable information

Associate Professor Peter Temple-Smith

Reproductive sciences

enquiries@med.monash.edu.au