Stefan Neuenschwander: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020

Name PD Dr. Stefan Neuenschwander
FieldMolekulare Tierzucht
Address
Institut für Agrarwissenschaften
ETH Zürich, TAN C 1
Tannenstrasse 1
8092 Zürich
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 632 37 90
Fax+41 44 632 11 67
E-mailstefan.neuenschwander@usys.ethz.ch
DepartmentEnvironmental Systems Science
RelationshipPrivatdozent

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
751-6003-00LTraining Course in Research Groups (Large) Restricted registration - show details 6 credits13PM. Kreuzer, S. M. Bernal Ulloa, I. Gangnat, K. Giller, S. Neuenschwander, H. Pausch, M. Saenz de Juano Ribes, M. Terranova, S. E. Ulbrich
AbstractThe students will learn the conceptual and methodological background of research in the animal science groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Science. In addition to teaching the theoretical background, the major aim of the course is to integrate the students into the research groups (on job training) and, hence, to focus on the practical application of the knowledge.
Objective- Introduction into the conceptual and methodological basis of research
- Integration of the students into the research groups (on job training)
- Application of the gained knowledge
ContentThe students will be integrated into the research groups’ day-to-day work and will thus deal with all aspects of scientific work. This comprises the planning (conceptually and logistically), execution (data collection, laboratory analyses) and evaluation (statistics, data presentation) of experiments as well as the basics of scientific writing (aim: later publication, Master thesis). The research topics and the range of methodologies vary between the animal science research groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Sciences.
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureSpecific readings after enlisting in a particular research group.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe number of training slots in the various groups is limited. It is therefore highly recommended to contact the group leaders early enough (first come first serve).
The full integration in a research group often means to work on weekends.
The total time budget is equivalent to about 180 hours. Active participation in group meetings (discussion, presentation) and short written reports about the work conducted are required for the 6 credit points. There are no grades, it is only pass or fail.
751-6003-01LTraining Course in Research Groups (Small) Restricted registration - show details 3 credits6PM. Kreuzer, S. M. Bernal Ulloa, I. Gangnat, K. Giller, S. Neuenschwander, H. Pausch, M. Saenz de Juano Ribes, M. Terranova, S. E. Ulbrich
AbstractThe students will learn the conceptual and methodological background of research in the animal science groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Science. In addition to teaching the theoretical background, the major aim of the course is to integrate the students into the research groups (on job training) and, hence, to focus on the practical application of the knowledge.
Objective- Introduction into the conceptual and methodological basis of research
- Integration of the students into the research groups (on job training)
- Application of the gained knowledge
ContentThe students will be integrated into the research groups’ day-to-day work and will thus deal with all aspects of scientific work. This comprises the planning (conceptually and logistically), execution (data collection, laboratory analyses) and evaluation (statistics, data presentation) of experiments as well as the basics of scientific writing (aim: later publication, Master thesis). The research topics and the range of methodologies vary between the animal science research groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Sciences.
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureSpecific readings after enlisting in a particular research group.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe number of training slots in the various groups is limited. It is therefore highly recommended to contact the group leaders early enough (first come first serve).
The full integration in a research group often means to work on weekends.
The total time budget is equivalent to about 90 hours. Active participation in group meetings (discussion, presentation) and short written reports about the work conducted are required for the 3 credit points. There are no grades, it is only pass or fail.
751-6301-00LAnimal Breeding2 credits2VS. Neuenschwander
AbstractIntroduction to basics of animal breeding. Importance of animal production. Species of livestock and their products, performance recording, functional traits, genetic diversity, breeding goals. Qualitative and quantitative traits. Basic knowledge of breeding methods: genetic and environmental variation, heritability, genetic correlation, estimation of breeding values, selection, mating systems.
ObjectiveShow the importance of animal production for Swiss and international agriculture. Name the livestock species, their products, systematic classification and breeding and production goals. Describe methods to measure animal performance (performance recording) and functional traits. Define the most important parameters and methods in animal breeding.
ContentEvolution, domestication, history of animal breeding.
Definition, models of animal production, species of livestock, numbers, distribution.
Genetic polymorphisms and their applications in animal breeding.
Genetic diversity, breeds, production and breeding goals.
Traits: performance, fucntional.
Performance recording. herd replacement.
Qualitative (monogenic) and quantitative (polygenic) traits, Mendelian genetics, quantitative genetics.
Genetic and environmantal variation, heritability, genetic correlation, selection, selection response.
Lecture notesTransparencies and single chapters of textbook are made available on homepage.
LiteratureTierzucht (Willam/Simianer) UTB 3526 (2011)
Additional literature to be announced in the lecture.
Prerequisites / NoticeÜbungen:
Es stehen 6 Kurzübungen zur Vertiefung des Lehrinhaltes zur Verfügung. Werden mindestens 3 ausreichend bearbeitete Übungen abgegeben, wird zur Semesterendnote 0.25 Punkte dazugezählt.

Praktische Übung:
Zur obligatorischen praktischen Übung «Lineare Beschreibung von Kühen» treffen wir uns am 19.4.2018 um 13:30 Uhr auf dem Agrovet-Strickhof, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau. Die Übung dauert bis ca. 16:30. Es gibt keine Überschneidungen mit andern Vorlesungen. Geeignete Schutzkleider und Stiefel sowie Schreibzeug müssen von den Teilnehmern selber mitgenommen werden.

Recherche:
Am Semesteranfang wird ein Thema für eine Recherche abgegeben. Ein Bericht im Umfang von 3 bis 5 A4-Seiten wird mit 10% in der Schlussnote berücksichtigt, Abgabetermin 12.04.2018.
751-6502-00LRuminant Science (FS) Information 4 credits4GM. Kreuzer, A. Grahofer, S. Neuenschwander
AbstractThe course provides the scientific basis of the central aspects in ruminants of cattle, sheep and goat breeding, diseases and the interrelationship of animal nutrition and environment. Aspects of organic farming and tropical livestock systems form part of the course. Means of knowledge transfer include interdisciplinary approaches, disciplinary parts, web-based learning and self-study.
ObjectiveAt the end of the course the students are able to apply, by a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms, their knowledge in various fields of ruminant science. They will be able to develop and recommend best strategies for large and small ruminant breeding, for sustained animal health and disease prophylaxis, for environmentally friendly animal nutrition etc. They will be trained to carry out interdisciplinary and disciplinary research at the highest level. The course Ruminant Science (HS) offered in autumn has a similar structure but is complementary to this course.
ContentFields (contact hours)
- Introduction
- Interdisciplinary topics: 12 h
- Organic Ruminant Systems
- Tropical Ruminant Systems
- Mastitis
- Disciplinary topics: 36 h
- Cattle, Sheep and Goat Breeding: 12 h
- Ruminant Diseases and Prophylaxis: 12 h
- Ruminant Nutrition and the Environment (incl. general introduction): 12 h
- Lectures held by the students: 4 h
In summary
- Contact hours: 52 h
- Self-study within semester: 30 h (especially preparation for the interdisciplinary courses and the own lecture)
- Self-study in semester break: 38 h
Total: 120 h
Lecture notesDocumentations, links and other materials will be provided at the start of the course.
LiteratureInformation on books and other references will be communicated during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe specialty of this course is that for the first time the animal science disciplines are unified. This is realised with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary focal areas and new forms of teaching. At the same time the essential basics in the central fields are communicated.

The field of Ruminant Science will also be a part of the spring semester (planned interdisciplinary topics: Lameness, Fertility in Cows, Food Intake; disciplinary courses: Animal Husbandry, Ruminant Reproduction, Nutrition Physiology in Ruminants). However both courses are organized independently.

Conditions for successful participation: Background on animal science from the Bachelor is desired. In order to attend the Minor in Ruminant Science without any animal science background, a realistic self-assessment concerning the need for additional self-study is recommended (e.g. by choosing an appropriate bachelor course which then may be counted as 'optional courses' in the master). These efforts depend on the extent to which animal science courses have already been attended in the bachelor.

The control of performance will consist of:
- an own lecture
- an interdisciplinary final oral examination with focus on comprehension of the fundamental linkages rather than of specific details
751-6602-00LPig Science (FS)2 credits2GS. Goumon, G. Bee, S. Neuenschwander
AbstractThe overall goal of the course is to provide the essential scientific knowledge of the genetic, physiological, behavioural and special nutritional aspects of pigs metabolism, health and diseases, and of the implications for product quality and economics.
ObjectiveStudents will
- understand the complex interactions of nutrition, quality traits of products, breeding and reproduction, health management and husbandry as well as various production systems including economics.
- be able to critically analyze published research data.
- be able to present precise scientific reports in oral form.
ContentAfter the Introduction (Aims of the course, organisation, program, student contribution & evaluation), actual topics that are relevant for pig production will be presented:
Nutrition; SGD; Breeding; Transport and Slaughter; Economic Aspects; Meat Quality; precision live farming and positive welfare.
Lecture notesHandouts/scripts are being individually distributed by the the lecturers.
LiteratureSpecific literature is being indicated individually by the lecturers.