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This study was made to investigate the relations between day old chick length and body weight in broiler, quail and layer chicks. Day old chicks in all kind of poultry were assessed based on length as short, middle and long by measuring the length of stretched chick from the tip of the beak to tip of the middle toe using a ruler. Then, they were weighed. There was a significant positive correlation between the day old chick length and body weight in all groups in broiler and quail chicks. The body weight and chick length uniformity in long groups in all poultry was better than the short groups. In a conclusion, measuring body length may be a useful tool to estimate growth potential rather than using hatch body weight., Bu çalışma günlük yaştaki broyler, bıldıcın ve yumurta tavuğu civcivlerinde canlı ağırlk ve beden uzunluğu arasındaki ilişkileri araştırmak amacı ile yapılmıştır. Günlük yaştaki civcivler beden uzunluklarına göre kısa, orta ve uzun olarak üç gruba ayrılmış, canlı ağırlıkları belirlenmiştir. Beden uzunluğu yatay bir düzlem üzerine uzunlamasına yatırılan civcivin gaga ucundan orta parmak ucuna kadar bir cetvel ile ölçülerek belirlenmiştir. Broyler ve bıldırcın civcivlerinde bütün gruplarda beden uzunluğu ve canlı ağırlık arasında önemli düzeyde pozitif bir korelasyon saptanmış, canlı ağırlık ve beden uzunluğu yönünden bir örneklik uzun gruplarda daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Çalışmada günlük yaştaki civcivlerde canlı ağırlık yerine beden uzunluğunun büyüme potansiyelini belirleme amacı ile kullanılabileceği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır

Heat stress is effecting both production and functional traits in dairy cattle. Heat stress became a major concern for dairy cattle breeders, as a result of global warming. Effects of heat stres is being felt more especially at intensive cattle farms in Turkey. Dry matter intake decreases under heat stress conditions which is a major factor of decline in milk yield. And also, under the effect of heat stres somatic cell count of milk increases, several diseases becomes more common (mastitis and lameness) and milk quality becomes worse thus it causes direct and indirect costs to breeders. The effects of heat stres becomes more prominent under the conditions of high humidity and ambient temperature because of the less effective evaporative heat loss. Cows are being affected more from heat stres when the night time ambient temperature is high. As a result of current selection programes, dairy cattle will have more milk production, consume more feed and more heavier than today which will result a decrease in heat tolerance. In this review, it is aimed to give knowledge on heat stres and its relationship with production traits and methods to decrease its effects on dairy cattle., Son yıllarda, süt sığırı yetiştiriciliğinde hem verim özellikleri hem de fonksiyonel özellikler sıcak stresinden artan oranda ve olumsuz yönde etkilendiği görülmektedir. Son yıllarda artan küresel sıcaklıklar ile birlikte tüm dünyadaki oldukça önemli bir konu haline gelmiştir. Ülkemizde de, süt sığırı yetiştiriciliğinin sıklıkla yapıldığı (Marmara, Ege, Akdeniz, Güneydoğu Anadolu) bölgelerde sıcak stresinin etkisi yoğun bir şekilde hissedilmektedir. Sıcak stresinin temel etkisi; yem tüketiminin azalması, verim özelliklerindeki düşüş ve bazı yetiştiricilik hastalıklarının görülme sıklığının artması şeklinde karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Ayak hastalıkları ve mastitis gibi hastalıkların daha sık görülmesi ve süt kalitesini belirleyen faktörlerden biri olan somatik hücre sayısındaki artış ile buna bağlı olarak süt kalitesinin bozulması gibi yetiştiriciye doğrudan ve dolaylı birçok zararı olmaktadır. Çevre sıcaklıkları ve nem oranının yıl boyunca yüksek olduğu bölgelerde (Marmara, Ege ve Akdeniz) sıcak stresi etkileri daha sık ve yoğun bir şekilde görülür. Yüksek sıcaklıklara, yüksek nem oranının da eşlik ettiği bölgelerde yetiştirilen ineklerde terleme yolu ile ısı kaybı mekanizmasının da etkinliğini kaybetmesi sonucu sıcak stresinin etkisi daha belirgin bir şekilde görülmektedir. Gündüzleri yüksek düzeyde sıcak stresine maruz kalan inekler gece boyunca sıcaklıkların uygun düzeye düştüğü durumlarda sıcak stresinin etkilerini tolare edebilirler. Ancak, gece sıcaklıklarının da yüksek olduğu durumlarda inekler sıcak stresinden daha fazla etkilenirler. Son yıllarda yapılan çalışmalarda, sıcak stresinin etkilerinin azaltılmasında etkili olabilecek genler araştırılmaktadır. Bu derlemede, süt sığırlarında sıcak stresinin tespitinde kullanılan yöntemler, verim özellikleri ile ilişkisi ve etkilerini azaltma yöntemleri üzerinde durulmuştur.

The relationship between the prepubertal body weight, testicular size, testosterone concentration, and postpubertal reproductive function was investigated in Kıvırcık ram lambs. The body weight, testicular size, and testosterone concentration were measured every 20 days between 60 and 420 days of age. Semen was collected from the ram lambs at 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 months of age. Data obtained were analyzed by best subsets regression model. We determined that body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular length, and testosterone levels in the early prepubertal period (days 80, 100, and 120), when combined with each other, allow the determination of the postpubertal (days 220, 240, 260 and 280) testicular diameter. Body weight and testosterone at prepubertal ages, either alone or in combination with other variables, were related to semen volume at postpubertal ages (at 7, 8, 9, 11, and 14 months of age). It is concluded that there is a significant relation between postpubertal reproduction characteristics and the selection of Kıvırcık ram lambs during the prepubertal period (especially between days 80 and 120) according to body weight, testicular characteristics, and testosterone hormone concentrations. According to the relationship among these characteristics, selection of ram lambs at juvenile ages will improve the effectiveness of the selection and then the economic gain of sheep-breeding operations., Kıvırcık koç kuzularda puberta öncesi vücut ağırlığı, testis ölçümleri, testesteron hormon konsantrasyonu ile puberta sonrası üreme fonksyonları arasındaki ilişki incelendi. Vücut ağırlığı, testis ölçümleri ve testesteron konsantrasyonu 60. günden 420. güne kadar 20 günde bir alınmıştır. Sperma 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 ve 14. aylarda koç kuzulardan toplanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler best subsets regresyon modeline göre analiz edildi. Vücut ağırlığı çoğunlukla sperma motilitesi ve skrotum çevresi ile ilişkili, testesteron ile birlikte kombine edildiğinde puberta sonrasında testis çapı, sperma hacmi ve sperma konsantrasyonu üzerine çok sıkı bir ilişki belirlenmiştir. Bu araştırmada genel olarak Kıvırcık koçlarda puberta öncesi erken dönemde (80, 100 ve 120. günler) canlı ağırlık, skrotum çevresi, testis uzunluğu ve testesteron özellikleri birbirleriyle kombine edildiğinde puberta sonrası dönemde (220, 240, 260 ve 280. günler) testis çapı özelliğini önemli düzeyde belirlediği tespit edilmiştir. Puberta öncesi yaşta canlı ağırlık ve testesteron ya tek başlarına yada diğer değişkenlerle kombine edildiğinde puberta sonrasında (7, 8, 9, 11 ve 14. aylar) sperma hacmi ile ilişkiliydi. Kıvırcık koç kuzularda puberta öncesi dönemde (özellikle 80-120 günler arası) canlı ağırlık, testis özellikleri ve testesteron hormon özelliklerine göre yapılacak seleksiyon ile puberta sonrası üreme özellikleri arasında önemli bir ilişkinin olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır. Bu özellikler arası ilişkiye bağlı olarak koç kuzularda genç yaşta yapılacak seleksiyon ile koyunculuk işletmelerin hem ekonomik karlılığı hem de seleksiyonda isabet derecesi arttırılmış olacaktır.

This study was conducted to investigate effects of shrink film treatment as a covering material (plastic shrink film or without), extended storage (5, 10, 15 or 20 d) and temperature (room or refrigerator) and on inter-nal and external table egg quality. Freshly laid eggs (n:480) were collected, randomized, weighed, pointed out numerically and divided into four groups of 120 eggs to test the length of egg storage treatments for 5, 10, 15 or 20 d. Eggs in each egg storage treatment group were randomized and allocated into two groups (with or without shrink film) of 60 eggs to test the effect of covering material. Then, eggs were stored at room (18-20 ◦C) or re-frigeration (4-6 ◦C) temperature conditions. Significant differences were observed for all internal and external egg quality traits related with the length of storage time and temperature. The internal quality worsened by the prolonged storage particularly when the eggs were stored at room temperature. Shrink film treatment were sig-nificantly affected egg weight loss during storage and yolk index. As conclusion, table eggs should be storage in refrigeration temperatüre with shrink film and shorter time as soon as possible to improve food safety., Bu çalışma polietilen shrink film, depolama süresi uzunluğu (5, 10, 15 ve 20 gün) ile depolama sıcaklığı-nın, oda (18-20◦C) veya buzdolabında (4-6◦C), sofralık yumurtalarda iç ve dış kalite üzerine etkilerini incelemek amacı ile yapılmıştır. Günlük yaşta 480 adet yumurta numaralanıp tartılarak rastgele her birinde eşit sayıda yu-murta yer alacak şekilde dört farklı depolama grubuna dağıtılmıştır. Her depolama grubundaki yumurtaların yarısı shrink film ile ambalajlanarak, yarısı ise ambalajlanmadan oda ve buzdolabı sıcaklığında depolanmışlardır. Çalışmada depolama süresi ve sıcaklığının incelenen tüm iç ve dış kalite özellikleri üzerine etkisi önemli bulun-muştur. Oda sıcaklığında depolanan yumurtalarda iç kalite özellikleri depolama süresinin uzaması ile giderek kötüleşmiştir. Shrink film uygulaması depolama süresince ağırlık kaybı ve sarı indeksi üzerine önemli düzeyde etkili bulunmuştur. Çalışmada gıda güvenliği açısından sofralık yumurtaların polietilen shrink film ile ambalaj-lanmış olarak buzdolabı sıcaklığında mümkün olduğu kadar kısa süreli depolanarak tüketime sunulması gerektiği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

ÖZET Bu çalışma 1997-2002 yıllan arasında Karacabey ve Tahirova Taran İşletmelerinde yetiştirilen Holştayn ineklerin süt verimi yönünden genetik parametrelerinin ve bireysel damızlık değerlerinin en iyi doğrusal yansız tahmin (BLUP) metoduyla tespiti amacıyla yapılmıştır. Pedigri ve hayvanlara ait bilgiler işletmelerdeki soy kütüğü kayıtlarından alınmıştır. Damızlık değerlerinin hesaplanmasında toplam 1004 ineğe ait 1899 îaktasyon kayıtlarından yararlanılarak, 2x305 gün süt verimi esas alınmıştır. 2x305 gün süt verimini etkileyen faktörler olarak buzağılama yılı, buzağılama mevsimi, buzağılama yaşı, buzağılama ayı, Îaktasyon sırası ve sürü incelenmiştir. Genetik parametreler ve bireysel damızlık değerleri MTDFREML ıslah programı ile hesaplanmıştır. Süt verimine ait kalıtım derecesi ve tekrarlama derecesi sırasıyla Karacabey Tarım İşletmesinde 0.13 ve 0.44, Tahirova Tarım İşletmesinde 0.29 ve 0.41 ve her iki işletme bir arada değerlendirildiğinde ise 0. 15 ve 0.43 hesaplanmıştır Süt verimi yönünden damızlık değerindeki toplam değişim, ortalama yıllık genetik ilerleme ve damızlık değeri ortalaması sırasıyla, Karacabey Tarım İşletmesinde 59.2 kg, 1.2 kg/yıl ve 78.5+1 1.7 kg, Tahirova Tarım İşletmesinde 83.5 kg, 40.5 kg/yıl ve 48.3+33.5 kg, Karacabey ve Tahirova Tarım İşletmeleri bir arada değerlendirildiğinde ise 88.2 kg, 1.8 kg/yıl ve 70.6±12.3 kg tespit edilmiştir. Karacabey ve Tahirova Tarım İşletmeleri ayrı ayrı ve bir arada değerlendirilmesi sonucu tespit edilen yıllık genetik ilerleme değerlerinin pozitif eğilimde olmasına karşın, süt verimi yönünden genetik yapının ard arda gelen yıllar itibariyle dalgalı bir seyir izlediği tespit edilmiştir. Buna neden olarak her iki işletmede düvelerin seçiminde, ineklerin ayıklanmasında ve tohumlamada kullanılacak boğaların damızlık değerlerinin göz önüne alınmadığı sadece fenotipik değerlere göre seçim ve ayıklamanın yapıldığı tespit edilmiştir. Damızlık değerlerinin en iyi doğrusal yansız tahmin yöntemi ile hesaplanarak bu değerlere göre seleksiyon ve ayıklamanın yapılması ve verilerin daha düzenli tutulması ile her iki sürüde daha hızlı genetik ilerleme sağlanabilir. Anahtar SSzcfiklen Genetik Parametreler, Damızlık Değeri, BLUP, Holştayn, Süt Verimi. n SUMMARY Application of Best Linear Unbiased Prediction Method To Estimate Breeding Value of Milk Yield for Holstein Herds in Karacabey and Tahirova State Farms. This study was conducted to estimate the genetic parameters and breeding values of milk yield for Holstein cows, which have lactation records between 1997-2002, with BLUP in Karacabey and Tahirova State Farms. Ancestors and animal records were obtained from pedigree files held in farms. Breeding values were estimated according to 2x305 day milk yield records of 1004 cow with 1899 lactation. The factors, calving year, calving season, calving age, calving month, parity and herd, are examined as effecting 2x305 day milk yield. Genetic parameters and breeding values were estimated with MTDFREML. The heritability and repeatability of milk yield were estimated as 0. 13 and 0.44 for Karacabey State Farm, 0.29 and 0.41 for Tahirova State Farm and 0. 15 and 0.43 for Karacabey and Tahirova State farms together, respectively. Total genetic gain, annual genetic gain and mean breeding value were estimated 59.2 kg and 1.2 kg/year and 78.5±1 1.7 kg for Karacabey State Farm, 83.5 kg and 40.5 kg/year and 48.3+33.5 kg for Tahirova State Farm, 88.2 kg, 1.8 kg/year and 70.6±12.3 kg for Karacabey and Tahirova State farms together, respectively. In according to the estimated breeding values for Holsteins in Karacabey and Tahirova State farms separately and together, milk yield has positive genetic trend but it was determined that there is a fluctuation between one after another year. The reason of this is, selection of heifers, culling of cows and the bulls which are used for artificial insemination in these state farms are not selected according to the breeding values and it was determined that selection and culling is made only according to the phenotypic records. As a conclusion estimation of breeding values with Best Linear Unbiased Prediction method and selecting and culling according to these breeding values with a tidy record keeping might help to increase genetic gain in these herds. Key Words: Genetic Parameters, Breeding Value, BLUP, Holstein, Milk Yield. m 76

Küresel ısınma birçok alanda olduğu gibi hayvancılıkta da olumsuz etkiler göstermektedir. Sıcak stresi, ineklerin süt verimi ve döl verimi performansını düşürür bunun yanı sıra hayvan refahını olumsuz şekilde etkiler, önlemler alınmazsa hayvanların ölümüne yol açar. Bu çalışma, Simental ırkı ineklerin sıcak stresi altında süt verimi, döl verimi ve bazı refah parametrelerini incelemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmada 1207 adet Simental ırkı inek kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada incelenen ineklerin, Nisan-Ağustos ayları arasında olan dönemde ve beş farklı sıcaklık-nem indeksi düzeyindeki verim ve aktivite performanslarında değişimi incelenmiş ve aynı zamanda 2020-2021 yılında doğumunu gerçekleştirmiş ve tohumlanan ineklerin döl verimi performansları incelenmiştir. Verilerin analizi SAS 9.4 istatistik programında PROC GLIMMIX prosedürü kullanılarak incelenmiştir. İstatistiksel modelde, parite (1-4), ay (Nisan-Ağustos) ve sıcaklık-nem indeksi (SNİ) düzeyi (1-5) bireysel farklılıklardan kaynaklanan etkiler elemine edilmesi amacıyla inek numarası rastgele faktör olarak modelde göz önüne alınmıştır. Pariteye göre en düşük günlük süt verimi ilk laktasyondaki ineklerde (21,8±0,2 kg/gün), en yüksek süt verimi ise dördüncü laktasyonda olan ineklerde (32,6±0,2 kg/gün) tespit edilmiştir (P0.05) tespit edilmiştir. Pariteye göre en yüksek ruminasyon süresi ikinci laktasyonda, en düşük dördüncü laktasyonda olduğu görülmüştür. Adım sayılarının ise laktasyon sayısı yükseldikce azaldığı tespit edilmiştir. Simental ineklerde, SNİ değeri arttıkça ruminasyon süresinin azaldığı, adım sayısının ve ayakta durma süresinin arttığı tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma sonuçlarında sıcak stresinin Simental ırkında verimleri ve refah düzeyini olumsuz düzeyde etkilediği sonucuna varılmıştır. Global warming has negative effects on livestock as well as in many other areas. Heat stress reduces the milk yield and reproductive performance of cows, and also adversely affects animal welfare, leading to the death of animals if precautions are not taken. The aim of this study was to examine milk yield, fertility and some welfare parameters of Simmental cows under heat stress conditions. In this study, a total of 1207 Simmental cows records were analyzed. The changes in the yield and activity performances of the cows examined in the study between April and August and at five different temperature-humidity index levels were examined, and at the same time, the fertility performances of the cows that gave birth and inseminated in 2020-2021 were also examined. Data analysis was performed using the PROC GLIIMMIX procedure in the SAS 9.4 statistical program. In the statistical model, parity (1-4), month (April-August) and temperature-humidity index (THI) level (1-5) were taken into consideration in the model as a random factor in order to eliminate the effects caused by individual differences. According to the parity, the lowest daily milk yield was found in the first lactation cows (21.8±0.2 kg/day), and the highest milk yield was found in the fourth lactation cows (32.6±0.2 kg/day) (P0.05). According to the parity, the highest rumination time of cows was observed in the second lactation, and the lowest in the fourth lactation. It was determined that the number of steps decreased as the number of lactation increased. It was determined that as the THI value increased, rumination time decreased, the number of steps as a result standing time increased in Simmental cows. It was concluded that heat stress negatively affected the productivity and welfare level of the Simmental cows. Erma Süt Hayvancılık Gıda Sanayı ve Tıcaret Ltd. Şti.

Thermal stress in hot humid conditions limits cattle production. The objectives for this study were to estimate genetic parameters for hair characteristics and core body temperature under low and high temperature humidity index (THI) conditions. Hair samples were collected and measured for length and diameter. Core body temperature was measured as vaginal temperature every 15 min over a 5-d period using an iButton temperature measuring device implanted in a blank CIDR in 336 heifers from the University of Florida multibreed herd (ranging from 100% Angus to 100% Brahman). Restricted maximum likelihood procedures were used to estimate heritabilities from multiple bivariate animal models using the WOMBAT program. Estimates of heritability for hair diameter, undercoat length, topcoat length, body temperature under low THI conditions, and body temperature under high THI conditions were 0.50, 0.67, 0.42, 0.32, and 0.26, respectively. The genetic parameters estimated in this study indicate a large, exploitable genetic variance which can be selected upon to improve tolerance in cattle. Breed effects for differing compositions of Brahman and Angus were also estimated. As Brahman breed composition increased by 25% undercoat length, topcoat length, body temperature under low THI conditions, and body temperature under high THI conditions decreased by 1.32 mm, 2.94 mm, 0.11 degrees C, and 0.14 degrees C, respectively. Under both low and high THI conditions, cattle with 25% Brahman breed composition or greater maintained a significantly lower body temperature than the 100% Angus breed group. The incorporation of Brahman germplasm is recommended for herds that often experience heat stress conditions in order to increase resilience to heat stress. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Here we report a previously undescribed coat color phenotype in Holstein cattle. Larson Blue Holsteins, located on a dairy in south Florida, exhibit a coloration pattern that is similar to that of black and white or red and white Holsteins except that, instead of being black or red, darker regions of the body vary in color from gray to taupe. The Larson Blue phenotype was readily apparent in young calves. The phenotype is not due to inheritance of known mutations causing coat color variation in cattle, including dominant red, Telstar, silver color dilutor, or Dun color. Three variants with moderate effects on the melanophilin (MLPH) gene were identified in 2 Larson blue cows. Despite being lighter in color, there was no difference in daily variation in vaginal temperature between Larson Blue and other Holsteins when recorded during the summer for cows housed in free-stall barns with shade, fans, and sprinklers. Similarly, there was no effect of the Larson Blue phenotype on seasonal variation in milk yield. Therefore, the phenotype confers no advantage in terms of response to heat stress when cattle are housed in facilities with extensive cooling. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture - 68004-20365 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) USDA Agricultural Research Service - 1265-31000-096-00 GeneSeek Sue DeNise Zoetis Animal Genetics U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture NIFA Agricultural Research Service ARS

Bu çalışmada, Karacabey Tarım İşletmesi koşullarında yetiştirilen safkan Arap atlarında gebeliği etkileyen faktörlerin ve tayların büyüme performansının incelenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın materyalini bu kurumda 2000-2011 yılları yetiştirilmekte olan 232 adet Arap atı kısraklarından elde edilen 1437 adet gebelik, tay doğumu ve tay büyüme performanslarına ilişkin kayıtları kullanılmıştır. Gebelik süresi, iki gebelik arası süre, gebelik başına düşen tohumlama sayısı ve ovaryum çapı sırasıyla 337.16±0.25, 375.26±0.54 gün, 3.18±0.04 ve 49.26±0.15 milimetre (mm) olarak bulunmuştur. Tayların doğum, 6 ve 12 aylık ağırlıkları erkek taylar için 47.18±0.79, 206.22±3.10 ve 302.39±3.64 kg ve dişi taylar için 47.14±0.79, 206.08±3.11 ve 302.58±3.65 kg olarak saptanmıştır. Ayrıca, 6 ve 12 aylık tayların cidago yüksekliği erkekler için sırasıyla 125.63±1.14 ve 138.51±1.90 cm ve dişiler için 125.37±1.14 ve 138.03±1.91 cm olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Aynı dönemlerde beden uzunluğu ise erkekler için sırasıyla 129.25±1.22 ve 134.73±1.71 cm ve dişiler için 128.89±1.22 ve 134.30±1.72 cm olarak hesaplanmıştır. Tayların doğum ağırlığı üzerine tohumlama tipi (P

The objectives of this study were to estimate variance components and identify regions of the genome associated with traits related to embryo transfer in Holsteins. Reproductive technologies are used in the dairy industry to increase the reproductive rate of superior females. A drawback of these methods remains the variability of animal responses to the procedures. If some variability can be explained genetically, selection can be used to improve animal response. Data collected from a Holstein dairy farm in Florida from 2008 to 2015 included 926 superovulation records (number of structures recovered and number of good embryos), 628 in vitro fertilization records (number of oocytes collected, number of cleaved embryos, number of high-and low-quality embryos, and number of transferrable embryos), and 12,089 embryo transfer records (pregnancy success). Two methods of transformation (logarithmic and Anscombe) were applied to count variables and results were compared. Univariate animal models were fitted for each trait with the exception of pregnancy success after embryo transfer. Due to the binary nature of the latter trait, a threshold liability model was fitted that accounted for the genetic effect of both the recipient and the embryo. Both transformation methods produced similar results. Single-step genomic BLUP analyses were performed and SNP effects estimated for traits with a significant genetic component. Heritability of number of structures recovered and number of good embryos when log-transformed were 0.27 +/- 0.08 and 0.15 +/- 0.07, respectively. Heritability estimates from the in vitro fertilization data ranged from 0.01 +/- 0.08 to 0.21 +/- 0.15, but were not significantly different from zero. Recipient and embryo heritability (standard deviation) of pregnancy success after embryo transfer was 0.03 (0.01) and 0.02 (0.01), respectively. The 10-SNP window explaining the largest proportion of variance (0.37%) for total structures collected was located on chromosome 8 beginning at 55,663,248 bp. Similar regions were identified for number of good embryos, with the largest proportion of variance (0.43%) explained by a 10-SNP window on chromosome 14 beginning at 26,713,734 bp. Results indicate that there is a genetic component for some traits related to superovulation and that selection should be possible. Moreover, the genetic component for superovulation traits involves some genomic regions that are similar to those for other fertility traits currently evaluated. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture - 2013-68004-20365 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) USDA Agricultural Research Service - 1265-31000-096-00 Southeast Milk Checkoff Program

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of increasing doses of carvacrol (C) and/or thymol (T) on the performance, rumen fermentation, and blood and carcass parameters of Merino sheep. Eighty-four 12-week-old male Merino lambs were randomly assigned to 7 treatment groups. The sheep were fed with the same concentrate mixtures including a control diet, carvacrol 100 mg/kg (C 100 ), carvacrol 300 mg/kg (C 300 ), thymol 100 mg/kg (T 100 ), thymol 300 mg/kg (T 300 ), carvacrol+thymol 100 mg/kg (C 50 +T 50 ), and carvacrol+thymol 300 mg/kg (C 150 +T 150 ). The C and/or T supplementation did not affect the feed conversion. The lambs fed with C and/or T diets had higher rumen pH, NH 3 -N, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) compared to those in the control group. However, essential oil supplementation did not change the molar concentration of VFA. The serum urea and glucose in C and/or T groups were not found significant on days 0, 35, and 70 compared to the control group. Slaughter weights and other carcass parameters were similar between the groups. The effects of C and/or T supplementation on the rumen and production parameters showed limited effects when lambs were fed with the high concentrate diets.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of processing type of feed on the fattening performance and carcass traits of Awassi ram lambs. A total of 26, three month old Awassi ram lambs were used and randomly allocated into three groups (group 1, fed with ground feed, n = 8; group 2, fed with pellet feed, n = 9; group 3, fed with extruded pellet feed, n = 9). The results showed that total weight gain and Average Daily Gain (ADG) of ram lambs during the study were 12.8 +/- 1.1 kg and 180.9 +/- 17.7 g for group 1, 12.8 +/- 0.9 kg and 252.1 +/- 21.5 g for group 2 and 14.6 +/- 0.6 kg and 287.8 +/- 23.4 g for group 3, respectively. The difference of ADG among groups were significant (p0.05). The results of the current study shows that feeding of Awassi ram lambs with extruded feed had positive effects on fattening performance, Feed Conversion Rate (FCR) and fattening period which are economically important for sheep farms.

We compared diurnal patterns of vaginal temperature in lactating cows under grazing conditions to evaluate genotype effects on body temperature regulation. Genotypes evaluated were Holstein, Jersey, Jersey x Holstein and Swedish Red x Holstein. The comparison of Holstein and Jersey versus Jersey x Holstein provided a test of whether heterosis effects body temperature regulation. Cows were fitted with intravaginal temperature recording devices that measured vaginal temperature every 15 min for 7 days. Vaginal temperature was affected by time of day (P < 0.0001) and genotype x time (P < 0.0001) regardless of whether days in milk and milk yield were used as covariates. Additional analyses indicated that the Swedish Red x Holstein had a different pattern of vaginal temperatures than the other three genotypes (Swedish Red x Holstein vs others x time; P < 0.0001) and that Holstein and Jersey had a different pattern than Jersey x Holstein [(Holstein + Jersey vs Jersey x Holstein) x time, P < 0.0001]. However, Holstein had a similar pattern to Jersey [(Holstein vs Jersey) x time, P > 0.10]. These genotype x time interactions reflect two effects. First, Swedish Red x Holstein had higher vaginal temperatures than the other genotypes in the late morning and afternoon but not after the evening milking. Secondly, Jersey x Holstein had lower vaginal temperatures than other genotypes in the late morning and afternoon and again in the late night and early morning. Results point out that there are effects of specific genotypes and evidence for heterosis on regulation of body temperature of lactating cows maintained under grazing conditions and suggest that genetic improvement for thermotolerance through breed choice or genetic selection is possible.

Animals inheriting the slick hair gene have a short, sleek, and sometimes glossy coat. The objective of the present study was to determine whether slick-haired Holstein cows regulate body temperature more effectively than wild-type Holstein cows when exposed to an acute increase in heat stress. Lactating slick cows (n = 10) and wild-type cows (n = 10) were placed for 10 h in an indoor environment with a solid roof, fans, and evaporative cooling or in an outdoor environment with shade cloth and no fans or evaporative cooling. Cows were exposed to both environments in a single reversal design. Vaginal temperature, respiration rate, surface temperature, and sweating rate were measured at 1200, 1500, 1800, and 2100 h (replicate 1) or 1200 and 1500 h (replicate 2), and blood samples were collected for plasma cortisol concentration. Cows in the outdoor environment had higher vaginal and surface temperatures, respiration rates, and sweating rates than cows in the indoor environment. In both environments, slick-haired cows had lower vaginal temperatures (indoor: 39.0 vs. 39.4 degrees C; outdoor 39.6 vs. 40.2 degrees C; SEM = 0.07) and respiration rate (indoor: 67 vs. 79 breaths/min; outdoor 97 vs. 107 breaths/min; SEM = 5.5) than wild-type cows and greater sweating rates in unclipped areas of skin (indoor: 57 vs. 43 g.h(-1)/m(2); outdoor 82 vs. 61 g.h(-1)/m(2); SEM = 8). Clipping the hair at the site of sweating measurement eliminated the difference between slick-haired and wild-type cows. Results indicate that slick-haired Holstein cows can regulate body temperature more effectively than wild-type cows during heat stress. One reason slick-haired animals are better able to regulate body temperature is increased sweating rate. Initiative for Future Agricultural and Food Systems Program (2001-52101-11318 )

Dairy cows with increased rectal temperature experience lower milk yield and fertility. Rectal temperature during heat stress is heritable, so genetic selection for body temperature regulation could reduce effects of heat stress on production. One aim of the study was to validate the relationship between genotype and heat tolerance for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with resistance to heat stress. A second aim was to identify new SNPs associated with heat stress resistance. Thermotolerance was assessed in lactating Holsteins during the summer by measuring rectal temperature (a direct measurement of body temperature regulation; n = 435), respiration rate (an indirect measurement of body temperature regulation, n = 450) and sweating rate (the major evaporative cooling mechanism in cattle, n = 455). The association between genotype and thermotolerance was evaluated for 19 SNPs previously associated with rectal temperature from a genomewide analysis study (GWAS), four SNPs previously associated with change in milk yield during heat stress from GWAS, 2 candidate gene SNPs previously associated with rectal temperature and respiration rate during heat stress (ATPA1A and HSP70A) and 66 SNPs in genes previously shown to be associated with reproduction, production or health traits in Holsteins. For SNPs previously associated with heat tolerance, regions of BTA4, BTA6 and BTA24 were associated with rectal temperature; regions of BTA6 and BTA24 were associated with respiration rate; and regions of BTA5, BTA26 and BTA29 were associated with sweating rate. New SNPs were identified for rectal temperature (n = 12), respiration rate (n = 8) and sweating rate (n = 3) from among those previously associated with production, reproduction or health traits. The SNP that explained the most variation were PGR and ASL for rectal temperature, ACAT2 and HSD17B7 for respiration rate, and ARL6IP1 and SERPINE2 for sweating rate. ARL6IP1 was associated with all three thermotolerance traits. In conclusion, specific genetic markers responsible for genetic variation in thermoregulation during heat stress in Holsteins were identified. These markers may prove useful in genetic selection for heat tolerance in Holstein cattle. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (2010-85122-20623) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (2013-68004-20365) Southeast Milk Inc.

A total of 1 200 broiler breeder eggs were collected from a commercial flock at the hen age of 37 weeks and divided into storage treatments of 5 and 15 days. Prior to storage, the eggs were further divided into pre-storage incubation (PRESI) 0 (control), 4 and 8 h treatments. Eggs in the 4 and 8 h PRESI treatment were incubated at a standard dry-bulb temperature of 38.0 degrees C. All eggs were weighed prior to and after storage, then incubated in a commercial setter and hatcher for 21 days. After the incubation, all unhatched eggs were opened to determine fertility, hatchability and embryonic death. The 4 and 8 h PRESI treatment significantly decreased hatchability results of long-term stored eggs compared to non-heated eggs. Hatchability results of eggs stored for 5 days were significantly better compared to eggs stored for 15 days. Subsequent growth performance of progeny was not significantly affected except for the main effect of egg storage on feed conversion. There were significant PRESI x egg storage interactions for apparent fertility, hatchability of total and fertile eggs and embryonic mortality. It was concluded that the PRESI treatment did not have a detrimental effect on the hatchability of broiler breeder eggs stored for 5 days and it might even increase hatchability while it had a detrimental effect on the hatchability of broiler breeder eggs stored for 15 days.

Les effets d'une pre-incubation sur l'eclosabilite des oeufs de cailles reproductrices et la croissance des cailleteaux. Un total de 1800 oeufs de caille ont ete obtenus a partir de deux troupeaux âges de 20 et 37 semaines. Avant le stockage, la moitie des oeufs a subi une pre-incubation a 37,5 °C (groupe PRESI) pendant 8 heures et l'autre moitie non (groupe temoin). Apres la pre-incubation, les oeufs du groupe PRESI comme ceux du groupe temoin ont ete stockes a 15 °C et 65 % d'humidite relative pendant 5 ou 15 j et ont ete tournes deux fois par jour. Tous les oeufs ont ete peses avant et apres stockage, puis incubes pendant 17 j dans un incubateur commercial. A la fin de cette periode, tous les oeufs non eclos ont ete casses afin de determiner la fertilite, l'eclosabilite et le stade de mortalite embryonnaire eventuelle. Le traitement PRESI 8 h a significativement ameliore l'eclosabilite des oeufs (82,6 %) par rapport au groupe temoin (79,7 %). Le taux d'eclosion des oeufs obtenus avec les jeunes reproducteurs a ete superieur (84,7 %) a celui obtenu avec les reproducteurs plus âges (77,6 %). Aucune difference significative liee a la duree du stockage n'a pu etre detectee. La croissance des jeunes n'a ete significativement modifiee que par la duree du stockage. Le poids corporel moyen a 42 j des cailleteaux issus des oeufs stockes 5 j a ete de 191,3 g alors qu'il etait seulement de 174,5 g apres 15 j de stockage. Le traitement PRESI a reduit la mortalite et l'indice de consommation (IC) des cailleteaux issus des jeunes reproducteurs, mais pas ceux des cailleteaux issus des reproducteurs plus âges. Il a egalement ameliore l'IC des cailleteaux a 42 j, notamment celui des œufs stockes pendant 15 j comparativement a ceux stockes pendant 5 j (P < 0,03). La pre-incubation (PRESI) pendant 8 h n'a pas eu d'effet negatif sur l'eclosabilite, elle peut meme ameliorer l'eclosabilite des oeufs et les performances des cailleteaux issus de jeunes reproducteurs. Des etudes complementaires restent a mettre en oeuvre pour mieux determiner la duree optimale de pre-incubation requise pour obtenir un taux d'eclosabilite maximal.

This study was conducted to investigate effects of shrink film treatment as a covering material (plastic shrink film or without), extended storage (5, 10, 15 or 20 d) and temperature (room or refrigerator) and on internal and external table egg quality. Freshly laid eggs (n:480) were collected, randomized, weighed, pointed out numerically and divided into four groups of 120 eggs to test the length of egg storage treatments for 5, 10, 15 or 20 d. Eggs in each egg storage treatment group were randomized and allocated into two groups (with or without shrink film) of 60 eggs to test the effect of covering material. Then, eggs were stored at room (18-20 ◦ C) or refrigeration (4-6 ◦ C) temperature conditions. Significant differences were observed for all internal and external egg quality traits related with the length of storage time and temperature. The internal quality worsened by the prolonged storage particularly when the eggs were stored at room temperature. Shrink film treatment were significantly affected egg weight loss during storage and yolk index. As conclusion, table eggs should be storage in refrigeration temperatüre with shrink film and shorter time as soon as possible to improve food safety. Bu çalışma polietilen shrink film, depolama süresi uzunluğu (5, 10, 15 ve 20 gün) ile depolama sıcaklığının, oda (18-20◦ C) veya buzdolabında (4-6◦ C), sofralık yumurtalarda iç ve dış kalite üzerine etkilerini incelemek amacı ile yapılmıştır. Günlük yaşta 480 adet yumurta numaralanıp tartılarak rastgele her birinde eşit sayıda yumurta yer alacak şekilde dört farklı depolama grubuna dağıtılmıştır. Her depolama grubundaki yumurtaların yarısı shrink film ile ambalajlanarak, yarısı ise ambalajlanmadan oda ve buzdolabı sıcaklığında depolanmışlardır. Çalışmada depolama süresi ve sıcaklığının incelenen tüm iç ve dış kalite özellikleri üzerine etkisi önemli bulunmuştur. Oda sıcaklığında depolanan yumurtalarda iç kalite özellikleri depolama süresinin uzaması ile giderek kötüleşmiştir. Shrink film uygulaması depolama süresince ağırlık kaybı ve sarı indeksi üzerine önemli düzeyde etkili bulunmuştur. Çalışmada gıda güvenliği açısından sofralık yumurtaların polietilen shrink film ile ambalajlanmış olarak buzdolabı sıcaklığında mümkün olduğu kadar kısa süreli depolanarak tüketime sunulması gerektiği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.