Tools and resources for teaching genetics in veterinary sciences in India: A critical analysis of deficiencies and possible solutions

Abstract

Recent developments in Animal Genetics and Breeding (AGB) in 21st Century have made these areas logical to be unavoidable for modern livestock husbandry. AGB teaching consists of knowledge in three fields’ viz., conventional animal breeding, application of molecular genetics in livestock production and reproduction of superior genetic material. Teaching in this subject currently has however, been skewed either to animal breeding or to molecular genetics resulting in incomplete knowledge of both the fields. Simple laboratory practical exercises on Tribolium and Drosophila, which were routinely experienced about 20 years back, are now missing in most of the colleges/ universities. Livestock farm facilities for each species like cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig should be strengthened to understand the genetic mechanism of quantitative traits. Advanced statistical tools, which are required to understand the complex structure and function of genes and genome are missing in the curricula. Use of the latest software to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying important traits in domestic animals need to be emphasized in syllabus. Basic knowledge of computer languages like R, C++, FORTRAN and Java must be compulsory for the students of AGB to understand and formulate the parameters for the software. Experience of collecting huge phenomic data from the livestock farms and its statistical analysis is missing in the curricula. A compulsory course on “Livestock Farm Practices” in line with Under Graduate students should be kept in 1st year for Post Graduate students also. Furthermore, exposure visits should be organized to state of the art farms of Government and industry to cover all the livestock species in order to sensitize students for efficient phenomic data recording. A skill development course should be designed at Post Graduate level using specialized techniques of AGB for fulfilling the gap of manpower in industry.