Embryology of Domestic Animals

Teacher(s)

Moens André;

Language

French

Prerequisites

A good knowledge of the elementary zoology and the biology is absolutely necessary

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.

Main themes

The course is divided into two parts:
- The embryonic period consists of gametes production, fertilization and the embryo development until its implantation in the domestic mammal species as well as the different types of placentation. The embryonic development of the bird embryo is also envisaged. An important chapter on the biotechnologies of the mammalian embryo ends this first part.
- The fetal period consists of the development of the various organs and systems as well as their abnormalities of development observed in our domestic species (horse, bovine, carnivores, pig and hen).

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Understand the basic processes involved in the embryonic development and the differentiation of tissues, organs and systems of organs of our domestic mammals and the bird. That knowledge will help the student to understand more efficiently the anatomical and physiological aspects of the adult animal and the origin of the congenital abnormalities. The accent is put on the aspects more particularly important for the veterinary practice.

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.

Content

Study of gametogenesis, preimplantation development, placentation and the development  of the main organs anlage
Study of the development of the organs of the various systems (digestive, respiratory, uro-genital, vascular, nervous and locomotive)

Teaching methods

Oral lecture by the professor
Presentation with transparencies
The practical activities (4 hours) concern the dissection of fetuses of pets and farm animals (bovine, dog, cat, rabbit) and of their fetal membranes. The supervision is made by the professor and the assistant

Evaluation methods

Oral exam with 45 minutes of preparation

Bibliography

Plus d'une vingtaine d'ouvrages disponibles pour consultation chez le titulaire
Les deux références principales sont :
1)      Lehrbuch der Embryologie der Haustiere. Rüsse und Sinowatz. Ed. Paul Parey
Veterinary Embryology. McGeady, Quinn, FitzPatrick and Ryan. . Ed Blackwell Publishing

Faculty or entity

VETE