AVT2031 Animal Genetics And Breeding Assignment : Advanced Strategies In Genetic Improvement And Breeding

Diploma In Veterinary Technology

AY2526 April – Animal Genetics And Breeding (AVT2031) Assignment

This assignment consists of a group report (15%) and individual summary (10%) and makes up 25% of the subject weightage for AGBr.

Aim And Synopsis

The aim of this assignment report is for students to acquire knowledge and apply concepts in genetics, particularly in inheritance and breeding within veterinary science. Additionally, the report will discuss the factors that influence the selection and breeding of animals.

The assignment covers the following intended learning outcomes.

• Explain the significance of heritability and repeatability estimates in animal breeding.
• Explain selection and crossbreeding in animal breeding.
• Describe biotechnology advances that impact animal breeding and genetic improvement.
• Outline the components of an animal breeding program.

A. Group Report (15%)

Instructions:

1. The group report focuses on an existing animal breeding program for one of the following assigned categories:

• aquatic animal species
• companion animal species
• conservation animal species
• livestock animal species

2. Students will be assigned into 4 groups. Each group consists of 5-6 students and a specific animal species (livestock, companion, aquatic, or conservation) will be randomly assigned to each group.

3. The report should include the following sections:

• Background and purpose of animal breeding program.
• Structural framework of the breeding program, such as detailing the breeding management system in mating design, breeding cycle planning and decision-making processes (e.g. selection intensity, generation interval management).
• Genetic parameters that include the significance of the heritability and repeatability values that guide breeding decisions, genetic progress monitoring, and trait predictability over time. Provide specific examples of traits in your species.
• Role of genetic selection and breeding strategies by explaining different selection methods relevant to your species and compare pure breeding vs. crossbreeding strategies and explain why each strategy is preferred.
• Provide emerging genetic and biotechnological interventions by describing at least one modern biotechnology currently used in breeding for your animal type.
• Explain how the technologies speed up genetic improvement cycles, increase accuracy in trait selection, and help conserve rare or valuable genetic resources (if applicable). Include any integration of reproductive biotechnologies like artificial insemination or embryo transfer with genomic tools.

4. You may refer to one of more of the following resources for the respective topics:

TP library resource Temasek Polytechnic /library for books, e-books and scientific journals.

PMC site National Library of Medicine /pmc/ PubMed Central® (PMC) is a free full-text archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature at the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine (NIH/NLM).

Other publications or Review article should be peer-reviewed. Peer-reviewed journal articles are research papers that have been accepted for publication after having undergone a rigorous editorial review process.

Report from Popular Science Magazine from relevant area; International and National organization and Government/ Ministry Press Release statement etc.,

5. Your report should be 1500–1600 words long, excluding references. Format: ensure your report is readable with 12 font size, Calibri, 1.0 line spacing. Convert your report to a PDF file before submission.

6. Include in-text citations in your report and provide a list of credible references as mentioned above. Both in-text citations and references are not included in the word count. Use APA format for citation and referencing. You may refer to TP Library’s Guide on APA citation here.

7. Submit a “Declaration of Originality” along with your report. The use of generative AI tools is allowed, however, you must include the required details in the declaration of originality form. Download the Declaration of Originality template from study guide (AY2526 Apr AVT2031 AgBr Study Guide (2) – AVT2031 Animal Genetics and Breeding). Append the declaration to your report.

8. The due date for A. Group Report submission is 15 August 2025 (Fri), 1700h. Submissions should be made on Brightspace.

9. Please name your PDF file using the following format: AGBr_ASSIGN(A)_GROUP No._TKTK1 (.pdf). Do make sure the group name matches exactly what you entered or was assigned in the Excel sheet. One student representative to submit the file on behalf of the entire group.

10. Late submissions will incur a 20% deduction. Submissions made 6 or more than working days past the due date will receive a score of “0” for the assignment.

B. Individual Summary 10% (Presentation Slides)

Instructions:

1. For individual summary, prepare SEVEN slides (include reference slide) describing the one animal species assigned to your group. The chosen animal species should be one that can be successfully adopted for an animal breeding program using biotechnological advances.

2. You do not need to conduct separate research but should focus on explaining one key biotechnology tool or technique used in improving your assigned animal species.

3. Your slides should explain / include:

• Specific information about the economic importance of the genetic improvement program for the animal species that displays a novel (‘new’) trait. Discuss any ethical issues related to the production of this desired trait in the animal and the successful implementation of
• the selected animal species (if applicable).
• Introduction to the species and target traits.
• Specific information about the socio-economic and industry relevance on how improving the traits impact farmers, breeders, consumers or conservationists.
• Discuss ethical, welfare, or sustainability concerns arising from the use of this
  biotechnology in your species (e.g., genetic diversity loss, animal stress, consumer perception, regulatory hurdles).
• Introduce and explain at least ONE specific biotechnology technique or tool (e.g., CRISPRCas9 gene editing, SNP genotyping, sex-sorted semen, or genomic selection models). Describe how it works (basic mechanism) and why it’s suitable for your chosen trait and species.
• Provide a real-world program, case study, or research trial where this tool has been successfully used. Highlight key results (e.g., % increase in performance, disease resistance success rate, genetic gain achieved).
• A reference section (slide) for the presentation work should be added. Use APA format for citation and referencing as indicated above.

4. The due date for B. Individual Summary submission is 15 August 2025 (Fri), 1700h and submission should be made on Brightspace.

5. Convert your slides to a PDF and name the file using the format: AGBr_ASSIGN(B)_NAME_TK1 (.pdf), where NAME is your full name as it appears on your student card.

6. Late submissions will incur a 20% deduction. Submissions made 6 or more working days past the due date will receive a score of “0” for the assignment.

Assignment Marking Rubrics

A. Group Report (20%)