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This editorial discusses the use of omics approaches in livestock genetics, specifically focusing on studies that have used large-scale datasets to understand genetic traits in various livestock animals. The studies mentioned in the article examine genes associated with growth, meat production, and skin development in pigs, ducks, rabbits, and donkeys. The article emphasizes the importance of these studies in advancing our understanding of farm animal genetics and improving breeding strategies. The authors also highlight the need for more multiomic analyses and integration of omics technologies with phenomics in breeding programs. Overall, these studies contribute to a better understanding of the genetic architecture of livestock species and have implications for the livestock industry. [Extracted from the article]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Connections between the 2 scientific fields of physiology and dairy science have existed for a very long time—since the 19th century. One possible explanation for this circumstance could have been the necessity for financial support, which might have played a significant role for many theoretical physiologists to conduct studies on dairy products. This study discusses a correspondence written by the physiologist R. Gscheidlen to J. A. Winter, the main editor of the German (previously Saxon) journal "Schmidt's Yearbooks on the Entire Field of Domestic and Foreign Medicine" ("Schmids Jahrbücher der in–und ausländischen gesammten Medicin"). Gscheidlen submitted a review manuscript on the composition of milk to Winter's journal. In that work, which was published later as the first issue's very first article of the first volume (of in total 4 quarterly volumes) in 1871, Gscheidlen mainly refers to Eduard Kemmerich, who later became a pioneer of cattle breeding in Argentine. Therefore, studies on dairy products and on dairy science, although regularly not very significant from a theoretical and physiological point of view, obviously had concrete implications for practical purposes. Furthermore, other parts of Winter's journal, volume 1871, indicate that Gscheidlen tried to connect these studies with his early theoretical works on physiological metabolism. These theoretical studies included experiments that already explored basic principles of the urea cycle from today's point of view. Of course, these works, which were partly carried out on animals, must have been extravagant and expensive. For that reason, it is possible to assume that early dairy science and other scientific fields in Germany around 1870, which were linked to the developing food industry, had a very significant influence on the advances in theoretical metabolism physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks a comprehensive exploration of genome-wide selective processes impacting morphometric traits across diverse cattle breeds, utilizing an array of statistical methods. Morphometric traits, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative variables, play a pivotal role in characterizing and selecting livestock breeds based on their external appearance, size, and physical attributes. While qualitative traits, such as color, horn structure, and coat type, contribute to adaptive features and breed identification, quantitative traits like body weight and conformation measurements bear a closer correlation with production characteristics. This study employs advanced genotyping technologies, including the Illumina BovineSNP50 Bead Chip and next-generation sequencing methods like Reduced Representation sequencing, to identify genomic signatures associated with these traits. We applied four intra-population methods to find evidence of selection, such as Tajima's D, CLR, iHS, and ROH. We found a total of 40 genes under the selection signature, that were associated with morphometric traits in five cattle breeds (Kankrej, Tharparkar, Nelore, Sahiwal, and Gir). Crucial genes such as ADIPDQ, DPP6, INSIG1, SLC35D2 in Kankrej, LPL, ATP6V1B2, CDC14B in Tharparkar, HPSE2, PLAG1 in Nelore, PCSK1, PRKD1 in Sahiwal, and GNAQ, HPCAL1 in Gir were identified in our study. This approach provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of variations in body weight and conformation traits, facilitating informed selection processes and offering a deeper understanding of the evolutionary and domestication processes in diverse cattle breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneuploidy is a genetic condition characterized by the loss or gain of one or more chromosomes. Aneuploidy affecting the sex chromosomes can lead to infertility in otherwise externally phenotypically normal cattle. Early identification of cattle with sex chromosomal aneuploidy is important to minimize the costs associated with rearing infertile cattle and futile breeding attempts. As most livestock breeding programs routinely genotype their breeding populations using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of integrating an aneuploidy screening tool into the existing pipelines that handle dense SNP genotype data. A further objective was to estimate the prevalence of sex chromosome aneuploidy in a population of 146,431 juvenile cattle using available genotype intensity data. Three genotype intensity statistics were used: the LogR Ratio (LRR), R‐value (the sum of X and Y SNP probe intensities), and B‐allele frequency (BAF) measurements. Within the female‐verified population of 124,958 individuals, the estimated prevalence rate was 0.0048% for XO, 0.0350% for XXX, and 0.0004% for XXY. The prevalence of XXY in the male‐verified population was 0.0870% (i.e., 18 out of 20,670 males). Cytogenetic testing was used to verify 2 of the XXX females who were still alive. The proposed approach can be readily integrated into existing genomic pipelines, serving as an efficient, large‐scale screening tool for aneuploidy. Its implementation could enable the early identification of infertile animals with sex‐chromosome aneuploidy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying and breeding cattle that are more feed efficient is of great benefit to beef production. Additionally, it is crucial that genes contributing to feed efficiency are robust across varying management settings including dietary source as well as being relevant across contrasting breeds of cattle. The aim of this study was to determine miRNAs that are contributing to the expression of residual feed intake (RFI) across two breeds and dietary sources. miRNA profiling was undertaken in Longissimus dorsi tissue of Charolais and Holstein–Friesian steers divergent for RFI phenotype following two contrasting consecutive diets (high-forage and high-concentrate). Ten miRNA were identified as differentially expressed (adj. P < 0.1) across the breed and diet contrasts examined. Of particular interest was the differential expression of miR-2419-5p and miR-2415-3p, both of which were up-regulated in the Low-RFI Charolais steers across each dietary phase. Pathway analysis of target mRNA genes of differentially expressed miRNA revealed enrichment (P < 0.05) for pathways including metabolic related pathways, insulin receptor signalling, adipogenesis as well as pathways related to skeletal muscle growth. These results provide insight into the skeletal muscle miRNAome of beef cattle and their potential molecular regulatory mechanisms relating to feed efficiency in beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to classify smallholder dairy production systems by analyzing land allocation for various crop types and characterizing them based on integration with specific crops which is gap in earlier studies. A total of 360 smallholder farmers were interviewed to generate firsthand information in addition to using secondary data sources. The classification utilized K-means clustering, while discriminant analysis was applied to accentuate the distinct characteristics of dairy production systems (DPSs). Subsequently, for a particular crop to be considered dominant, the minimum farmland allocation had to exceed 30%. Based on this, the 360 respondent farmers in the study areas were categorized into four distinct DPSs: diversified crop-based (DCB) at 31%, enset-based (EB) at 28%, cereal-based (CB) at 24% and cash crop-based (CCB) with coffee, khat, vegetables, fruits, and sugarcane accounting for 17%. Within the CCB dairy production system, where cash crops were cultivated most dominantly, averaging 56% of the farmland, farmers reported the highest annual income and, consequently, acquired more improved dairy cows, facilitating their entry into intensive dairy production. Ownership of improved dairy cattle breeds, use of agro-industrial byproducts as feed, practicing stall feeding and better housing are observed practices in this DPS that relate to the intensification of dairy production. This positive relationship was observed between the commercialization of crops and the intensification of dairy production in the CCB dairy production system. In the EB dairy system, enset dominates with a 33% area share, leading to increased residues for cattle feed. They keep large herds of local cattle, limited crossbreeding experience, and prefer conventional feeding. The CB system allocates 47% of land to cereals, justifying cereal residues as primary dairy feed. Cultivating grasses like Pennisetum pedicellatum and Phalaris arundinacea is also highly valued in the system. The DCB system, with diverse crops (none exceeding 30%), implies varied residues for dairy feed. These findings reveal unique characteristics across dairy systems, indicating a positive correlation between crop commercialization and dairy intensification. Hence, understanding each type of DPS and its characteristics will help development experts or those in charge of designing agricultural policy to establish the best strategic plans for enhancing the productivity of dairy cattle under smallholder conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reflects on the history of cattle ranching in Colombia and how it was impacted by the armed conflict in the country and its regions, and the transformation amongst decades of forms of violence and actors involved in this scenario. To conduct the analysis, a review of academic literature on the relationship between cattle ranching and armed conflict in Colombia and some African countries was carried out. Subsequently, a database of 206 violent events related to cattle ranching was constructed, covering three decades of armed conflict (1980-2010), based on primary sources from reports, police evidence, and testimonies of two previous databases. This database contributed to the analysis of the impact of violence on the cattle ranching industry. Thus, this article contributes to the understanding of the history of cattle ranching in Colombia and to the complex transitional process in Colombia today. It demonstrates that productivity and effciency have not always been the prevailing principles in the history of the cattle industry, but that land tenure and accumulation have operated as a way of securing power by the agrarian and political elites of the country. Such approaches are crucial for comprehending the historical connection between conflict and cattle ranching, especially if the aim for this sector is to adapt to a logic of productivity and innovation in the contemporary world. Also, the findings show that further research on these topics, i.e., related to current environmental and social problems such as climate change, food security, and new social and geopolitical challenges, is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration, from rural to urban settings is a common phenomenon in Latin America, due to social, economic, political, and other factors. Young people in search of economic and educational opportunities, financial, and social stability, have been migrating to larger urban centers, thus crafting important shifts in rural labor, generational transfer, and domestic economies. Through a systematic literature review of scientific literature, and documents from public institutions and international organizations, published between 2012 and 2022, this article addresses rural-urban migration of youth in Colombia and Guatemala's cattle sector, particularly identifying (i) driving factors, (ii) their impacts on cattle farming, and (iii) public policies implemented to counteract prejudicial effects. Results show that unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, and insecurity are the main reasons for youth migration to cities or abroad, with Mexico, the United States, and Spain being the most common destinations. Additionally, impacts on the cattle sector include shortage of labor and a perfectible generational transfer, hindering the modernization of the industry and investments in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Despite various implemented public policies, the results are partial, and the issue of accelerated youth migration remains relevant. Consequently, without more effective measures adopted by national governments, the cattle sector will lag behind its regional and international competitors, deterring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. As the main contribution of the study, the analysis of migration is highlighted based on its effects on a specific economic sector and not focused on its causes, as evidenced in a wide range of literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Positive natural selection increases the frequency of beneficial genetic variations, promoting an organism's adaptability and survival in specific environments. In this study, we conducted whole-genome resequencing and population genetic structure analysis to investigate the genetic diversity of Zaobei cattle, local yellow cattle from China. By comparing Zaobei cattle with Simmental cattle, we identified several genomic regions exhibiting positive selection. Gene annotation of these regions revealed key traits of Zaobei cattle, such as heat tolerance, fertility, and superior meat quality. These findings not only help understand the characteristics of Zaobei cattle but also provide valuable genetic information for future breeding programs, thereby improving their production efficiency and economic value. This investigation provides a comprehensive analysis of genomic diversity and selection signatures in Zaobei beef cattle, an indigenous breed known for its adaptation to hot and humid climates and superior meat quality. Whole-genome resequencing was conducted on 23 Zaobei cattle, compared with 46 Simmental cattle to highlight genetic distinctions. Population structure analysis confirmed the genetic uniqueness of Zaobei cattle. Using methods such as DASDC v1.01, XPEHH, and θπ ratio, we identified 230, 232, and 221 genes through DASDC, including hard sweeps, soft sweeps, and linkage sweeps, respectively. Coincidentally, 109 genes were identified when using XPEHH and θπ ratio methods. Together, these analyses revealed eight positive selection genes (ARHGAP15, ZNF618, USH2A, PDZRN4, SPATA6, ROR2, KCNIP3, and VWA3B), which are linked to critical traits such as heat stress adaptation, fertility, and meat quality. Moreover, functional enrichment analyses showed pathways related to autophagy, immune response, energy metabolism, and muscle development. The comprehensive genomic insights gained from this study provide valuable knowledge for breeding programs aimed at enhancing the beneficial traits in Zaobei cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we analyzed the plasma biochemistry and plasma metabolome of 12-month-old Montbéliard and Holstein backcross and purebred Holstein heifers, with the aim of determining differences in the performance of these two breeds. The findings revealed that the backcrossed heifers are superior to Holsteins with respect to certain antioxidant indices and immune performance. We detected a total of 30 metabolites showing significantly differential levels between the two groups, of which 17 and 13 were significantly up- and down-regulated. Collectively, our findings in this study indicate that compared with 12-month-old purebred Holstein heifers, Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers of the same age are characterized by higher antioxidant capacity and immunity. Holstein cattle are the main breed of dairy cattle in China. However, given the high degree of purebred selection of Holstein cattle, Chinese dairy cattle are increasingly being characterized by poor disease resistance, poor quality, and declining fertility. In this study, using Montbéliard × Holstein cattle as females and Montbéliard bulls as males for backcross breeding, we sought to provide a reference for improving the quality and performance of Holstein cattle and enhancing the efficiency of dairy farming. On the basis of similar physiological status and age, we selected 24 Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers and 11 Holstein heifers fed the same formula for comparative analyses. Plasma samples collected for plasma biochemical index analyses revealed that the content of ALB and BUN in the Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers was 20.83% (31.62 g/L to 26.17 g/L) and 42.36% (6.89 mmol/L to 4.84 mmol/L) higher than in the Holsteins (p < 0.01). The ALB/GLB (0.90 to 0.60, p < 0.05) was significantly higher in Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers than in Holstein heifers. Similarly, the activity of CAT in the backcross heifers was 61.28% (4.29 U/mL to 2.66 U/mL) higher than that in the Holstein heifers (p < 0.05). Although the activity of GSH-Px in the backcross heifers also showed an increasing trend, the difference did not reach the level of statistical significance (p = 0.052). Compared with Holstein heifers, the concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IL-4 were elevated by 32.52% (24.90 μg/mL to 18.79 μg/mL, p < 0.01), 13.46% (234.32 μg/mL to 206.53 μg/mL, p < 0.01), and 14.59% (306.27 pg/mL to 267.28 pg/mL, p < 0.05), and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased by 15.92% (215.71 pg/mL to 256.55 pg/mL, p < 0.01) and 32.17% (7.17 ng/mL to 10.57 ng/mL, p < 0.01) in the plasma of Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers. Among the experimental heifers, five animals from each of the two groups were selected for plasma metabolomic analysis based on untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. A comparison of the differential metabolites between the two heifer breeds revealed an up-regulation of d-glucuronic acid, s-glutathionyl-l-cysteine, and oleic acid levels in the backcross cattle compared with those in the Holstein heifers. We speculate that changes in the levels of these metabolites may be associated with an enhancement of the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune systems in these backcross heifers. Collectively, our findings in this study indicate that compared with 12-month-old purebred Holstein heifers, Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers of the same age are characterized by higher antioxidant capacity and immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying molecular mechanisms responsible for the response to heat stress is essential to increase production, reproduction, health, and welfare. This study aimed to identify early biological responses and potential biomarkers involved in the response to heat stress and animal's recovery in tropically adapted beef cattle through proteomic analysis of blood plasma. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 14 Caracu males during the heat stress peak (HSP) and 16 h after it (heat stress recovery--HSR) assessed based on wet bulb globe temperature index and rectal temperature. Proteome was investigated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry from plasma samples, and the differentially regulated proteins were evaluated by functional enrichment analysis using DAVID tool. The protein-protein interaction network was evaluated by STRING tool. Results: A total of 1,550 proteins were detected in both time points, of which 84 and 65 were downregulated and upregulated during HSR, respectively. Among the differentially regulated proteins with the highest absolute log-fold change values, those encoded by the GABBR1, EPHA2, DUSP5, MUC2, DGCR8, MAP2K7, ADRA1A, CXADR, TOPBP1, and NEB genes were highlighted as potential biomarkers because of their roles in response to heat stress. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that 65 Gene Ontology terms and 34 pathways were significant (P < 0.05). We highlighted those that could be associated with the response to heat stress, such as those related to the immune system, complement system, hemostasis, calcium, ECM-receptor interaction, and PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, the protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed several complement and coagulation proteins and acute-phase proteins as important nodes based on their centrality and edges. Conclusion: Identifying differentially regulated proteins and their relationship, as well as their roles in key pathways contribute to improve the knowledge of the mechanisms behind the response to heat stress in naturally adapted cattle breeds. In addition, proteins highlighted herein are potential biomarkers involved in the early response and recovery from heat stress in tropically adapted beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), cattle are crucial for socioeconomic stability yet face numerous environmental stressors such as diseases, parasites, and extreme heat within pastoral and agropastoral systems. Despite their significance, gaps remain in understanding how genetic diversity and inbreeding influence traits essential for disease resistance and environmental adaptability. This study examines the genomic adaptations that enable SSA cattle to thrive under these conditions and assesses the impact of inbreeding on such adaptive traits. Methods: We analyzed genomic data from 113 cattle across four breeds--Kuri, N'dama, Zebu-Fulani, and Zebu-Bororo--employing Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) and Integrated Haplotype Score (iHS) analyses to identify historical and recent genetic selections. Strict quality controls using PLINK software ensured accurate genomic pattern identification related to adaptation and inbreeding. Results: ROH analysis revealed islands with genes such as RSAD2, CMPK2, and NOTCH1, which are involved in immune response and cellular stressmanagement, highlighting regions of historical selection that have likely provided adaptive advantages in overcoming environmental and pathogenic stresses. In contrast, iHS analysis identified genes under recent selection like HIPK1, involved in stress response regulation, and EPHA5, which plays a crucial role in neural development and synaptic functions, potentially equipping these breeds with novel adaptations to ongoing and emergent environmental challenges. Conclusion: This research confirms that selective pressures inherent in pastoral and agropastoral systems profoundly influence the genetic structure of SSA cattle. By delineating the genetic bases of key adaptive traits, our study offers crucial insights for targeted breeding programs to enhance cattle resilience and productivity. These findings provide a valuable framework for future genetic improvements and conservation strategies, crucial for sustainable livestock management and economic stability in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yunling cattle is a new breed of beef cattle bred in Yunnan Province, China, which has the advantages of fast growth, excellent meat quality, improved tolerance ability, and important landscape value. Copy number variation (CNV) is a significant source of gene structural variation and plays a crucial role in evolution and phenotypic diversity. Based on the latest reference genome ARS-UCD2.0, this study analyzed the genome-wide distribution of CNVs in Yunling cattle using short-read whole-genome sequencing data (n = 129) and single-molecule long-read sequencing data (n = 1), and a total of 16,507 CNVs were detected. After merging CNVs with overlapping genomic positions, 3,728 CNV regions (CNVRs) were obtained, accounting for 0.61% of the reference genome. The functional analysis indicated significant enrichment of CNVRs in 96 GO terms and 57 KEGG pathways, primarily related to cell adhesion, signal transduction, neuromodulation, and nutritional metabolism. Additionally, 111 CNVRs overlapped with 76 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including Subcutaneous fat thicknessQTL, Longissimusmuscle areaQTL, andMarbling scoreQTL. Several CNVR-overlapping genes, including BZW1, AOX1, and LOC100138449, overlap with regions associated with meat color and quality QTLs. Furthermore, Vst analysis showed that PSMB4, ERICH1, SMC2, and PPP4R3A were highly divergent between Yunling and Brahman cattle. In summary, we have constructed the genomic CNV map of Yunling cattle for the first time using whole-genome resequencing. This provides valuable genetic variation resources for the study of the Yunling cattle genome and contributes to the study of economic traits in Yunling cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. In recent years, genomic selection (GS) has accelerated genetic gain in dairy cattle breeds worldwide. Despite the evident genetic progress, several dairy populations have also encountered challenges such as heightened inbreeding rates and reduced effective population sizes. The challenge has been to find a balance between achieving substantial genetic gain while managing genetic diversity within the population, thereby mitigating the negative effects of inbreeding depression. This study aims to elucidate the impact of GS on pedigree and genomic rates of inbreeding (ΔF) and coancestry (ΔC) in Nordic Jersey (NJ) and Holstein (NH) cattle populations. Furthermore, key genetic metrics, including the generation interval (L), effective population size (Ne), and future effective population size (FNe) were assessed between 2 time periods, before and after GS, and across distinct animal cohorts in both breeds: females, bulls, and approved semen-producing bulls (AI-sires). Analysis of ΔF and ΔC revealed distinct trends across the studied periods and animal groups. Notably, there was a consistent increase in yearly ΔF for most animal groups in both breeds. An exception was observed in NH AI-sires, which demonstrated a slight decrease in yearly ΔF. Moreover, NJ displayed minimal changes in yearly ΔC between the periods, whereas NH exhibited elevated ΔC values across all animal groups. Particularly striking was the substantial increase in yearly ΔC within the NH female population, surging from 0.02% to 0.39% between the periods. Implementation of GS resulted in a reduction of the generation interval across all animal cohorts in both NJ and NH breeds. However, the extent of reduction was more pronounced in males compared with females. This reduction in generation interval influenced generational changes in ΔF and ΔC. Bulls and AI-sires of both breeds exhibited reduced generational ΔF between periods, in contrast to females that demonstrated an opposing pattern. Between the periods, NJ maintained a relatively stable Ne (29.4 before and 30.3 after GS), whereas NH experienced a notable decline from 54.3 to 42.8. Female groups in both breeds displayed a negative Ne trend, whereas males demonstrated either neutral or positive Ne developments. Regarding FNe, NJ exhibited positive FNe development with an increase from 40.7 to 57.2. The opposite was observed in NH, where FNe decreased from 198.8 to 42.7. In summary, it was evident that the genomic methods could detect differences between the populations and changes in ΔF and ΔC more efficiently than pedigree methods. Implementation of GS yielded positive outcomes within the NJ population regarding the rate of coancestry but the opposite was observed with NH. Moreover, analysis of ΔC data hints at the potential to decrease future ΔF through informed mating strategies. Conversely, NH faces more pressing concerns, even though ΔF remains comparatively modest in contrast to what has been observed in other Holstein populations. These findings underscore the necessity of genomic control of inbreeding and coancestry with strategic changes in the Nordic breeding schemes for dairy to ensure long-term sustainability in the forthcoming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Live body weight (LBW) is one of the most important parameters for supervising the growth and development of livestock. The yak (Bos grunniens) is a special species of cattle that lives on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Yaks are more untamed than regular cattle breeds, so it is more challenging to measure their LBW. In this study, YOLOv8 yak detection and LBW estimation models were used to automatically estimate yak LBW in real time. First, the proper posture (normal posture) and individual yak identification was confirmed and then the YOLOv8 detection model was used for LBW estimation from 2-dimensional images. Yak LBW was estimated through yak body parameter extraction and a simple linear regression between the estimated yak LBW and the actual measured yak LBW. The results showed that the overall detection performance for normal yak posture was described by precision, recall, and mean average precision 50 (mAP50) indicators, reaching 81.8%, 86.0%, and 90.6%, respectively. The best yak identification results were represented by precision, recall, and mAP50 values of 97.8%, 96.4%, and 99.0%, respectively. The yak LBW estimation model achieved better results for the 12-mo-old yaks with shorter hair, with values for R2, root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error, and multiple R of 0.96, 2.43 kg, 1.69%, and 0.98, respectively. The results demonstrate that yak LBW can be estimated and monitored in real time using this approach. This study has the potential to be used for daily yak LBW monitoring in an unstressed manner and to save considerable labor resources for large-scale livestock farms. In the future, to reduce the limitations caused by the impacts of yak hair and light condition, datasets of dairy cows and yaks of different ages will be used to improve and generalize the model. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigates using hair analysis to monitor potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in cattle and roe deer sharing pastures in Northern Italy. PTEs include essential and non-essential elements that, if unbalanced in organisms, can lead to health issues. Hair analysis is a non-invasive method that allows retrospective evaluation of PTE exposure. Aluminum, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Mg, Fe, and Zn were measured. Findings indicate significantly higher As levels in roe deer due to selective feeding, while Cd and Pb levels align with other studies. Cattle have lower Cu, Fe, and Zn levels, likely due to dietary differences. Elevated Cr and Ni in cattle suggest contamination or physiological differences. Hair analysis proves valuable for monitoring environmental PTE exposure, emphasizing interspecies differences and the potential of both animals as bioindicators. Intensive cattle breeding's environmental challenges are prompting shifts to extensive, pasture-based systems, influencing nutrient and pollutant uptake. PTEs are essential and non-essential elements, regularly found in the environment and organisms, and in which unbalances lead to health issues. Hair analysis, a non-invasive method, provides retrospective PTE exposure evaluation. This study aims to understand exposure and species-specific accumulation patterns of PTEs in cattle and roe deer sharing pastures in Northern Italy using the hair analysis. Aluminum, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Mg, Fe, and Zn were quantified through the use of ICP-OES. Findings show As levels significantly higher in roe deer due to their selective feeding, while Cd and Pb levels align with other studies. Essential elements like Cu, Fe, and Zn are lower in cattle, possibly due to diet differences. Higher Cr and Ni levels in cattle suggest contamination or physiological differences in accumulation patterns. In conclusion, hair analysis is valuable for monitoring environmental PTE exposure, highlighting significant interspecies differences and the potential of both animals as bioindicators in shared grazing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study synthesizes reports on body conformation traits in dairy cows, emphasizing their importance in dairy farming. It elucidates the potential role of these traits in enhancing dairy cattle breeding programs by summarizing their genetic parameters and impact on size, conformation, production, health, and fitness. The review underscores the use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), a powerful genetic tool that identifies specific genes and genomic regions influencing body conformation. By integrating global research on these genetic markers, the study offers valuable insights for advancing the selection and breeding of dairy cows, ultimately benefiting farmers and the dairy industry through more informed breeding strategies and improved herd quality. Body shape traits are very important and play a crucial role in the economic development of dairy farming. By improving the accuracy of selection for body size traits, we can enhance economic returns across the dairy industry and on farms, contributing to the future profitability of the dairy sector. Registered body conformation traits are reliable and cost-effective tools for use in national cattle breeding selection programs. These traits are significantly related to the production, longevity, mobility, health, fertility, and environmental adaptation of dairy cows. Therefore, they can be considered indirect indicators of economically important traits in dairy cows. Utilizing efficacious genetic methods, such as genome-wide association studies (GWASs), allows for a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture of complex traits through the identification and application of genetic markers. In the current review, we summarize information on candidate genes and genomic regions associated with body conformation traits in dairy cattle worldwide. The manuscript also reviews the importance of body conformation, the relationship between body conformation traits and other traits, heritability, influencing factors, and the genetics of body conformation traits. The information on candidate genes related to body conformation traits provided in this review may be helpful in selecting potential genetic markers for the genetic improvement of body conformation traits in dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Whole-genome resequencing technology is widely applicated in the genetic breeding research of beef cattle. Pinan cattle are a specialized beef cattle population bred in Henan Province for more than 30 years. It has advantages in traits such as a fast growth rate, good reproductive performance, and high slaughter rate. But the genetic variation at the genome level of Pinan cattle has not been thoroughly explored. The whole-genome resequencing of a Pinan cattle population was conducted, combined with genome resequencing data of other cattle breeds, to detect the variations at the whole-genome level. Furthermore, the population genetic diversity and structure were analyzed, and the genes and loci under positive selection affecting important traits of Pinan cattle were identified using a selective sweep strategy. This study contributes to accelerating further breeding of the economic traits such as growth and reproductive performance in Pinan cattle. The breeding of high-quality beef cattle breeds is crucial for the development of animal husbandry, and whole-genome resequencing is widely applicated in the field of molecular breeding. Advantages in growth and reproductive traits exist in Pinan cattle compared with other cattle breeds, but there is limited research on its genomic mechanism. Using whole-genome resequencing, the genetic structure and genomic selection signatures in Pinan cattle were investigated in this study. Phylogenetic, cluster, and admixture analysis results indicated that Pinan cattle have a closer genetic relationship with Kholmogory cattle and China north cattle breeds. Through a selective sweep strategy, 207 and 54 candidate genes related to growth and reproduction and immunity, respectively, were identified in the Pinan cattle population. Given the crucial role of the glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) gene in muscle antioxidative defense, the high frequency of allele T of the GCLC c.429 C>T locus in the Pinan cattle population might partially contribute to the advantages of Pinan cattle in growth performance. This study laid the foundation for the genetic improvement in Chinese local beef cattle and provide background for the studies on the growth and development of Pinan cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: This article studies runs of homozygosity (ROHs) across the genome using high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays for the structural and functional annotation of genes localized inside or in close proximity to selected sections of the genome of Aberdeen Angus cattle. The obtained results could serve as a foundation for future studies aimed at identifying the genes and markers required to determine the most significant productive traits of cattle. The data confirm the effect of targeted selection on increasing the height, body size, and live weight in the population of Aberdeen Angus cattle. A large number of cattle breeds have marked phenotypic differences. They are valuable models for studying genome evolution. ROH analysis can facilitate the discovery of genomic regions that may explain phenotypic differences between breeds affecting traits of economic importance. This paper investigates genome-wide ROH of 189 Aberdeen Angus bulls using the Illumina Bovine GGP HD Beadchip150K to structurally and functionally annotate genes located within or in close ROH of the Aberdeen Angus cattle genome. The method of sequential SNP detection was used to determine the ROH. Based on this parameter, two ROH classes were allocated. The total length of all ROH islands was 11,493 Mb. As a result of studying the genomic architecture of the experimental population of Aberdeen Angus bulls, nine ROH islands and 255 SNPs were identified. Thirteen of these overlapped with regions bearing 'selection imprints' previously identified in other breeds of cattle, and five of these regions were identified in other Aberdeen Angus populations. The total length of the ROH islands was 11,493 Mb. The size of individual islands ranged from 0.038 to 1.812 Mb. Structural annotation showed the presence of 87 genes within the identified ROH islets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfavorable genetic correlations between milk production, fertility, and urea traits have been reported. However, knowledge of the genomic regions associated with these unfavorable correlations is limited. Here, we used the correlation scan method to identify and investigate the regions driving or antagonizing the genetic correlations between production vs. fertility, urea vs. fertility, and urea vs. production traits. Driving regions produce an estimate of correlation that is in the same direction as the global correlation. Antagonizing regions produce an estimate in the opposite direction of the global estimates. Our dataset comprised 6567, 4700, and 12,658 Holstein cattle with records of production traits (milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield), fertility (calving interval) and urea traits (milk urea nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen predicted using milk‐mid‐infrared spectroscopy), respectively. Several regions across the genome drive the correlations between production, fertility, and urea traits. Antagonizing regions were confined to certain parts of the genome and the genes within these regions were mostly involved in preventing metabolic dysregulation, liver reprogramming, metabolism remodeling, and lipid homeostasis. The driving regions were enriched for QTL related to puberty, milk, and health‐related traits. Antagonizing regions were mostly related to muscle development, metabolic body weight, and milk traits. In conclusion, we have identified genomic regions of potential importance for dairy cattle breeding. Future studies could investigate the antagonizing regions as potential genomic regions to break the unfavorable correlations and improve milk production as well as fertility and urea traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kashmir cattle, which were kept by local pastoralists for centuries, are exceptionally resilient and adaptive to harsh environments. Despite its significance, the genomic characteristics of this cattle breed remain elusive. This study utilized whole genome sequences of Kashmir cattle (n = 20; newly sequenced) alongside published whole genomes of 32 distinct breeds and seven core cattle populations (n = 135). The analysis identified ~25.87 million biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms in Kashmir cattle, predominantly in intergenic and intron regions. Population structure analyses revealed distinct clustering patterns of Kashmir cattle with proximity to the South Asian, African and Chinese indicine cattle populations. Genetic diversity analysis of Kashmir cattle demonstrated lower inbreeding and greater nucleotide diversity than analyzed global breeds. Homozygosity runs indicated less consanguineous mating in Kashmir cattle compared with European taurine breeds. Furthermore, six selection sweep detection methods were used within Kashmir cattle and other cattle populations to identify genes associated with vital traits, including immunity (BOLA‐DQA5, BOLA‐DQB, TNFAIP8L, FCRL4, AOAH, HIF1AN, FBXL3, MPEG1, CDC40, etc.), reproduction (GOLGA4, BRWD1, OSBP2, LEO1 ADCY5, etc.), growth (ADPRHL1, NRG2, TCF12, TMOD4, GBP4, IGF2, RSPO3, SCD, etc.), milk composition (MRPS30 and CSF1) and high‐altitude adaptation (EDNRA, ITPR2, AGBL4 and SCG3). These findings provide essential genetic insights into the characteristics and establish the foundation for the scientific conservation and utilization of Kashmir cattle breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing trend in ancestral and classical inbreeding coefficients as well as inbreeding depression for longevity were found in the German Brown population. In addition, the proportion of US Brown Swiss genes is steadily increasing in German Browns. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the presence and genomic localization of runs of homozygosity (ROH) in order to evaluate their associations with the proportion of US Brown Swiss genes and survival rates of cows to higher lactations. Genotype data were sampled in 2364 German Browns from 258 herds. The final data set included 49,693 autosomal SNPs. We identified on average 35.996 ± 7.498 ROH per individual with a mean length of 8.323 ± 1.181 Mb. The genomic inbreeding coefficient FROH was 0.122 ± 0.032 and it decreased to 0.074, 0.031 and 0.006, when genomic homozygous segments > 8 Mb (FROH>8), >16 Mb (FROH>16) and >32 Mb (FROH>32) were considered. New inbreeding showed the highest correlation with FROH>32, whereas ancestral inbreeding coefficients had the lowest correlations with FROH>32. The correlation between the classical inbreeding coefficient and FROH was 0.572. We found significantly lower FROH, FROH>4, FROH>8 and FIS for US Brown Swiss proportions <60% compared to >80%. Cows surviving to the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th lactation had lower genomic inbreeding for FROH and up to FROH>32, which was due to a lower number of ROH and a shorter average length of ROH. The strongest ROH island and consensus ROH shared by 50% of the animals was found on BTA 6 at 85–88 Mb. The genes located in this genomic region were associated with longevity (NPFFR2 and ADAMTS3), udder health and morphology (SLC4A4, NPFFR2, GC and RASSF6), milk production, milk protein percentage, coagulation properties of milk and milking speed (CSN3). On BTA 2, a ROH island was detected only in animals with <60% US Brown Swiss genes. Genes within this region are predominantly important for dual-purpose cattle breeds including Original Browns. For cows reaching more than 9 lactations, an exclusive ROH island was identified on BTA 7 with genes assumed to be associated with longevity. The analysis indicated that genomic homozygous regions important for Original Browns are still present and also ROH containing genes affecting longevity may have been identified. The breeding of German Browns should prevent any further increase in genomic inbreeding and run a breeding program with balanced weights on production, robustness and longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) is an acute, fatal, and septicemic bacterial disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida). The present study aimed to carry out HS surveillance through multi-stage random sampling constituting 692 cattle and buffalo serum samples sourced from two Indian states, four districts, eight clusters, 56 epiunits, and 306 households (HHs) by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Significantly higher (p < 0.0001) iELISA positives were observed in Gujarat compared to Karnataka state. Of the 306 households visited, 9 of 27 epiunits (33.33%) in Karnataka and 24 out of 29 epiunits in Gujarat were iELISA positive (82.75%) and an association was found to be significant (p = 0.0002). However, a non-significant association to species, age, or lactation was recorded, although indigenous cattle breeds had a higher HS sero-prevalence compared to crossbreeds. This study highlights important baseline data on HS sero-prevalence in two major milk-producing states of India at different strata. Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) is a highly contagious and fatal disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by P. multocida. Both conventional and molecular methods are applied in parallel for rapid diagnosis of HS outbreaks and the periodical surveillance strategy to identify risk areas for HS is ignored. The current cross-sectional study aimed to estimate sero-prevalence and associated risk factors for HS in cattle and buffaloes in non-vaccinated regions of two Indian states. HS surveillance was carried out through the multi-stage random sampling technique at different strata. The study employed a questionnaire incorporating host factors (species, breed, sex, age, and lactation) and demographic parameters (state, district, block/cluster and village/epiunits, and household). First, two Indian states known for high milk production were selected followed by two districts within each state, subsequently four clusters within each district, finally 5–10 epiunits within clusters and 5–8 households within clusters were randomly selected to collect cattle and buffalo samples. The chi-square/p values and maps were prepared to represent disease prevalence and to correlate disease risk factors at different strata. A total of 692 cattle and buffalo serum samples were sourced from two states of the country (Karnataka-285 and Gujarat-407). In the first strata, antibodies to P. multocida were high in Gujarat (14.49%, CI: 11.22–18.30) compared to Karnataka (3.85%, CI: 1.94–6.80) with significant (p < 0.0001) association between the states. In the second strata, one of the four districts investigated revealed the highest sero-prevalence (18.61%, CI: 13.81–24.24) with statistical significance (p = 0.01) between the districts. Among clusters, one out of eight clusters showed the highest sero-prevalence (23.02%, CI: 16.59–30.54) with statistical significance (p = 0.03) between the clusters in the third strata. At epiunit level (fourth strata), 9 out of 27 epiunits (33.33%) visited in Karnataka and 24 out of 29 epiunits sampled in Gujarat were sero-positive (82.75%) in iELISA. At the household level, out of 306 HH visited, 40 HH had at least one positive animal (13.07%) and the p value between HH in the two states was highly significant (p = 0.0002). Chi-square analysis did not find any association of HS sero-prevalence to species, age, and lactation. However, significantly higher (p < 0.05) sero-prevalence was recorded in indigenous cattle breeds (16.56%) compared to crossbreeds (6.59%). Various immunoprophylactics and antibiotic therapies are effective against HS, but inappropriate disease reporting and failure to implement adequate vaccination control measures are the gaps identified. The present study highlights the current scenario of HS sero-prevalence in two of the high milk-producing states of India, which will be useful for stakeholders for undertaking the implementation of surveillance and control strategies for the regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity in genome resources is fundamental to designing genomic strategies for local breed improvement and utilisation. These resources also support gene discovery and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of resilience with applications beyond local breeds. Here, we report the genome sequences of 555 cattle (208 of which comprise new data) and high-density (HD) array genotyping of 1,082 samples (537 new samples) from indigenous African cattle populations. The new sequences have an average genome coverage of ~30X, three times higher than the average (~10X) of the over 300 sequences already in the public domain. Following variant quality checks, we identified approximately 32.3 million sequence variants and 661,943 HD autosomal variants mapped to the Bos taurus reference genome (ARS-UCD1.2). The new datasets were generated as part of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) Genomic Reference Resource for African Cattle (GRRFAC) initiative, which aspires to facilitate the generation of this livestock resource and hopes for its utilisation for complete indigenous breed characterisation and sustainable global livestock improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The marbling trait of cattle muscles, being a key indicator, played an important role in evaluating beef quality. Two breeds of cattle, namely a high-marbling (Angus) and a low-marbling (Nanyang) one, with their cattle muscles selected as our samples for transcriptome sequencing, were aimed to identify differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their targets associated with the marbling trait. Results: Transcriptome sequencing identified 487 and 283 differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs respectively between the high-marbling (Angus) and low-marbling (Nanyang) cattle muscles. Twenty-seven pairs of differentially expressed lncRNAs-mRNAs, including eighteen lncRNAs and eleven target genes, were found to be involved in fat deposition and lipid metabolism. We established a positive correlation between fourteen up-regulated (NONBTAT000849.2, MSTRG.9591.1, NONBTAT031089.1, MSTRG.3720.1, NONBTAT029718.1, NONBTAT004228.2, NONBTAT007494.2, NONBTAT011094.2, NONBTAT015080.2, NONBTAT030943.1, NONBTAT021005.2, NONBTAT021004.2, NONBTAT025985.2, and NONBTAT023845.2) and four down-regulated (NONBTAT000850.2, MSTRG.22188.3, MSTRG.22188.4, and MSTRG.22188.5) lncRNAs and eleven genes related to adiponectin family protein (ADIPOQ), cytochrome P450 family (CYP4V2), 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase family (HACD4), kinesin family (KIF5C), lipin family (LPIN2), perilipin family (PLIN1), prostaglandin family (PTGIS), solute carrier family (SLC16A7, SLC2213, and SLCO4C1), and containing a transmembrane domain protein family (VSTM1). Conclusions: These candidate genes and lncRNAs can be regarded as being responsible for regulating the marbling trait of cattle. lncRNAs along with the variations in intramuscular fat marbling established a foundation for elucidating the genetic basis of high marbling in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study examined the skull characteristics of Holstein and Simmental cattle to provide reference values for future research. We collected 54 skulls of young male cattle from Turkey to conduct 27 measurements and calculate eight indices. Holstein skulls tended to be longer, though not markedly, but they exhibited notably longer nasal bones and shorter skull lengths. Holsteins also had wider faces. A statistical analysis showed that overall size differences did not separate the breeds, but certain skull features did. Simmental skulls had higher basal index values and wider occipital regions, likely due to their larger skull size and weight, which provides more space for muscle attachment. Holsteins had more oval-shaped eye sockets, while Simmentals had wider, rounder ones. These findings help identify breed-specific traits and offer insights into how each breed's skull structure supports their functions. This knowledge is valuable for breeding and conservation, and future research should look into the genetic and environmental factors influencing these traits. This study aimed to reveal the morphological characteristics of pure Holstein and Simmental skulls and to obtain reference values for morphometric analysis. Moreover, 54 skulls from 12- to 14-month-old male Holstein (n = 25) and Simmental (n = 29) cattle were collected from Turkey's Southeastern Anatolia Region between 2023 and 2024. Linear measurements indicated that Holsteins had longer skulls compared to Simmentals. Holsteins exhibited significantly higher values for the greatest length of nasals and the shortest skull length. The facial breadth was wider in Holsteins and statistically distinctive between the breeds. Holsteins had a more oval orbital bony roof, while Simmentals exhibited a wider orbital structure. The orbital index was higher in Holsteins, distinguishing between the two breeds. It was observed that Simmental cattle had a wider occipital region. This difference is likely due to the larger lateral appearance of the Simmental skull, which has more body weight and provides a larger surface area for muscle attachment. These differences not only aid in breed identification but also offer insights into the functional adaptations of each breed. Future research should explore the genetic and environmental factors contributing to these morphological traits, further enriching our knowledge of cattle morphology and its implications for breeding and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Turano-Mongolian cattle breeds are known for adaptation to extreme environmental conditions and for outstanding production traits. The Buryat and Wagyu Turano-Mongolian breeds are characterised by adaptation to harsh climates and poor forage, and top-quality marbled meat, respectively. In our study, we explored the genomes of these breeds to learn about the selection underlying these traits. A set of scans for genetic signatures of selection using complementary approaches allowed us to reveal candidate genes and variants likely shaping the biology of Buryat and Wagyu breeds. These findings could help with livestock improvement efforts. Past and ongoing selection shapes the genomes of livestock breeds. Identifying such signatures of selection allows for uncovering the genetic bases of affected phenotypes, including economically important traits and environmental adaptations, for the further improvement of breed genetics to respond to climate and economic challenges. Turano-Mongolian cattle are a group of taurine breeds known for their adaptation to extreme environmental conditions and outstanding production performance. Buryat Turano-Mongolian cattle are among the few breeds adapted to cold climates and poor forage. Wagyu, on the other hand, is famous for high productivity and unique top-quality marbled meat. We used hapFLK, the de-correlated composite of multiple signals (DCMS), PBS, and FST methods to search for signatures of selection in their genomes. The scans revealed signals in genes related to cold adaptation (e.g., STAT3, DOCK5, GSTM3, and CXCL8) and food digestibility (SI) in the Buryat breed, and growth and development traits (e.g., RBFOX2 and SHOX2) and marbling (e.g., DGAT1, IQGAP2, RSRC1, and DIP2B) in Wagyu. Several putatively selected genes associated with reproduction, immunity, and resistance to pathogens were found in both breed genomes. The results of our work could be used for creating new productive adapted breeds or improving the extant breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific interactions are highly relevant in the potential transmission of shared pathogens in multi‐host systems. In recent decades, several technologies have been developed to study pathogen transmission, such as proximity loggers, GPS tracking devices and/or camera traps. Despite the diversity of methods aimed at detecting contacts, the analysis of transmission risk is often reduced to contact rates and the probability of transmission given the contact. However, the latter process is continuous over time and unique for each contact, and is influenced by the characteristics of the contact and the pathogen's relationship with both the host and the environment. Our objective was to assess whether a more comprehensive approach, using a movement‐based model which assigns a unique transmission risk to each contact by decomposing transmission into contact formation, contact duration and host characteristics, could reveal disease transmission dynamics that are not detected with more traditional approaches. The model was built from GPS‐collar data from two management systems in Spain where animal tuberculosis (TB) circulates: a national park with extensively reared endemic cattle, and an area with extensive free‐range pigs and cattle farms. In addition, we evaluated the effect of the GPS device fix rate on the performance of the model. Different transmission dynamics were identified between both management systems. Considering the specific conditions under which each contact occurs (i.e. whether the contact is direct or indirect, its duration, the hosts characteristics, the environmental conditions, etc.) resulted in the identification of different transmission dynamics compared to using only contact rates. We found that fix intervals greater than 30 min in the GPS tracking data resulted in missed interactions, and intervals greater than 2 h may be insufficient for epidemiological purposes. Our study shows that neglecting the conditions under which each contact occurs may result in a misidentification of the real role of each species in disease transmission. This study describes a clear and repeatable framework to study pathogen transmission from GPS data and provides further insights to understand how TB is maintained in multi‐host systems in Mediterranean environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mastitis is a disease that incurs significant costs in the dairy industry. A promising approach to mitigate its negative effects is to genetically improve the resistance of dairy cattle to mastitis. A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) across multiple breeds for clinical mastitis (CM) and its indicator trait, somatic cell score (SCS), is a powerful method to identify functional genetic variants that impact mastitis resistance. Results: We conducted meta-analyses of eight and fourteen GWAS on CM and SCS, respectively, using 30,689 and 119,438 animals from six dairy cattle breeds. Methods for the meta-analyses were selected to properly account for the multi-breed structure of the GWAS data. Our study revealed 58 lead markers that were associated with mastitis incidence, including 16 loci that did not overlap with previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL), as curated at the Animal QTLdb. Post-GWAS analysis techniques such as gene-based analysis and genomic feature enrichment analysis enabled prioritization of 31 candidate genes and 14 credible candidate causal variants that affect mastitis. Conclusions: Our list of candidate genes can help to elucidate the genetic architecture underlying mastitis resistance and provide better tools for the prevention or treatment of mastitis, ultimately contributing to more sustainable animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chiari malformation type II (CMII) was originally reported in humans as a rare disorder characterized by the downward herniation of the hindbrain and towering cerebellum. The congenital brain malformation is usually accompanied by spina bifida, a congenital spinal anomaly resulting from incomplete closure of the dorsal aspect of the spinal neural tube, and occasionally by other lesions. A similar disorder has been reported in several animal species, including cattle, particularly as a congenital syndrome. A cause of congenital syndromic Chiari-like malformation (CSCM) in cattle has not been reported to date. We collected a series of 14 CSCM-affected Holstein calves (13 purebred, one Red Danish Dairy F1 cross) and performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS). WGS was performed on 33 cattle, including eight cases with parents (trio-based; group 1), three cases with one parent (group 2), and three single cases (solo-based; group 3). Results: Sequencing-based genome-wide association study of the 13 Holstein calves with CSCM and 166 controls revealed no significantly associated genome region. Assuming a single Holstein breed-specific recessive allele, no region of shared homozygosity was detected suggesting heterogeneity. Subsequent filtering for protein-changing variants that were only homozygous in the genomes of the individual cases allowed the identification of two missense variants affecting different genes, SHC4 in case 4 in group 1 and WDR45B in case 13 in group 3. Furthermore, these two variants were only observed in Holstein cattle when querying WGS data of > 5,100 animals. Alternatively, potential de novo mutational events were assessed in each case. Filtering for heterozygous private protein-changing variants identified one DYNC1H1 frameshift variant as a candidate causal dominant acting allele in case 12 in group 3. Finally, the presence of larger structural DNA variants and chromosomal abnormalities was investigated in all cases. Depth of coverage analysis revealed two different partial monosomies of chromosome 2 segments in cases 1 and 7 in group 1 and a trisomy of chromosome 12 in the WDR45B homozygous case 13 in group 3. Conclusions: This study presents for the first time a detailed genomic evaluation of CSCM in Holstein cattle and suggests an unexpected genetic and allelic heterogeneity considering the mode of inheritance, as well as the type of variant. For the first time, we propose candidate causal variants that may explain bovine CSCM in a certain proportion of affected calves. We present cattle as a large animal model for human CMII and propose new genes and genomic variants as possible causes for related diseases in both animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Türkiye is exposed to international animal and semen movements. For this reason, Türkiye is very affected by diseases and hereditary disorders. State Farms is a state organization that raises and distributes breeding cattle. This study was aimed at investigating the presence and distribution of mutant alleles causing cholesterol deficiency (CD) disorder in Holstein cattle on state farms. For this purpose, blood and sperm samples were collected from 466 Holstein cattle. The real-time PCR method was used for genotyping. A total of seven cattle were found to be heterozygous. The frequency of the mutant allele was determined to be 0.75%. The kinship of four cattle carrying the mutant allele with Mauglin Storm, the bull in which this disease was first detected, was determined. The presence of cattle carrying the mutant allele in Türkiye is quite low compared to other countries. The Apolipoprotein-B (APOB) mutant allele was found at low frequencies and detected for the first time at the State Farms in Türkiye. Therefore, it is necessary to develop control programs by screening other Holstein herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematological parameters refer to the assessment of changes in the number and distribution of blood cells, including leukocytes (LES), erythrocytes (ERS), and platelets (PLS), which are essential for the early diagnosis of hematological system disorders and other systemic diseases in livestock. In this context, the primary objectives of this study were to investigate the genomic background of 19 hematological parameters in Holstein cattle, focusing on LES, ERS, and PLS blood components. Genetic and phenotypic (co)variances of hematological parameters were calculated based on the average information restricted maximum likelihood method and 1,610 genotyped individuals and 5,499 hematological parameter records from 4,543 cows. Furthermore, we assessed the genetic relationship between these hematological parameters and other economically important traits in dairy cattle breeding programs. We also carried out genome-wide association studies and candidate gene analyses. Blood samples from 21 primiparous cows were used to identify candidate genes further through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses. Hematological parameters generally exhibited low-to-moderate heritabilities ranging from 0.01 to 0.29, with genetic correlations between them ranging from −0.88 ± 0.09 (between mononuclear cell ratio and lymphocyte cell ratio) to 0.99 ± 0.01 (between white blood cell count and granulocyte cell count). Furthermore, low-to-moderate approximate genetic correlations between hematological parameters with one longevity, 4 fertility, and 5 health traits were observed. One hundred ninety-nine significant SNP located primarily on the Bos taurus autosomes (BTA) BTA4, BTA6, and BTA8 were associated with 16 hematological parameters. Based on the RNA-seq analyses, 6,687 genes were significantly downregulated and 4,119 genes were upregulated when comparing 2 groups of cows with high and low phenotypic values. By integrating genome-wide association studies (GWAS), RNA-seq, and previously published results, the main candidate genes associated with hematological parameters in Holstein cattle were ACRBP , ADAMTS3 , CANT1 , CCM2L , CNN3 , CPLANE1 , GPAT3 , GRIP2 , PLAGL2 , RTL6 , SOX4 , WDFY3 , and ZNF614. Hematological parameters are heritable and moderately to highly genetically correlated among themselves. The large number of candidate genes identified based on GWAS and RNA-seq indicate the polygenic nature and complex genetic determinism of hematological parameters in Holstein cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Johne's disease (JD) is an infectious enteric disease in ruminants, causing substantial economic loss annually worldwide. This work aimed to estimate JD's genetic parameters and the phenotypic and genetic trends by incorporating recent data. It also explores the feasibility of a national genetic evaluation for JD susceptibility in Holstein cattle in the United States. The data were extracted from a JD data repository, maintained at the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, and initially supplied by 2 dairy record processing centers. The data comprised 365,980 Holstein cows from 1,048 herds participating in a voluntary control program for JD. Two protocol kits, IDEXX Paratuberculosis Screening Ab Test (IDX) and Parachek 2 (PCK), were used to analyze milk samples with the ELISA technique. Test results from the first 5 parities were considered. An animal was considered infected if it had at least one positive outcome. The overall average of JD incidence was 4.72% in these US Holstein cattle. Genotypes of 78,964 SNP markers were used for 25,000 animals randomly selected from the phenotyped population. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated based on 3 models, namely, a pedigree-only threshold model (THR), a single-step threshold model (ssTHR), and a single-step linear model (ssLR). The posterior heritability estimates of JD susceptibility were low to moderate: 0.11 to 0.16 based on the 2 threshold models and 0.05 to 0.09 based on the linear model. The average reliability of EBVs of JD susceptibility using single-step analysis for animals with or without phenotypes varied from 0.18 (THR) to 0.22 (ssLR) for IDX and from 0.14 (THR) to 0.18 (ssTHR and ssLR) for PCK. Despite no prior direct genetic selection against JD, the estimated genetic trends of JD susceptibility were negative and highly significant. The correlations of bulls' PTA with economically important traits such as milk yield, milk protein, milk fat, somatic cell score, and mastitis were low, indicating a nonoverlapping genetic selection process with traits in current genetic evaluations. Our results suggest the feasibility of reducing the JD incidence rate by incorporating it into the national genetic evaluation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying genome-enabled methods that provide more accurate genomic prediction is crucial when evaluating complex traits such as dairy cow behavior. In this study, we aimed to compare the predictive performance of traditional genomic prediction methods and deep learning algorithms for genomic prediction of milking refusals (MREF) and milking failures (MFAIL) in North American Holstein cows measured by automatic milking systems (milking robots). A total of 1,993,509 daily records from 4,511 genotyped Holstein cows were collected by 36 milking robot stations. After quality control, 57,600 SNPs were available for the analyses. Four genomic prediction methods were considered: Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), multiple layer perceptron (MLP), convolutional neural network (CNN), and GBLUP. We implemented the first 3 methods using the Keras and TensorFlow libraries in Python (v.3.9) but the GBLUP method was implemented using the BLUPF90+ family programs. The accuracy of genomic prediction (mean square error) for MREF and MFAIL was 0.34 (0.08) and 0.27 (0.08) based on LASSO, 0.36 (0.09) and 0.32 (0.09) for MLP, 0.37 (0.08) and 0.30 (0.09) for CNN, and 0.35 (0.09) and 0.31(0.09) based on GBLUP, respectively. Additionally, we observed a lower reranking of top selected individuals based on the MLP versus CNN methods compared with the other approaches for both MREF and MFAIL. Although the deep learning methods showed slightly higher accuracies than GBLUP, the results may not be sufficient to justify their use over traditional methods due to their higher computational demand and the difficulty of performing genomic prediction for nongenotyped individuals using deep learning procedures. Overall, this study provides insights into the potential feasibility of using deep learning methods to enhance genomic prediction accuracy for behavioral traits in livestock. Further research is needed to determine their practical applicability to large dairy cattle breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the stress-inducible isoform of the heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90), the HSP90AA1 gene encodes HSP90α and plays an important role in heat stress (HS) response. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of the HSP90AA1 gene in cellular responses during HS and to identify functional SNPs associated with thermotolerance in Holstein cattle. For the in vitro validation experiment of acute HS, cells from the Madin-Darby bovine kidney cell line were exposed to 42°C for 1 h, and various parameters were assessed, including cell apoptosis, cell autophagy, and the cellular functions of HSP90α by using its inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG). Furthermore, the polymorphisms identified in the HSP90AA1 gene and their functions related to HS were validated in vitro. Acute HS exposure induced cell apoptosis, cell autophagy, and upregulated expression of the HSP90AA1 gene. Inhibition of HSP90α by 17-AAG treatment had a significant effect on the expression of the HSP90α protein and increased cell apoptosis. However, autophagy decreased in comparison to the control treatment when cells were exposed to 42°C for 1 h. Five SNPs identified in the HSP90AA1 gene were significantly associated with rectal temperature and respiration score in Holstein cows, in which the rs109256957 SNP is located in the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the 3′ UTR of HSP90AA1 is a direct target of bta-miR-1224 by cell transfection with exogenous microRNA (miRNA) mimic and inhibitor. The luciferase assays revealed that the SNP rs109256957 affects the regulation of bta-miR-1224 binding activity and alters the expression of the HSP90AA1 gene. Heat stress–induced HSP90AA1 expression maintains cell survival by inhibiting cell apoptosis and increasing cell autophagy. The rs109256957 located in the 3′ UTR region is a functional variation and it affects the HSP90AA1 expression by altering its binding activity with bta-miR-1224, thereby associating with the physiological parameters of Holstein cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dairy cattle industry has witnessed significant advancements in production traits, including milk yield, reproduction, and health, through decades of breeding efforts. Despite these improvements, cow health and milk hygiene remain essential. High immune response (HIR) technology identifies cattle with optimized immune responses, enabling the selection of bulls with high immune responses for breeding. Studies indicate that HIR-based breeding improves animal health without compromising production traits. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of bulls with a high immune response in improving milk yield, milk contents, and somatic cell count in the milk of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. A total of 11,509 cows of the Polish Holstein-Friesian breed were used. Among those, 1,773 animals were the offspring of HIR bulls, including 926 first-generation offspring (called I50 group) and 847 second-generation offspring (I25 group). There were 9,736 animals unrelated to HIR bulls (I0 group). Selected production and functional traits were analyzed. The results show that cows with higher kinship to HIR bulls showed increased milk yield. However, their milk exhibited lower fat, protein, and casein content. A favorable impact of HIR bulls was demonstrated by the decrease in somatic cell count in their offspring's milk compared to the milk of cows from the I0 group. This research contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of using HIR bulls in dairy cattle breeding programs, emphasizing the importance of balancing production traits with health considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: In tropical conditions. modeling the predictive parameters of live weight, including those at birth, pre-weaning, post-weaning, finishing, and maturing, and the average daily gain, is challenging. The heat load significantly influences the growth rate and final mature weights in the tropics. The study compared the growth rates of Kedah-Kelantan (KK), Brahman (BRAH), and Belgian Blue (BB) crossbred calves. Materials and Methods: The study conducted growth analysis using the non-linear regression growth models as it approximates the sex, breed, and growth physiology changes in beef cattle. It is supported by the utility of the most common growth functions (Brody, Logistic, von Bertalanffy, and Richard's model) in normal-muscled tropical breeds and double-muscled crossbred beef cattle in the tropics. Results: The BB crossbreds outperformed the KK and BRAH breeds by 50%-100% in live weight gains under tropical conditions. The crossbreds display the double-muscled effect and highlight the advantages of heterosis, making them suitable for upgrading local herds. The study's findings on the growth characteristics of BB crossbred cattle were best described by the von Bertalanffy growth model, which had a high coefficient of determination (R² > 0.8) and yielded estimated mature weights of 527.5 kg for males and 518.5 kg for females. Conclusion: According to results, raising BB crossbreds in the tropics as a solution to ensure a sustainable beef supply could yield significant growth and economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indicine cattle breeds are adapted to the tropical climate, and their coat plays an important role in this process. Coat color influences thermoregulation and the adhesion of ectoparasites and may be associated with productive and reproductive traits. Furthermore, coat color is used for breed qualification, with breeders preferring certain colors. The Gir cattle is characterized by a wide variety of coat colors. Therefore, we performed genome-wide association studies to identify candidate genes for coat color in Gir cattle. Different phenotype scenarios were considered in the analyses and regions were identified on eight chromosomes. Some regions and many candidate genes are influencing coat color in the Gir cattle, which was found to be a polygenic trait. The candidate genes identified have been associated with white spotting patterns and base coat color in cattle and other species. In addition, a possible epistatic effect on coat color determination in the Gir cattle was suggested. This is the first published study that identified genomic regions and listed candidate genes associated with coat color in Gir cattle. The findings provided a better understanding of the genetic architecture of the trait in the breed and will allow to guide future fine-mapping studies for the development of genetic markers for selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present methods for estimating inbreeding and inbreeding effects using genome data and to give an overview of previous results in dairy cattle populations. Arrays with 50,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) evenly distributed across the genome are predominantly used in cattle population studies. The genome-based methods make it possible to localize the clusters and size of the homozygous segments ("runs of homozygosity", ROH) created by inbreeding on the genome, which enables further analyses of the genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH), the mapping of inbreeding effects, the allele effects in the ROH and the development of the ROH in ancestral generations. Another way to calculate genomic inbreeding coefficients is to use the individual SNPs. This method can lead to an overestimation of genomic inbreeding and inbreeding depression, as homozygous SNP genotypes are not necessarily identical-by-descent. If the ROH clusters and their detrimental effects on the breeding traits in a cattle population are known, then the expected distribution of ROH and their expected effects on performance depression can be predicted for each animal and its progeny. Most studies on genomic inbreeding have been performed in Holstein populations. A 1% increase in FROH was associated with an inbreeding depression in 305-day milk yield of 20 - 61 kg milk, while fat and protein yield showed an inbreeding depression of 1.3 - 1.7 kg and 1.2 - 2.5 kg, respectively. In phenotypic standard deviations of the traits, this corresponds to a decrease of 2.393%, 2.306% and 3.021%. The fertility traits experienced less inbreeding depression with 0.825% of the phenotypic standard deviation in comparison to milk performance. Disease incidences showed inbreeding depression with a 1% increase in FROH by 2.530% of the phenotypic standard deviation. The different lengths of the ROH segments showed very different trends for inbreeding depression depending on the traits and the respective population. The identified ROH regions with significant inbreeding depression were distributed across different chromosomal clusters and the effects varied greatly in size. A concentration on a few chromosomes or clusters was not found for any trait. Only a small number of loci in ROH exhibited pleiotropic effects on inbreeding depression. With the introduction of genomic selection, a faster fixation of loci and higher inbreeding increase occurs. Therefore, efficient inbreeding management is necessary for cattle populations. This can be improved by denser SNP sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing levels of inbreeding with the loss of genetic diversity have been observed since years and are therefore the subject of scientific research for many decades and the resulting consequences for the economically important performance, health and functional traits in dairy cattle breeding. The aim of this study was therefore to review methods and previous findings on inbreeding effects in dairy cattle populations based on pedigree data from the literature. Negative effects of inbreeding (inbreeding depression) are well documented for breeding traits in livestock populations. An increase in the inbreeding coefficient based on pedigree data by 1% was associated with a decrease in the phenotypic trait value by 0.13% of the mean or by 0.59% of the phenotypic standard deviation. A reduction of inbreeding depression (purging) can occur when, as a result of selection, the individuals affected by stronger inbreeding depression in their survival and reproductive rate are increasingly impaired or used less frequently in breeding and thus alleles with negative effects on fitness are lost in the population. If sufficiently deep pedigree data are available, it becomes possible to show effects of reduced inbreeding depression using ancestral inbreeding coefficients. Across all studies, the estimated value for the ancestral inbreeding depression Fa_Kal according to Kalinowski et al. (2000) was -1.272% of the phenotypic standard deviation, for the new inbreeding Fa_New according to Kalinowski et al. (2000) -0.866% of the phenotypic standard deviation and the interaction between F and Fa_Bal (Ballou, 1997) -7.063% of the phenotypic standard deviation. This shows that purging of the inbreeding depression by selection was not detectable for all traits investigated, as the inbreeding depression was higher for ancestral inbreeding than for new inbreeding or the inbreeding depression associated with the interaction of the classical inbreeding coefficient with Fa_Bal. For the 305-day milk yield traits of the cows, there was clear evidence of purging of inbreeding depression in the Holsteins in the Netherlands and a reduction of inbreeding depression in the Holsteins in Ireland. However, for fertility and longevity traits, there was no reduction in inbreeding depression due to selection. It is therefore important to minimize the increase in ancestral and new inbreeding. In this way, a reduction in selection progress through inbreeding depression can also be prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Arginine is an important amino acid for cattle, as it can help improve their immune response and the amount of fat in their meat. However, when arginine is given to cattle through their food, bacteria in their stomach can use it up before it has a chance to benefit the animal. In a recent study, researchers looked into whether adding a special protective coating to the arginine, using carnauba wax, could change the color, tenderness, and fat content of beef in three different breeds of heifers. We found that adding this protected arginine to the cattle's diet made the meat redder, more tender, and fattier after it was aged for 28 days. However, we also found that the breed of the cattle had a big impact on these qualities, with meat from Angus cattle being the most tender, even though it had slightly less fat compared to Hereford or Angus × Hereford crossbreeds. Hence, we concluded that both the protected arginine and the breed of the cattle can affect the quality of the beef. The objective of this exploratory study was to assess if microencapsulated arginine influences the physicochemical quality of beef. The study included three genetic groups: Angus, Hereford, and Angus × Hereford crossbreed. Two encapsulation systems were used with carnauba wax, at ratios of 3:1 and 2:1, carnauba wax:core (arginine), respectively. A control treatment was also included with no arginine addition. Encapsulated arginine with a 3:1 ratio increased redness by 19.66 at 28 d aged beef compared to the control and 2:1 ratio with values of 18.55 and 16.77, respectively (p = 0.01). Encapsulated arginine at a 3:1 ratio showed the lowest meat shear force values with 24.32 N at 28 d of ageing (p < 0.001). The Angus breed also had a low value of 24.02 N (p < 0.001). Finally, the highest values of intramuscular fat were observed with the inclusion of arginine in a 3:1 ratio. The fat value reached 2.12% with a 3:1 ratio (p = 0.002), while in the Angus breed it was 1.59%. The addition of carnauba wax-encapsulated arginine can improve meat quality. It enhances red color, tenderness, and marbling in bovine meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted during 2023 (January--October), at Embryo transfer and in-vitro fertilization project, Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Korutla, Jagitial district, Telangana, India. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Follicle Stimulating Hormone stimulation on In-Vitro Fertilization rates with sexed semen in-vitro matured oocytes collected from Sahiwal cows via Ovum Pick-Up procedure. Irrespective of the estrus cycle, 20 non-lactating cows were divided into two equal groups. Animals in group 1 (non-stimulated, n=10) were subjected to ovum pick-up once at the random stage of the estrous cycle. Animals in group 2 (FSH Stimulated, n=10) were put under CIDR+FSH super stimulation protocol and subjected to OPU after 36 hours of coasting period. Viable oocytes were in-vitro fertilized using sexed-sorted semen after 24 hours of in-vitro maturation. Follicle stimulating hormone stimulation increased the secondary polar body extrusion rate (non-stimulated, 69.10±2.00% vs FSH stimulated, 79.84±1.55%), cleavage rate on day 1(non-stimulated, 60.69±3.04% vs FSH stimulated, 69.10±2.26%), cleavage rate on day 3 (non-stimulated, 35.62±3.32 vs FSH stimulated, 43.59±1.90), mean number of in-vitro produced blastocysts animal-1 (non-stimulated, 1.50±0.16 vs. FSH-treated, 4.10±0.23%) and blastocyst conversion rate (non-stimulated, 23.98±2.39% vs FSH-treated, 34.35±3.42%). We concluded that FSH stimulation was effective in improving In-vitro oocyte competence for embryo production in nonlactating Sahiwal cows with sexed semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inbreeding depression results in a decrease in the average phenotypic values of affected traits. It has been traditionally estimated from pedigree‐based inbreeding coefficients. However, with the development of single‐nucleotide polymorphism arrays, novel methods were developed for calculating the inbreeding coefficient, and consequently, inbreeding depression. The aim of the study was to analyse inbreeding depression in 6 growth and 2 reproductive traits in the Asturiana de los Valles cattle breed using both genealogical and molecular information. The pedigree group comprised 225,848 records and an average equivalent number of complete generations of 2.3. The molecular data comprised genotypes of 2693 animals using the Affymetrix medium‐density chip. Using the pedigree information, three different inbreeding coefficients were estimated for the genotyped animals: the full pedigree coefficient (FPED), and the recent and ancient inbreeding coefficients based on the information of the last three generations (FPED<3G) and until the last three generations (FPED>3G), respectively. Using the molecular data, seven inbreeding coefficients were calculated. Four of them were estimated based on runs of homozygosity (ROH), considering (1) the total length (FROH), (2) segments shorter than 4 megabases (FROH<4), (3) between 4 and 17 megabases (FROH4‐17), and (4) longer than 17 Mb (FROH>17). Additionally, the three inbreeding coefficients implemented in the Plink software (FHAT1‐3) were estimated. Inbreeding depression was estimated using linear mixed‐effects model with inbreeding coefficients used as covariates. All analysed traits (birth weight, preweaning average daily gain, weaning weight adjusted at 180 days, carcass weight, calving ease, age at first calving, calving interval) showed a statistically significant non‐zero effect of inbreeding depression estimated from the pedigree group, except for the Postweaning Average Daily Gain trait. When inbreeding coefficients were based on the genomic group, statistically significant inbreeding depression was observed for two traits, Preweaning Average Daily Gain and Weaning Weight based on FROH, FROH>17, and FHAT3 inbreeding coefficients. Nevertheless, similar to inbreeding depression estimated based on pedigree information, estimates of inbreeding depression based on genomic information had no relevant economic impact. Despite this, from a long‐term perspective, genotyped data could be included to maximize genetic progress in genetic programs following an optimal genetic contribution strategy and to consider individual inbreeding load instead global inbreeding. ROH islands were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 8, 10, and 16. Such regions contain several candidate genes for growth development, intramuscular fat, body weight and lipid metabolism that are related to production traits selected in Asturiana de los Valles breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bos taurus is known for its tolerance of coarse grains, adaptability, high temperature, humidity, and disease resistance. Primarily, cattle are raised for their meat and milk, and pinpointing genes associated with traits relevant to meat production can enhance their overall productivity. The aim of this study was to identify the genome, analyze the evolution, and explore the function of the Pax gene family in B. taurus to provide a new molecular target for breeding in meat-quality-trait cattle. In this study, 44 Pax genes were identified from the genome database of five species using bioinformatics technology, indicating that the genetic relationships of bovids were similar. The Pax3 and Pax7 protein sequences of the five animals were highly consistent. In general, the Pax gene of the buffalo corresponds to the domestic cattle. In summary, there are differences in affinity between the Pax family genes of buffalo and domestic cattle in the Pax1/9, Pax2/5/8, Pax3/7, and Pax4/6 subfamilies. We believe that Pax1/9 has an effect on the growth traits of buffalo and domestic cattle. The Pax3/7 gene is conserved in the evolution of buffalo and domestic animals and may be a key gene regulating the growth of B. taurus. The Pax2/5/8 subfamily affects coat color, reproductive performance, and milk production performance in cattle. The Pax4/6 subfamily had an effect on the milk fat percentage of B. taurus. The results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the evolutionary, structural, and functional characteristics of the Pax family members of B. taurus and for molecular genetics and the breeding of meat-production B. taurus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unbalanced relations between all participants of the food chain in the dairy business hinder the development of the livestock sector. Implementation of cluster policy in dairy cattle breeding enables the development of a competitive reference standard using benchmarking analysis. For the full and comprehensive development of the dairy cluster, it is necessary to observe organisational independence to meet the economic interests of all participants. The developed mechanism acts as the basis of a new area of economic analysis that measures synergetic results possible only within the framework of cluster system economic interaction in dairy cattle breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the experiences of Carlos Alberto Benítez Vázquez, a resident of San Pedro, Paraguay, who identifies as a Germanino. Carlos discusses his involvement in revolutionary movements against the dictatorship and the challenges faced by farming communities in Paraguay. He emphasizes the importance of family agriculture and the need for agricultural cooperatives to compete with agribusiness. Carlos also highlights the role of organizations like Comité de Iglesias in assisting campesinos with land acquisition and improving crop production. The article concludes by discussing the history and challenges of cooperativism in Nueva Germania, Paraguay, and the author's efforts to develop a new cooperative focused on milk production and commercialization called "SOStenible." [Extracted from the article]

Cultivated meat refers to edible meat obtained by proliferating cells without killing livestock in a laboratory. The selection of donor animals is a crucial factor for efficient cell culture production. Hanwoo is a native Korean taurine cattle breed raised as livestock in Korea since before 2000 B.C. Cells isolated from Hanwoo, which has little genetic diversity, are expected to be advantageous in cell culture because of the existence of fewer individual differences. However, cells collected from Hanwoo are in a state where efficient culture conditions have not been established. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of mimicking an in vivo environment on the proliferation and differentiation of Hanwoo muscle satellite cells. The culture conditions consisted of CON (37°C/20% O2), T1 (37°C/2% O2), T2 (39°C/20% O2), and T3 (39°C/2% O2). Cell numbers decreased and expression levels of PAX7 and MYF5 decreased at a temperature of 39°C (p < 0.05). Conversely, 2% oxygen increased the number of cells and expression levels of PAX7 and MYF5 (p < 0.05). A temperature of 39°C inhibited the proliferation of Hanwoo muscle satellite cells by reducing the expression of PAX7 and MYF5 (p < 0.05). Conversely, 2% oxygen promoted the proliferation of Hanwoo muscle satellite cells by enhancing the expression of PAX7 and MYF5 (p < 0.05). During differentiation, a temperature of 39°C improved the myotube area and fusion index (p < 0.05). The RT-qPCR and Western blotting results revealed that a culture temperature of 39°C increased expression levels of the MYH2 gene and DES and MYOG proteins (p < 0.05). Additionally, an interactive condition increased expression levels of MYOD1, DES, and MYOG genes (p < 0.05). These results indicated that a temperature of 39°C promoted the differentiation of Hanwoo muscle satellite cells by increasing DES and MYOG protein expression. Thus, the production of cultivated meat using Hanwoo muscle satellite cells is expected to be efficient under 2% oxygen for proliferation and 39°C for differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Introducing crossbred cattle in both lowland and highland regions is anticipated to enhance the productivity of indigenous breeds. Tropical environments present challenges such as acclimatization problems and decreased productivity. This study aims to test the influence of the interaction between genetic factors (crossbred cattle and local breeds) and environmental factors. This study is unique in its contribution of valuable insights into the potential interplay between tropical climate conditions and the genetic makeup of crossbred cattle. It sheds light on how this interaction influences the physiological and reproductive capabilities of the cattle, as well as the alterations in reproductive hormone secretion within this specific population. The results will serve as the main consideration for the development of crossbred cattle in tropical climates. METHODS: A fully randomized design incorporating three variables was employed in this study: altitude (highland and lowland), cattle breed (crossbred and local), and observation time. The study involved 357 cattle: 116 crossbred in the lowland, 67 crossbred in the highland, 93 local breed in the lowland, and 81 local breed in the highland. The environmental conditions, physiological status, hormone concentration, and reproductive performance were all part of the observations. Data was gathered every other day during each month, except for the hormone data, which was collected based on the oestrus cycle. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was utilized to analyze hormone concentrations. The data was analyzed using factorial patterns with SPSS 26, with Duncan's multiple-range test analysis. FINDINGS: The main finding of this study indicates that altitude influences the genetic traits of cattle relevant to the journal's scope. Variations in altitude and breed significantly affect physiological parameters such as sweating rate, respiration, and pulse frequency, as well as hormone levels including follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Furthermore, reproductive metrics such as days open, service per conception, and calving interval are also impacted. The interaction between altitude, breed, and observation time, significantly affected physiological status, hormone concentration, and reproductive performances. In cattle with high body weight, the peak sweating rate occurs at 08:00 post meridiem -- 02:00 ante meridiem (21.83-27.92 second per centimeter square); while the low body weight occurs at 12:00 ante meridiem -- 06:00 ante meridiem (16.92-32.68 seconds per square meter). Crossbred cattle in lowland areas and at 02:00 ante meridiem -- 02:00 post meridiem have the highest respiratory frequency (59.08-63.29 times per minutes), and during the day have the highest pulse rate (69.43 times per minutes). During peak estrus, crossbred cattle in highland areas demonstrate increased concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (15.82 ng/mL) and luteinizing hormone (70.91 ng/mL). Crossbred cattle in the lowlands have longer days open (5.75 months), higher service per conception (1.62 times), and longer calving intervals (15.94 months). CONCLUSION: Crossbred cattle reared in lowland settings may encounter a decline in both physiological and reproductive capabilities, while indigenous cattle have the ability to adapt, resulting in superior physiological and reproductive performance compared to crossbred cattle. The physiology and reproduction of cattle are shaped by genetic factors and the tropical environment, including 1) Genetic influence, 2). Adaptation to altitude and climate, 3) Stress zones and breed differences, 4) Body temperature, 5) Reproductive performance,6) Hormone concentrations. It is recommended that the development of crossbred cattle be carried out in the highlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate rumen fermentation parameters influenced by both the graz¬ing system and breed. Materials and Methods: A 2 × 2 factorial design was employed, involving 40 cows with matched age, parity, and physiological status. The cows were evenly divided between Bonsmara and Nguni breeds, as well as communal and commercial grazing systems. Rumen fluid samples were collected and analyzed for parameters including ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, temperature, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Results: Nguni cows exhibited significantly higher ruminal NH3-N levels (p < 0.05) compared to Bonsmara, ranging from 69.05 to 96.78 mg/l. Commercial grazing demonstrated significantly higher NH3-N concentrations (p < 0.05) than communal grazing. Ruminal pH, temperature, total VFAs, and specific VFAs (Iso-butyrate, valeric, and iso-valeric) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). However, total VFAs were slightly lower in communal grazing (78.87 mmol/l) than in commercial grazing (89.80 mmol/l). Acetate, propionate, butyrate, and the acetate to propionate ratio did not display significant differences (p > 0.05) between breeds but varied between grazing systems. Communal systems had higher acetate and acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.05), while commercial systems showed higher propionate and butyrate levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Grazing conditions significantly influenced rumen fermentation parameters, irrespec¬tive of breed. Further research is necessary to explore the relationship between forage conditions, diversity, and rumen fermentation within different grazing systems. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 349-355]