COMPARATIVE ANIMAL REPRODUCTION, NEONATOLOGY AND BREEDING TECHNIQUES

Organization and function of male and female reproductive tract; regulation of the reproduction; reproductive ciclicity and types of estrus cycles; reproductive behavior and copulation; maternal recognition of pregnancy, pregnancy, parturition and lactation. All the general concepts are treated by taking into account comparative aspects related to lab, zoo and wild animal species, in particular ungulates, carnivores, rodents (mice, rats), rabbits, birds, reptiles.
Techniques and principles of control of reproduction.
Breeding programmes and management in lab animal facilities (rat and mice species).
General concepts of artificial insemination and reproductive biotechnologies for genetic preservation.
Evaluation of the newborn, evaluation of the physiological parameters of the newborn and their management, first aid and care of the neonate in critical conditions. Neonatal resuscitation.
Evaluation of natural and hand rearing regarding to different species. Hand rearing techniques. The most common problems in hand rearing. Methods of monitoring growth and development of the young.The course lab sessions and hands on activities will cover:
Identification of the principal signs of heat, pregnancy and parturition in different species and conditions.Methods of semen collection, analysis and preservation.
Methods and strategy of weaning.
Methods of administration of drugs in the newborn.
Setting and control of the equipment in the nursery.
Management of newborn patient
Virtual lab to understand routinary procedures in the nursery.
Virtual lab to understand general procedures related to management of reproduction in lab animals facilities.