Advances in Irish agriculture have been greatly aided by an understanding of genetics. The leaving certificate Agricultural Science course looks at; the cell structure, mitosis, meiosis, Mendel’s laws, sex determination, sex linkage, mutations, heritable characters, selection for breeding and new technologies. One of the biggest influences genetics has had on Irish agriculture has been in animal breeding. The following themepage has a series of links looking at various aspects of genetics within Irish agriculture.
Genetics in actionA selection of links showing the advances in genetics in action
Bull Station - Semen CollectionGreat video from RTE’s Ear to the Ground showing how semen is collected in the AI station in Enfield Co. Meath.
Super Cow! Video from National Geographic showing the Belgian Blue breed and how artificial selection brought about its existence.
Artificial Insemination In Action Five minute video showing the practicalities of using artificial insemination at farm level.
Genetics – The moral and ethical question A number of links looking at the advances in genetics and examines the moral and ethical consequences
Animal Biotechnology Great video examining the various bio technologies that have been developed. The video is 30 minutes in length but well worth it.
GMO - Are we playing God? Video that looks at the pros and cons of GMO and genetic technology in a very balanced fashion
Genetics – some backgroundA number of links looking at basis of genetics and some background on schemes to implement them at farm level
Genes and Inheritance Great site covering all the basics of genes and inheritance. Includes a number of interactive quizzes
Beef Breeding Information on Tully the national beef bull evaluation station and how the process works.
The EBI Information on the EBI system that has been developed to allow dairy farmers select the best bulls to improve profit on their farms (PDF).
Test your knowledgeTest Yourself - Meiosis This online test should be completed at the end of the topic. It requires computers to complete or could be printed and used as a homework exercise.
Genes & Genetics A short Scoilnet quiz covering topics on genetics for agricultural science.