Introduction

CRISPR and Genetic Editing for Animal Breeding Training course is designed to equip professionals, researchers, and students with cutting-edge knowledge in gene-editing technologies for livestock and aquaculture. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and advanced genome editing tools, emphasizing their application in enhancing productivity, disease resistance, and sustainability in animal breeding programs. This course integrates hands-on lab demonstrations, case studies, and bioinformatics analysis, providing learners with actionable skills to implement genetic strategies in real-world settings.

By exploring ethical, regulatory, and environmental considerations alongside advanced techniques in genome engineering and precision breeding, learners will develop a holistic understanding of modern animal genetics. The curriculum leverages emerging trends in biotechnology, epigenetics, and genomic selection, enabling participants to drive innovation in livestock improvement, aquaculture efficiency, and conservation breeding. Whether aiming for enhanced growth traits, disease resistance, or climate-resilient livestock, this training positions learners at the forefront of next-generation animal breeding strategies.

Programme Curriculum

CRISPR and Genetic Editing for Animal Breeding Training Course

Introduction

Course Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

Master CRISPR-Cas9 and TALEN genome editing techniques for livestock and aquaculture.
Apply precision breeding strategies to enhance production traits.
Analyze genomic data for trait selection using bioinformatics tools.
Understand epigenetic modifications and gene regulation in animals.
Develop skills in functional genomics and phenotype-genotype correlation.
Implement disease resistance breeding programs using gene editing.
Evaluate ethical, legal, and biosafety considerations in genome editing.
Design sustainable breeding strategies for livestock and aquaculture.
Explore transgenic animal models and their applications.
Integrate omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) in breeding programs.
Investigate climate-resilient animal breeding solutions.
Conduct case studies and experimental designs in genetic engineering.
Gain hands-on expertise in CRISPR lab techniques, gene delivery, and validation methods.

Target Audience

Animal geneticists and breeders
Livestock and aquaculture researchers
Biotechnology and molecular biology professionals
Veterinary scientists
Agritech entrepreneurs
Students in animal sciences, biotechnology, and genomics
Policy makers and regulators in livestock genetics
Conservation biologists and environmental scientists

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Genetic Editing in Animal Breeding

Overview of animal breeding and genetic improvement
Evolution of genome editing technologies
Introduction to CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs
Key applications in livestock and aquaculture
Case Study: Gene-edited pigs resistant to PRRS virus

Module 2: Molecular Biology Foundations

DNA, RNA, and protein basics
Gene expression and regulation
Molecular cloning techniques
Genomic sequencing technologies
Case Study: Functional genomics in dairy cattle

Module 3: CRISPR Technology Essentials

CRISPR-Cas9 mechanism
Guide RNA design and optimization
Off-target effects and mitigation
Delivery systems for animal cells
Case Study: CRISPR-edited chickens with improved disease resistance

Module 4: TALENs and Alternative Genome Editing Tools

TALEN design and function
Comparing TALENs, ZFNs, and CRISPR
Applications in livestock breeding
Efficiency and specificity assessment
Case Study: TALEN-based cattle hornless gene editing

Module 5: Gene Delivery and Editing Validation

Viral and non-viral delivery methods
Microinjection and electroporation
Screening edited embryos and animals
Molecular validation techniques (PCR, sequencing)
Case Study: Gene knockout validation in pigs

Module 6: Functional Genomics and Trait Analysis

Linking genotype to phenotype
QTL mapping and GWAS
Transcriptomics and proteomics in breeding
Bioinformatics tools for analysis
Case Study: Genomic selection for milk yield in cows

Module 7: Disease Resistance Breeding

Identifying genetic markers for resistance
CRISPR-mediated gene knockouts
Enhancing immunity through genome editing
Evaluating edited animals for health
Case Study: Salmon resistant to viral diseases

Module 8: Ethical, Regulatory, and Biosafety Considerations

Global regulatory frameworks
Ethical implications of gene editing
Risk assessment and containment
Public perception and stakeholder engagement
Case Study: Regulatory approval of gene-edited livestock in the US

Module 9: Aquaculture Genetic Improvement

Genomic editing in fish and shellfish
Traits for growth, feed efficiency, and disease resistance
CRISPR applications in aquaculture
Environmental impact assessment
Case Study: CRISPR-edited tilapia with improved growth

Module 10: Climate-Resilient Livestock Breeding

Genetic strategies for heat tolerance
Drought-resistant livestock genes
Integrating climate data with breeding programs
Gene editing for adaptation
Case Study: Heat-tolerant CRISPR-edited cattle

Module 11: Omics Integration for Precision Breeding

Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics
Data integration and multi-omics analysis
Precision selection of superior traits
Computational tools for breeding
Case Study: Omics-guided CRISPR selection in pigs

Module 12: Transgenic Animal Models

Design and creation of transgenic animals
Applications in research and agriculture
Ethical considerations and welfare
Validation and performance testing
Case Study: Transgenic cows producing therapeutic proteins

Module 13: Lab Techniques and Hands-On Practices

DNA/RNA extraction and PCR
CRISPR plasmid design
Microinjection and embryo manipulation
Screening and sequencing edited animals
Case Study: Hands-on CRISPR experiment in poultry

Module 14: Data Analysis and Bioinformatics Tools

Genome editing data pipelines
CRISPR off-target analysis
GWAS and QTL mapping software
Data visualization and reporting
Case Study: Bioinformatics analysis of edited livestock genomes

Module 15: Future Trends and Innovations

Synthetic biology in animal breeding
Next-gen CRISPR tools
AI and machine learning in genomics
Global impact on food security
Case Study: Predictive breeding using AI and CRISPR

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

Interactive lectures and presentations.
Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Expert-led Q&A sessions.
Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Gene Editing DNA Analysis Lab Techniques Trait Selection

Programme Fee

Duration: 10 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $2,000

Physical Price: $3,000

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 30 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $2,000