Course Description
This is an on-line distance learning course intended to educate veterinarians regarding the interaction between genetics, nutrition, and husbandry in maintaining healthy birds in poultry production.
Athena Title
POULTRY GENETICS
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are to educate poultry veterinarians regarding the concepts of poultry breed selection and specialized nutrition and husbandry necessary for efficient meat and egg production. At the conclusion of the course, veterinarians are expected to be proficient in nutritional management of important breeds and breed hybrids used in commercial poultry production.
Topical Outline
Course will focus on Mendelian breed selection procedures for leghorn breeds, broiler breeds, and turkey breeds and the specific mineral, amino acid, and vitamins requirements to maximize the immune system and health of these birds. 1. Primary breeder pyramid 2. Effects of selection for production traits on bird health, i.e., ascites, musculoskeletal health issues, etc. 3. General introduction to nutrition and health