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Simple Summary: Dimensional conformation traits of dairy cows, which are in connection with their individual body features and production, are an important functional trait regulating feed efficiency and energy balance. That is why the scientific importance of these traits has increased recently. In this study, the genetic determination, association, and trend of selected dimensional traits, i.e., stature, chest width, body depth, and rump width, in Holstein Friesian cows were evaluated. Based on the results, according to positive but weak correlations and trends, the examined production and conformation traits did not result in meaningful change in the latter along with the increase in production yield. The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of dairy production traits and that for dimensional traits and to calculate the correlation between the two heritability values in a Holstein Friesian cow herd bred in Hungary. Data of 15,032 Holstein Friesian cows born in the period 2008–2018 from 666 sires were collected for the study in 6 large dairy herds. Among the conformation traits, stature (ST), chest width (CW), body depth (BD), and rump width (RW), and for production traits, in the first lactation of cows, the 305-day milk yield (MY), milk butterfat yield (FY), and milk protein yield (MY) were evaluated. Heritability estimates of ST, CW, BD, and RW were 0.49, 0.25, 0.31, and 0.30, and those of MY, FY, and PY were 0.40, 0.35, and 0.30, respectively. BD and RW had no phenotypic (b = −0.01) or genetic (b = 0.00–0.01) change. The production traits (MY, FY, PY) increased to a greater extent (b = 2.2–43.3) than the examined conformation traits over time. Consequently, it is indicated that the selection for dairy production did not result in an increase in the studied dimensional traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to identify genes associated with 305-day milk yield (MY) and fat yield (FY) that also influence the adaptability of the Thai multibreed dairy cattle population to tropical conditions. Methods A total of 75,776 imputed and actual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 2,661 animals were used to identify genomic regions associated with MY and FY using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased predictions. Fixed effects included herd-year-season, breed regression, heterosis regression and calving age regression effects. Random effects were animal additive genetic and residual. Individual SNPs with a p-value smaller than 0.05 were selected for gene mapping, function analysis, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) annotation analysis. Results A substantial number of QTLs associated with MY (9,334) and FY (8,977) were identified by integrating SNP genotypes and QTL annotations. Notably, we discovered 17 annotated QTLs within the health and exterior QTL classes, corresponding to nine unique genes. Among these genes, Rho GTPase activating protein 15 (ARHGAP15) and catenin alpha 2 (CTNNA2) have previously been linked to physiological traits associated with tropical adaptation in various cattle breeds. Interestingly, these two genes also showed signs of positive selection, indicating their potential role in conferring tolerance to trypanosomiasis, a prevalent tropical disease. Conclusion Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of MY and FY in the Thai multibreed dairy cattle population, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of tropical adaptation. The identified genes represent promising targets for future breeding strategies aimed at improving milk and fat production while ensuring resilience to tropical challenges. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the genetic factors influencing milk production and adaptability in dairy cattle, facilitating the development of sustainable genetic selection strategies and breeding programs in tropical environments.

Lipin-1 is a member of the evolutionarily conserved family of proteins and is expressed predominantly in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. On the one hand, lipin-1 is an enzyme that catalyzes the dephosphorylation of phosphatidic acid to diacylglycerol (DAG) and thus participates in the metabolic pathways of biosynthesis of storage lipids in the cell, membrane phospholipids, and intracellular signaling molecules. On the other hand, lipin-1 is able to be transported from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and is a coactivator of lipid metabolism gene transcription. It was shown, using the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations, that the lipin-1 coding gene (LPIN1) is a promising candidate gene for milk production traits in Holstein and Brown Swiss cows. However, it is unclear how much of its effect depends on the breed. The Yaroslavl dairy cattle breed was created in the 18–19 centuries in Russia by breeding northern Great Russian cattle, which were short and poor productive, but well adapted to local climatic conditions and bad food base. It was shown by whole genome genotyping and sequencing that the Yaroslavl breed has unique genetics compared to Russian and other cattle breeds. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of alleles and genotypes of three SNPs in the LPIN1 gene and to study the association of these SNPs with milk production traits in Yaroslavl cows. Blood samples from 142 cows of the Yaroslavl breed were obtained from two farms in the Yaroslavl region. Genotyping of SNPs was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Associations of SNPs with 305-day milk yield, fat yield, fat percentages, protein yield, and protein percentages were studied from the first to the fourth lactation. Statistical tests were carried out using a mixed linear model, taking into account the relationship between individuals. We identified three SNPs – rs110871255, rs207681322 and rs109039955 with a frequency of a rare allele of 0.042–0.261 in Yaroslavl cows. SNP rs110871255 was associated with fat yield during the third and fourth lactations. SNP rs207681322 was associated with milk yield for the second, third and fourth lactations, as well as protein yield for the third lactation. Thus, we identified significant associations of SNPs rs207681322 and rs110871255 in the LPIN1 gene with a number of milk production traits during several lactations in Yaroslavl cows.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify genes associated with 305-day milk yield (MY) and fat yield (FY) that also influence the adaptability of the Thai multibreed dairy cattle population to tropical conditions. Methods: A total of 75,776 imputed and actual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 2,661 animals were used to identify genomic regions associated with MY and FY using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased predictions. Fixed effects included herd-yearseason, breed regression, heterosis regression and calving age regression effects. Random effects were animal additive genetic and residual. Individual SNPs with a p-value smaller than 0.05 were selected for gene mapping, function analysis, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) annotation analysis. Results: A substantial number of QTLs associated with MY (9,334) and FY (8,977) were identified by integrating SNP genotypes and QTL annotations. Notably, we discovered 17 annotated QTLs within the health and exterior QTL classes, corresponding to nine unique genes. Among these genes, Rho GTPase activating protein 15 (ARHGAP15) and catenin alpha 2 (CTNNA2) have previously been linked to physiological traits associated with tropical adaptation in various cattle breeds. Interestingly, these two genes also showed signs of positive selection, indicating their potential role in conferring tolerance to trypanosomiasis, a prevalent tropical disease. Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of MY and FY in the Thai multibreed dairy cattle population, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of tropical adaptation. The identified genes represent promising targets for future breeding strategies aimed at improving milk and fat production while ensuring resilience to tropical challenges. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the genetic factors influencing milk production and adaptability in dairy cattle, facilitating the development of sustainable genetic selection strategies and breeding programs in tropical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of dairy production traits and that for dimensional traits and to calculate the correlation between the two heritability values in a Holstein Friesian cow herd bred in Hungary. Data of 15,032 Holstein Friesian cows born in the period 2008–2018 from 666 sires were collected for the study in 6 large dairy herds. Among the conformation traits, stature (ST), chest width (CW), body depth (BD), and rump width (RW), and for production traits, in the first lactation of cows, the 305-day milk yield (MY), milk butterfat yield (FY), and milk protein yield (MY) were evaluated. Heritability estimates of ST, CW, BD, and RW were 0.49, 0.25, 0.31, and 0.30, and those of MY, FY, and PY were 0.40, 0.35, and 0.30, respectively. BD and RW had no phenotypic (b = −0.01) or genetic (b = 0.00–0.01) change. The production traits (MY, FY, PY) increased to a greater extent (b = 2.2–43.3) than the examined conformation traits over time. Consequently, it is indicated that the selection for dairy production did not result in an increase in the studied dimensional traits.

Due to the intensive selection the Holstein cattle breed has been submitted to, functional characteristics such as ease of calving and longevity have decayed over time. The use of crossbreeding with breeds that have not been so intensively selected has been suggested to combat these negative effects, as well as to improve the content of milk solids. The rearing of Holstein and Brown Swiss cows, as well as their hybrids, has been characterized by several publications. The aim of this study was to study the effect of crossbreeding in the milk, fat and protein yields of Brow Swiss x Holstein hybrid animals using existing literature. Nine papers were selected, and a meta-analysis was performed, comparing the average milk, fat, and protein yields of hybrid animals with those of purebred Holstein animals. The differences between the fat and protein yields were not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05), while the milk yield of purebred Holstein cows proved to be significantly higher than that of Brown Swiss hybrids (p<0.05). More recent studies and further analysis of other characteristics are necessary to reach more accurate conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study was conducted to estimate multi-trait genetic parameters for somatic cell score (SCS), milk yield and type traits in Nigerian Dwarf (ND) goats from the United States. Methods Data from 1,041 ND goats in the United States with kiddings in 95 herds were used to estimate multi-trait genetic parameters for SCS, milk (MILK), fat (FAT), and protein (PROT) yields, and 14 type traits. An 18-trait mixed linear animal model for lactation mean SCS (Log2), MILK, FAT, PROT, and 14 type traits was applied. A factor analytic approach (FA1) in ASReml software was used to obtain convergence. Results Averages for SCS were low (2.85±1.29 Log2), and were 314±110.6, 20.9±7.4, and 14±4.9 kg, respectively, for MILK, FAT, and PROT. Heritabilities for SCS, MILK, FAT, and PROT were 0.32, 0.16, 0.16, and 0.10, respectively. The highest heritabilities for type traits were for stature (0.72), teat diameter (0.49), and rump width (0.48), and the lowest estimates were for dairyness (0.003) and medial suspensory ligament (0.03). Genetic correlations of SCS with MILK, FAT, and PROT were positive but low (0.25, 0.18, and 0.23, respectively). Genetic and phenotypic correlations between MILK, FAT, and PROT were high and positive (≥0.66). Absolute values of genetic correlations involving SCS with type traits were generally low or no different from zero. Most of the phenotypic correlations involving SCS with type traits were low. No serious unfavorable genetic correlations between milk yield traits and SCS or between milk yield traits or SCS and type traits were found. Conclusion Genetic variation exists in the ND breed for most studied traits. The development of selection programs based on these estimates may help accelerate favorable multi-trait genetic changes in this breed.

Objective: This study was conducted to estimate multi-trait genetic parameters for somatic cell score (SCS), milk yield and type traits in Nigerian Dwarf (ND) goats from the United States. Methods: Data from 1,041 ND goats in the United States with kiddings in 95 herds were used to estimate multi-trait genetic parameters for SCS, milk (MILK), fat (FAT), and protein (PROT) yields, and 14 type traits. An 18-trait mixed linear animal model for lactation mean SCS (Log2), MILK, FAT, PROT, and 14 type traits was applied. A factor analytic approach (FA1) in ASReml software was used to obtain convergence. Results: Averages for SCS were low (2.85±1.29 Log2), and were 314±110.6, 20.9±7.4, and 14±4.9 kg, respectively, for MILK, FAT, and PROT. Heritabilities for SCS, MILK, FAT, and PROT were 0.32, 0.16, 0.16, and 0.10, respectively. The highest heritabilities for type traits were for stature (0.72), teat diameter (0.49), and rump width (0.48), and the lowest estimates were for dairyness (0.003) and medial suspensory ligament (0.03). Genetic correlations of SCS with MILK, FAT, and PROT were positive but low (0.25, 0.18, and 0.23, respectively). Genetic and phenotypic correlations between MILK, FAT, and PROT were high and positive (=0.66). Absolute values of genetic correlations involving SCS with type traits were generally low or no different from zero. Most of the phenotypic correlations involving SCS with type traits were low. No serious unfavorable genetic correlations between milk yield traits and SCS or between milk yield traits or SCS and type traits were found. Conclusion: Genetic variation exists in the ND breed for most studied traits. The development of selection programs based on these estimates may help accelerate favorable multitrait genetic changes in this breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to identify the genetic marker for the prolactin gene in relation to milk and fat yield in the pedigreed Sahiwal population. PCR-RFLP was carried out by Rsa1 restriction endonuclease and revealed three genotypes GG, GA and AA in Sahiwal population. The frequency of G and A allele of the Prolactin gene (exon 3) was estimated as 0.575 and 0.425, whereas the frequencies of GG, GA and AA genotypes for the Prolactin gene (exon 3) were estimated as 0.45, 0.25 and 0.30, respectively. Regression analysis reported that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (G55A) of prolactin gene (exon 3) contributed to an increase in the average test day milk yield by 321.5g, which was 3.92% of the average test day milk yield. The effect of SNP marker (G55A) of the prolactin gene increases the overall test day fat yield 13.9g, which was about 3.93% of the average test day fat yield. Forty Sahiwal animals (20 families) under Daughter-Dam Design were screened and it was observed that one SNP (G55A) was found in all the nine families (45%) having heterozygous (GA) genotype. In test day milk yield, age at first calving (AFC) was found to be significantly affecting Test Day 4. Season of calving had a significant effect on Test Day 1 and Test Day 9. Among all the test days, the highest milk yield was seen on Test day 5 season 1 (winter) it was 10.68 ± 1.16 kg. The lowest milk yield was observed on Test Day 9 in season 1 (winter) and it was 4.51 ± 0.67 kg. In fat yield, the Season of calving had a significant effect on test day 1 and test day 9. Thus, it could be considered as a potential genetic marker for high milk production in Sahiwal population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was the estimation of yields of winter oilseed rape, cultivar Visby F1, in diversified habitat conditions of the Podkarpackie Province. The study showed that the average seed yield of winter oilseed rape amounted to 3.97 t ha –1 . The highest yields of oilseed rape were obtained in Przecław and Skołoszów. Yields obtained in Boguchwała were significantly lower, but only in relation to those obtained in Przecław. The lowest yields of oilseed rape were obtained in Nowy Lubliniec. Oilseed rape plants attained technical ripeness the earliest in Przecław and Nowy Lubliniec, as compared to those grown in Skołoszów and Boguchwała. In the years of the study oilseed rape plants did not suffer from frost bite, the poorest overwintering being noted in Przecław. Infestation with black spot of cruciferous plants was at similar levels in the particular localities. Fat content in the seeds did not depend significantly on the habitat conditions. The highest fat yield per hectare was obtained in Przecław, significantly lower in Skołoszów and Boguchwała, and the lowest in Nowy Lubliniec. Overwintering of oilseed rape plants was the poorest in the season of 2015/2016, but in spite of that the yield of seeds amounted to 4.07 t ha –1 . In the analysed years, oilseed rape plants attained their technical ripeness phase on similar dates. In 2015 fat content in seeds was the highest, nut fat yield per hectare was the lowest. In that year, the lowest level of infestation with black spot of coniferous plants was noted. On average, the highest seed yield and fat yield was obtained in 2017.

This paper presents the results of a study on the effect of different N fertilization and seeding rates on yield and some quality parameters (of seeds) of pot marigold. A field experiment was carried out during 2014–2016 under soil and climatic conditions of Belarus (Priluki Research Station near Minsk). The experiment included the following factors: N fertilization rate 40, 60, 80, 100 kg ha–1; plant density per 1 m2 (30, 50, 70, 90). The experiment was set up as a randomized block design in five replicates, with a single plot area of 8.0 m2. The soil in Priluki was characterized by medium nutrient availability (at the level: P = 120–127, K = 164–174, Mg = 59–66 mg kg–1 soil). Regardless of the experimental factors, weather conditions had a significant impact on pot marigold productivity. The year 2016, characterized by an even distribution of rainfall during the growing season and moderate air temperatures, proved to be most beneficial for pot marigold productivity and quality. Hydrological conditions in the other years (2014 and 2015) there was a slight drought. The year 2014 should be considered to be cold, whereas the second year of the study (2015) was moderately warm. Best production effects (seed yield, fat yield) were obtained at rates of 60–80 kg N ha–1. This rate of nitrogen fertilization also modified the fatty acid composition, contributing to a higher content of linoleic acid and calendic acid (∑ α-calendic and β-calendic acids). A nitrogen rate of 100 kg N ha–1 proved to be irrational in terms of the quantity and quality of pot marigold yield. A density of 50–70 plants per 1 m2 resulted in the highest seed and fat yield per unit area. A plant density of 50 plants per 1 m2 resulted in the highest content of C18 unsaturated acids (stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid) in the oil.

Records on first lactation test day traits pertaining to Sahiwal cattle maintained at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute over a period of 29 years (1988-2016) were utilized in this study. Test day traits, viz. test day milk yields (TDMY), test day fat yields (TDFY) and test day solid not fat yields (TDSNFY) were recorded at monthly intervals and a total of 11 test days were included up to 305 days lactation. Effect of different genetic and non-genetic factors on test day traits was assessed using least-squares mixed model. Random effect of sire and fixed effect of period of calving as well as season of calving had significant effect on different test day traits, however, age group at first calving had no significant effect in the present study. Paternal half-sib correlation method was used to estimate the heritability of different test day traits. Heritability estimates as observed for different test day traits varied from low to high. Heritability for test day milk yields, test day fat yields and test day SNF yields ranged from 0.06 (TDMY8) to 0.40(TDMY2), 0.09 (TDFY11) to 0.62 (TDFY10) and 0.06 (TDSNFY5) to 0.44 (TDSNFY2), respectively. Highest heritability of test day milk yield and test day solid not fat yield in second test day suggested that this test day could be used as early selection criteria for these two traits.

Female fertility in domestic animals in India has exhaustively suffered owing to indiscriminate breeding with single objective of increasing milk production. First lactation data on 7782 Mehsana buffaloes sired by 184 bulls maintained under field progeny testing programme at Dudhsagar Research and Development Association, Dudhsagar Dairy, Mehsana, over a period of 24 years were used for study of fertility traits viz. days open, first to successful service period (FTSS) and daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) and production traits viz. first lactation milk yield (FLMY), first lactation fat yield (FLFY) and average fat percentage (AFP). The voluntary waiting period (VWP) was standardised based on the higher estimates for FLMY and FLMY per unit first calving interval. VWP for Mehsana buffaloes was standardised as 63 days after first calving and consequently DPR of Mehsana buffalo was also estimated as 31%. Fertility traits were further evaluated in terms of production traits. Regression analysis revealed that the increase in 1 kg FLFY and 100 kg FLMY led to the increase of First Service Period by 0.013 days and decrease in the DPR by 1.89%, respectively. Increase in milk yield led to increase in FTSS. However, for each 100 kg increase in fat yield and 1% increase in AFP, there is increase in DPR by 0.08% and 0.051%, respectively. Based on the present findings, it may be recommended to have a breeding programme which give due weightage to both production and fertility traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study on the effect of different N fertilization and seeding rates on yield and some quality parameters (of seeds) of pot marigold. A field experiment was carried out during 2014-2016 under soil and climatic conditions of Belarus (Priluki Research Station near Minsk). The experiment included the following factors: N fertilization rate 40, 60, 80, 100 kg ha-1; plant density per 1 m² (30, 50, 70, 90). The experiment was set up as a randomized block design in five replicates, with a single plot area of 8.0 m². The soil in Priluki was characterized by medium nutrient availability (at the level: P = 120-127, K = 164-174, Mg = 59-66 mg kg-1 soil). Regardless of the experimental factors, weather conditions had a significant impact on pot marigold productivity. The year 2016, characterized by an even distribution of rainfall during the growing season and moderate air temperatures, proved to be most beneficial for pot marigold productivity and quality. Hydrological conditions in the other years (2014 and 2015) there was a slight drought. The year 2014 should be considered to be cold, whereas the second year of the study (2015) was moderately warm. Best production effects (seed yield, fat yield) were obtained at rates of 60-80 kg N ha-1. This rate of nitrogen fertilization also modified the fatty acid composition, contributing to a higher content of linoleic acid and calendic acid (Σ α-calendic and β-calendic acids). A nitrogen rate of 100 kg N ha-1 proved to be irrational in terms of the quantity and quality of pot marigold yield. A density of 50-70 plants per 1 m² resulted in the highest seed and fat yield per unit area. A plant density of 50 plants per 1 m² resulted in the highest content of C18 unsaturated acids (stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid) in the oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic farm management combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, preservation of natural resources and high animal welfare standards. To meet these criteria, farmers must have livestock well adapted to local organic conditions and information about how different breeds and crosses perform under different conditions. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of different pure breeds and cross‐breeds of cattle in organic dairy systems in Northern Spain. The data analysed were obtained from monthly records kept between 2010 and 2016 on organic farms registered in the regional milk recording system. Analysis of various traits indicated that the Holstein‐Friesian breed suits the organic production system in the study region. Although the reproductive performance of Holstein‐Friesian cows was poorer (in terms of number of services per conception) than that of cross‐breed and Brown Swiss cows, the Holstein‐Friesian produced more milk and lived longer. In addition, there was no difference in calving type or calving ease between the different breed groups. The better milk fat and protein yields produced by the crosses may be useful traits for farmers interested in milk transformation. The advantage of continuing to use Holstein‐Friesian cattle is that the breed is predominant worldwide, and the genealogy is well documented. If Holstein‐Friesian cattle continue to be used, the main priority will be to search for well‐adapted bulls (particularly for pasture‐based conditions) and to elaborate a genetic merit index for organic and pasture‐based systems with the aim of predicting and minimizing genotype × environment interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipin-1 is a member of the evolutionarily conserved family of proteins and is expressed predominantly in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. On the one hand, lipin-1 is an enzyme that catalyzes the dephosphorylation of phosphatidic acid to diacylglycerol (DAG) and thus participates in the metabolic pathways of biosynthesis of storage lipids in the cell, membrane phospholipids, and intracellular signaling molecules. On the other hand, lipin-1 is able to be transported from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and is a coactivator of lipid metabolism gene transcription. It was shown, using the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations, that the lipin-1 coding gene (LPIN1) is a promising candidate gene for milk production traits in Holstein and Brown Swiss cows. However, it is unclear how much of its effect depends on the breed. The Yaroslavl dairy cattle breed was created in the 18-19 centuries in Russia by breeding northern Great Russian cattle, which were short and poor productive, but well adapted to local climatic conditions and bad food base. It was shown by whole genome genotyping and sequencing that the Yaroslavl breed has unique genetics compared to Russian and other cattle breeds. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of alleles and genotypes of three SNPs in the LPIN1 gene and to study the association of these SNPs with milk production traits in Yaroslavl cows. Blood samples from 142 cows of the Yaroslavl breed were obtained from two farms in the Yaroslavl region. Genotyping of SNPs was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Associations of SNPs with 305-day milk yield, fat yield, fat percentages, protein yield, and protein percentages were studied from the first to the fourth lactation. Statistical tests were carried out using a mixed linear model, taking into account the relationship between individuals. We identified three SNPs - rs110871255, rs207681322 and rs109039955 with a frequency of a rare allele of 0.042-0.261 in Yaroslavl cows. SNP rs110871255 was associated with fat yield during the third and fourth lactations. SNP rs207681322 was associated with milk yield for the second, third and fourth lactations, as well as protein yield for the third lactation. Thus, we identified significant associations of SNPs rs207681322 and rs110871255 in the LPIN1 gene with a number of milk production traits during several lactations in Yaroslavl cows., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © AUTHORS.)

We performed genome-wide association analyses for milk, fat, and protein yields and somatic cell score based on lactation stages in the first 3 parities of Canadian Ayrshire, Holstein, and Jersey cattle. The genome-wide association analyses were performed considering 3 different lactation stages for each trait and parity: from 5 to 95, from 96 to 215, and from 216 to 305 d in milk. Effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for each lactation stage, trait, parity, and breed were estimated by back-solving the direct breeding values estimated using the genomic best linear unbiased predictor and single-trait random regression test-day models containing only the fixed population average curve and the random genomic curves. To identify important genomic regions related to the analyzed lactation stages, traits, parities and breeds, moving windows (SNP-by-SNP) of 20 adjacent SNP explaining more than 0.30% of total genetic variance were selected for further analyses of candidate genes. A lower number of genomic windows with a relatively higher proportion of the explained genetic variance was found in the Holstein breed compared with the Ayrshire and Jersey breeds. Genomic regions associated with the analyzed traits were located on 12, 8, and 15 chromosomes for the Ayrshire, Holstein, and Jersey breeds, respectively. Especially for the Holstein breed, many of the identified candidate genes supported previous reports in the literature. However, well-known genes with major effects on milk production traits (e.g., diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1) showed contrasting results among lactation stages, traits, and parities of different breeds. Therefore, our results suggest evidence of differential sets of candidate genes underlying the phenotypic expression of the analyzed traits across breeds, parities, and lactation stages. Further functional studies are needed to validate our findings in independent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the effects of stage of lactation, parity and sampling season on milk yield and milk components in Jersey cows in Karaköy State Farm, Turkey. The data set consisted of 2657 milk records of 204 Jersey cows collected from September 2011 to December 2013. For this purpose, test day milk yield (TDMY) records and milk samples were taken once a month for 10-month period after parturition. The effect of stage of lactation, parity and sampling season on TDMY, fat percentage, protein percentage, fat yield and protein yield were found statistically significant (P<0.01). TDMY were correlated with fat percentage (-0.235) and protein percentage negatively (-0.254) but with fat yield (0.755) and protein yield positively (0.950) (P<0.01). In conclusion, these results suggest animal breeders that the effects of lactation stage, parity and sampling season may be taken into account in husbandry management to improve the milk yield and milk quality in Jersey cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was the estimation of yields of winter oilseed rape, cultivar Visby F1, in diversified habitat conditions of the Podkarpackie Province. The study showed that the average seed yield of winter oilseed rape amounted to 3.97 t ha-1. The highest yields of oilseed rape were obtained in Przecław and Skołoszów. Yields obtained in Boguchwała were significantly lower, but only in relation to those obtained in Przecław. The lowest yields of oilseed rape were obtained in Nowy Lubliniec. Oilseed rape plants attained technical ripeness the earliest in Przecław and Nowy Lubliniec, as compared to those grown in Skołoszów and Boguchwała. In the years of the study oilseed rape plants did not suffer from frost bite, the poorest overwintering being noted in Przecław. Infestation with black spot of cruciferous plants was at similar levels in the particular localities. Fat content in the seeds did not depend significantly on the habitat conditions. The highest fat yield per hectare was obtained in Przecław, significantly lower in Skołoszów and Boguchwała, and the lowest in Nowy Lubliniec. Overwintering of oilseed rape plants was the poorest in the season of 2015/2016, but in spite of that the yield of seeds amounted to 4.07 t ha-1. In the analysed years, oilseed rape plants attained their technical ripeness phase on similar dates. In 2015 fat content in seeds was the highest, nut fat yield per hectare was the lowest. In that year, the lowest level of infestation with black spot of coniferous plants was noted. On average, the highest seed yield and fat yield was obtained in 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SlC11A1 gene is a potential candidate gene related to susceptibility to a wide range of intracellular pathogens. In this research, we used logistic regression analysis in a casecontrol study to find the relationship between SLC11A1 gene and estimated breeding values of production traits (estimated breeding values of protein and fat yield, and protein and fat percentage) in Holstein dairy cattle in a selective genotyping method. Samples have been genotyped based on clinical mastitis data using PCR-SSCP method, previously. The contrast between heterozygous genotype and both homozygous genotypes showed that despite of significant relationship between clinical mastitis and SLC11A1, there was no negative effect of the gene of interest on production traits. Hence, considering the unfavorable relationship between clinical mastitis and production traits, selection of SLC11A1 gene will have no unfavorable effect on production traits, and it will not disorganize selection breeding programs based on health data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pot marigold seeds contain oil with a specific composition (presence of calendic acid); hence, they can be used as an alternative oil raw material. In 2011–2013, a field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different nitrogen doses (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 kg N∙ha-1) on the seed yield, oil content, and fatty acid composition in four pot marigold cultivars. Nitrogen fertilization exerted a positive effect on the number of flower heads and seed yield. However, the response of marigold cultivars to nitrogen doses applied varied, i.e. the yield of the ‘Tokaj’ and ‘Radio’ cultivars was significantly increased up to the dose of 60 kg N∙ha-1, whereas such an increase was noted in the ‘Orange King’ and ‘Persimmon Beauty’ cultivars at the dose of 90 kg N∙ha-1. Nitrogen fertilization modified the content of fat: the low nitrogen doses (30 kg N∙ha-1) did not influence the fat content in the seeds, whereas the increasing doses resulted in its gradual decline. The cultivars were characterised by significant differences in plant morphology, seed yield, and fat quality. During the three-year period, the highest seed and fat yields were determined for the ‘Orange King’ cultivar (1857.3 and 339.3 kg·ha-1, respectively) and the highest proportion of calendic acid in the oil (54.86%) was detected in the ‘Persimmon Beauty’ cultivar. The yield and quality of marigold oil depended on both nitrogen fertilization and the weather conditions prevailing during the growing seasons. The increase in the nitrogen doses was accompanied by an increase in the content of linoleic acid and a decrease in the level of oleic acid. The cooler and wetter growing season in 2011 turned out to promote the highest fat and calendic acid accumulation.

Milk and fat yield records of the first 4 lactations from 58 herds of Holstein cows recorded from 1999 to 2015 were analyzed. Genetic parameters were estimated by using univariate, repeatability and multivariate animal models. The fixed effects of herd-year-season as contemporary group and age at calving as covariate were fitted in the model of analyses. Heritability estimates under univariate model for lactations 1 to 4 were 0.28, 0.20, 0.19 and 0.13 for milk yield and for fat yield were 0.15, 0.12, 0.12 and 0.05, respectively. The repeatability and heritability values under the repeatability model for milk and fat yield were 0.48 and 0.24, and 0.38 and 0.17, respectively. Estimated heritabilities using a bivariate model for lactations 1 to 4 were 0.29, 0.20, 0.20 and 0.15 for milk yield and 0.12, 0.11, 0.13 and 0.05 for fat yield, respectively. Heritability estimates for lactations 1 to 4 by multivariate model were 0.30, 0.23, 0.22 and 0.19 for milk yield, and 0.17, 0.16, 0.17 and 0.12 for fat yield, respectively. Genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations of milk yield were 0.91, 0.50 and 0.36 for first and second lactation; and 0.87, 0.45 and 0.31 for first and third lactation; and 0.79, 0.39 and 0.26 for first and fourth lactation; and 0.97, 0.53 and 0.41 for second and third lactation; and 0.91, 0.50 and 0.39 for second and fourth lactation; and 0.96, 0.56 and 0.46 for third and fourth lactation, respectively. These parameters for fat yield were 0.87, 0.35, 0.25 and 0.91, 0.29, 0.16 and 0.83, 0.26, 0.17 and 0.96, 0.45, 0.35 and 0.90, 0.40, 0.32 and 0.98, 0.47, 0.38, respectively. Results from this study confirm that multivariate analysis is recommended for estimating the genetic parameter of milk and fat yield, because it considers the effects of selection bias of the first lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for milk, fat and protein yields of Holstein cows using 56,508; 35,091 and 8,326 test-day milk records from 7,015, 4,476 and 1,114 cows, calves of 359, 246 and 90 bulls, respectively. The additive genetic and permanent environmental effects were estimated using REML. Random regression models with Legendre polynomials from order 3 to 6 were used. Residual variances were considered homogeneous over the lactation period. The estimates of variance components showed similar trends, with an increase of the polynomial order for each trait. The heritability estimates ranged from 0.14 to 0.31; 0.03 to 0.21 and 0.09 to 0.33 for milk, fat and protein yield, respectively. Genetic correlations among milk, fat and protein yields ranged from 0.02 to 1.00; 0.34 to 1.00 and 0.42 to 1.00, respectively. Models with higher order Legendre polynomials are the best suited to adjust test-day data for the three production traits studied.Esta pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de estimar parâmetros genéticos para as produções de leite, gordura e proteína do leite de vacas da raça Holandesa usando, respectivamente, 56.508, 35.091 e 8.326 registros leiteiros no dia do controle de 7.015, 4.476 e 1.114 vacas, filhas de 359, 246 e 90 touros. Os efeitos genético aditivo e de ambiente permanente foram estimados por REML. Utilizaram-se modelos de regressão aleatória com polinômios de Legendre de ordem 3 a 6. As variâncias residuais foram consideradas homogêneas ao longo da lactação. As estimativas dos componentes de variância apresentaram tendências semelhantes com o aumento da ordem do polinômio em cada característica. As estimativas de herdabilidade variaram, respectivamente, de 0,14 a 0,31; 0,03 a 0,21; e 0,09 a 0,33 para as produções de leite, de gordura e de proteína. As correlações genéticas entre produções de leite, gordura e proteína do leite variaram de 0,02 a 1,00; 0,34 a 1,00 e 0,42 a 1,00, respectivamente. Os modelos com polinômio de Legendre de maior ordem são os mais adequados para ajuste da produção no dia do controle das três características produtivas.

Para verificar o efeito da inclusão das interações reprodutor x rebanho e reprodutor x rebanho-ano como fator de ajustamento da heterogeneidade de variância, registros de produção de leite e gordura foram estratificados, com base no desvio-padrão fenotípico da produção de leite ajustada, em duas classes: baixo (1.280kg) desvio-padrão. Três modelos foram utilizados, sem e com interação reprodutor x rebanho e reprodutor x rebanho-ano, em análises de característica única, geral e em cada classe de desvio-padrão. Médias e componentes de variâncias foram maiores na classe de alto desvio-padrão. Na classe de baixo desvio-padrão, a herdabilidade não se alterou com a inclusão dos efeitos de interação no modelo, sendo de 0,34 para produção de leite e de 0,32 para produção de gordura. Na classe de alto desvio-padrão, as herdabilidades foram: 0,37, 0,35 e 0,36, e de 0,35, 0,32 e 0,35, para produção de leite e gordura, nos modelos sem, com interação reprodutor x rebanho e com interação reprodutor x rebanho-ano, respectivamente. A inclusão do efeito de interação reprodutor x rebanho nos modelos foi significativa (PIn order to verify the effect of including the interactions of sire x herd and the sire x herd-year, as a adjust factor of the variance heterogeneity, registers of milk and fat yields were classified into two classes of standard deviation: low (1.280kg), based on phenotypic standard deviation of the milk production adjusted. Three models, without and with interaction of sire x herd and sire x herd-year, were used in the general univariate analyses and in each standard deviation class. Averages and variance components were higher in the high standard deviation. In the class of low standard deviation, heritability didn't alter with the inclusion of the interaction effects in the model, being of 0.34 for milk yield and 0.32 for fat yield. In the class of high standard deviation, heritabilities were: 0.37, 0.35 and 0.36, and of 0.35, 0.32 and 0.35, for milk and fat yield, in the models without and with interaction of sire x herd and with interaction of sire x herd-year, respectively. The inclusion of the interaction of sire x herd was significant (P

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de níveis de substituição do milho moído pela raspa de mandioca no desempenho dos animais, no consumo e na digestibilidade dos nutrientes de dietas à base de palma forrageira (Opuntia ficus indica, Mill) e silagem de sorgo, cinco vacas primíparas da raça Holandesa (60±15 dias em lactação e 448 kg de PV inicial) foram distribuídas em um único quadrado latino (5 x 5). A raspa de mandioca substituiu 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% do milho moído nas dietas. Os consumos e a digestibilidade de MS (em kg/dia, % do PV, g/kg0,75 do PV), MO, PB, EE, CNF, CHOT, FDA, FDN e NDT não foram influenciados pelos níveis de raspa de mandioca nas dietas. A produção de leite, a produção de leite corrigida para 3,5% de gordura e a produção de gordura decresceram linearmente em 20, 30 e 1,15 g/dia, respectivamente. A eficiência alimentar (kg de leite corrigido para 3,5% de gordura/kg de MS) diminuiu linearmente em 0,001 para cada unidade de inclusão da raspa de mandioca, enquanto o teor de gordura não foi influenciado pelos níveis de substituição do milho moído nas dietas.This study was conducted to evaluate replacement of ground corn grain with cassava scrapings on nutrient intake, digestibility, and production of primiparous Holstein lactating dairy cows receivind diets containing forage cactus (Opuntia ficus indica, Mill), sorghum silage and concentrate. Five cows averaging 60±15 of days in milk and initial body weight (BW) of 448 kg were randomly assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square with increasing levels of cassava scrapings in the diet: 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100%. Intakes of dry matter (DM) (kg, %BW and g/BW kg0.75), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), nonfiber carbohidrates (NFC), total carbohydrates (TCHO), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) all were not affected by replacing ground corn with cassava scrapings in the diet. Similarly, increasing the dietary levels of cassava scrapings did not affect apparent digestibilities of nutrients (P>0.05). However, milk yield, milk yield corrected for 3.5% fat, and fat yield decreased linearly by 20, 30 and, 1.15 g/day, respectively, when corn grain was replaced with cassava scrapings. Feed efficiency, expressed as kg of 3.5% fat corrected milk per kg of DM, also decreased linearly by 0.001 per each unit of cassava scrapings added to the diet. No significant differences for milk fat content were observed among treatments in this trial.

Por meio de análises uni e bicaracterísticas entre a produção total de leite (PL), produção de gordura (PROG), porcentagem de gordura (PERG), duração da lactação (DL) e período seco (PSECO), objetivou-se, com este trabalho, estimar parâmetros genéticos utilizando-se registros provenientes das cinco primeiras lactações de 1.406 vacas do ecótipo Mantiqueira, filhas de 113 reprodutores, com partos entre os anos de 1977 e 1997, pertencentes ao programa de melhoramento do Pólo Regional do Vale do Paraíba da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios da Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento do Estado de São Paulo (APTA/SAA-SP), no município de Pindamonhangaba. Os modelos usados para obtenção das médias dos quadrados mínimos incluíram os efeitos fixos de ano e estação de parto e idade ao parto, além dos efeitos aleatórios de reprodutor e do erro. Para a obtenção dos parâmetros genéticos pela metodologia REML foram utilizados os modelos que ajustavam os efeitos fixos de ano-estação e idade da vaca ao parto, além dos efeitos aleatórios de animal e do erro. As médias ajustadas ± erros-padrão foram: 1863,31 ± 1047,19 kg para a PL; 76,59 ± 31,92 kg para a PROG; 3,43 ± 0,64 % para PERG; 231,72 ± 91,30 dias para DL; e 256,40 ± 180,29 dias para o PSECO. As herdabilidades foram: 0,25; 0,09; 0,00; 0,16 e 0,06, respectivamente, para PL, PROG, PERG, DL e PSECO. As correlações genéticas entre PL e PROG ou PERG foram, respectivamente, de 0,36 e -0,02. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, pode-se inferir que há variação genética aditiva entre vacas para produção de leite.Mantiqueira ecotype breed cows were analyzed to estimate genetic parameters for productive traits using single and multiple traits analysis of total milk production (PL), fat production (PROG), fat percentage (PERG), lactation length (DL) and days dry (PSECO). Records of the first five lactations of 1,406 cows from 113 sires with calving between 1977 and 1997 from the Paraiba Valley Regional Center of Research from São Paulo State (APTA/SAA-SP) breeding program were used. Models to obtain least square means included fixed effects for year and season of calving and age of calving, in addition to random effect of sire and error. The models to obtain the genetic parameters by REML methodology included fixed effects for year-season and age, in addition to random effects of animal and error. Least square means ± standard error were 1863,31 ± 1047,19 kg (PL); 76,59 ± 31,92 kg (PROG); 3,43 ± 0,64 % (PERG); 231,72 ± 91,30 days (DL); and 256,40 ± 180,29 days (PSECO). Estimated values of heritabilities were: 0.25 (PL); 0.09 (PROG); 0.00 (PERG); 0.16 (DL) and 0.06 (PSECO). Genetic correlations of PL with PROG and PERG were 0.36 and 0.02, respectively. These results suggest an additive genetic variation among cows to milk yield.

The present study involved a detailed analysis of foliar feeding of the winter oilseed rape cultivar 'Kana' combined with different regimes of fertilization with calcium and magnesium compounds. Foliar fertilizers, INSOL PK + 5% urea solution and EKOSOL U, were applied three times during the growing period and four different soil fertilization treatments were used: control without fertilization, NPK, NPK + MgSO4 · 7H2O, and NPK + CaO + MgO. This study was carried out based on a three-year field experiment on medium soil with a pH of 4.2 in 1 mole KCl · dm-3 and with the grain-size distribution of silt loam. The soil was characterized by a low content of available phosphorus and potassium as well as a very low content of sulfur and magnesium. The soil fertilization treatments used and the foliar fertilizers resulted in differences in the yield parameters, the macronutrient content in seed and straw as well as in the protein and oil content in seed. This study found the best production effects and quality parameters in the cultivation of winter oilseed rape in the treatment with the use of magnesium lime in the fertilizer dose. The foliar fertilizers caused greater differences in seed yield as well as in protein and oil content and yield than in the mineral composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o resultado da utilização da somatotropina bovina recombinante (bST) atuando na produção de leite em búfalas da raça Murrah. Empregaram-se 28 búfalas multíparas da raça Murrah, divididas em dois grupos homogêneos de 14 animais, recebendo os seguintes tratamentos: Grupo 1 ¾ Controle (solução salina) e Grupo 2 ¾ 500 mg de bST/cabeça a cada 14 dias, durante 7 meses. Búfalas tratadas com bST exibiram incrementos de 48,52%, 32,80% e 32,80% nas produções total de leite, corrigida, depois, para 4% de gordura e média diária, respectivamente. A somatotropina elevou a produção total de gordura sem alterar a porcentagem dela no leite. A administração de bST não afetou a porcentagem de proteína do leite todavia, a produção total de proteína foi aumentada. Quanto à duração da lactação, o tratamento com bST diferiu do controle, o que demonstra a maior persistência da lactação de búfalas tratadas com bST.The objective of this work was to study the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) utilization on milk production from Murrah buffaloes. Twenty eight multiparous Murrah buffaloes were used and divided into two homogeneous groups of 14 animals, receiving the following treatments: Group 1 ¾ Control (salt solution) and Group 2 ¾ 500 mg of bST/head every 14 days during 7 months. Buffaloes treated with bST presented increase of 48.52%, 32.80% and 32.80% on total milk yield, adjusted to 4% of fat and average daily milk yield, respectively. Somatotropin increased total fat milk yield without alter fat percentage of milk. Administration of bST did not affect protein percentage of milk while total protein milk yield increased. As for the lactating period, the treatment with bST differed of the control, what might have denoted in larger persistence of the lactation from buffaloes treated with bST.

Para comparar as produções de leite e gordura e a duração da lactação de animais de cinco "graus de sangue" (1/2, 3/4, 7/8, 15/16 e 31/32) originados de cruzamentos entre Holandês e Gir foram formados três conjuntos de dados. O conjunto 1 foi constituído de 9.817 lactações, 3.012 registros de primeira lactação e 122 rebanhos; o conjunto 2, de 7.839 lactações, 2.334 registros de primeira lactação e 75 rebanhos; e o conjunto 3, de 5.236 lactações, 1.468 registros de primeira lactação e 38 rebanhos. As médias da produção de leite, de gordura e da duração da lactação de todas as lactações nos conjuntos 1, 2 e 3 foram, respectivamente: 4.532±17kg, 157±1kg e 290±1 dias; 4.514±18kg, 157±1kg e 292 ± 1 dias; e 4.495 ± 22kg, 156 ± 1kg e 293 ± 1 dias. Os animais de "grau de sangue" 31/32 foram superiores aos demais quanto à produção de leite, à de gordura e à duração da lactação. Os animais 7/8 e 15/16 tiveram desempenho semelhante e os 1/2 apresentaram o pior desempenho.Milk yield, fat yield and lactation length of five crossbred (Holstein x Gir) groups (1/2, 3/4, 7/8, 15/16 e 31/32) were studied. Data were divided in three groups, that holded the following number of records and number of herds: group 1- 9,817 lactation records, 3,012 first lactation records and 122 herds; group 2- 7,839 lactation records, 2,334 first lactation records and 75 herds: group 3- 5,236 lactation records, 1,468 first lactation records and 38 herds. The means for milk yield, fat yield and length of lactation in groups 1, 2 and 3, for all lactation records were, respectively: 4,532±17kg, 157±1kg and 290±1 days, 4,514±18kg, 157±1kg and 292±1 days, and 4,495±22kg, 156±1kg, and 293±1 days. The 31/32 crossbred group showed better performance than the other groups in milk yield, fat yield and length of lactation. The 7/8 and 15/16 crossbred groups presented intermediary performance and 1/2 crossbred group showed the lowest performance.

Foram estimados fatores de ajustamento para produção de leite e de gordura em rebanhos da raça Holandesa do Estado de Minas Gerais, segundo a idade da vaca ao parto, a composição racial e o núcleo de controle leiteiro onde ocorreu o parto. Utilizou-se a metodologia dos modelos mistos, usando-se a máxima verossimilhança restrita em um modelo animal com os efeitos fixos de rebanho-ano, época do parto e classes idade-composição racial-núcleo de controle leiteiro, e os efeitos aleatórios de animal e resíduo. Utilizaram-se 46.971 lactações de 26.822 vacas, sendo 17.354 vacas puras por cruzamento (PC) e 9.468 puras de origem (PO). Nos cinco núcleos regionais, denominados 1545, 2585, 5565, 35 e 75, formaram-se 21 classes de idade, sendo a menor constituída de vacas que pariram com menos de 24 meses e a maior pelas vacas com mais de 99 meses de idade. Para as vacas PO, os fatores para ajustamento da produção de leite e de gordura tenderam a ser menores do que os correspondentes valores estimados para as vacas PC; todavia, a variabilidade foi maior nas vacas PO em relação às PC nos núcleos 75, 2585 e 5565. Os fatores para vacas jovens foram maiores do que para vacas de maior idade. Os fatores de ajustamento para produção de gordura foram maiores que os correspondentes para produção de leite. É recomendável utilizar fatores específicos para o ajustamento da produção de leite e de gordura em cada núcleo e grupo racial.Adjustment factors were estimated for milk and fat yields for Holstein herds according to age of cow at calving, genetic group (purebred or graded cows) and region of recorded milk yield (nucleus) in Minas Gerais State. Statistical analyses used mixed model methodologies by restricted maximum likelihood using animal model. Herd-year, season of calving, age of cow classes, genetic group, and region of recorded milk records were used as fixed effects, and cows and residuals as random effects. Analyses used 46,971 records of 26,822 cows being 17,354 classified as graded Holstein and 9,468 as purebred. In five regional nuclei, namely 1545, 2585, 5565, 35 and 75, cows were grouped in 21 age classes. The youngest one was formed by cows with less than 24 months and the oldest one by cows with 99 months of age or more. For purebred cows the age adjustment factors for milk and fat yields were lower than the correspondent ones for graded cows; however, the variability were higher for purebred cows compared to those of graded cows in 75, 2585 and 5565 regional nuclei. The age adjustment factors for young cows were higher than the correspondent factors for older cows. The fat yield adjustment factors were higher than milk yield adjustment factors in both purebred and graded cows. It is recommended to use specific factors for milk and fat yields estimated within nucleus and within genetic group.

The objectives of this research were to compare variance components, genetic parameters, prediction accuracies, and ranking of animals for 305-d milk yield (MY) and 305-d fat yield (FY) using a polygenic and three genomic–polygenic models in a Thai multibreed dairy population. The genomic–polygenic models utilized 7656 SNP (GM7K), 74,144 actual and imputed 80K SNP from FImpute (GM80K-FI), and 73,600 actual and imputed 80K SNP from Findhap (GM80K-FH). Traits were gathered from 8361 first-lactation cows in 810 farms that had their first calving between 1989 and 2014. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using REML procedures. Fixed effects included contemporary group (herd-year-season), calving age and heterosis. Random effects were animal additive genetic and residual. Estimates of variance components, heritabilities and prediction accuracies for MY and FY from GM80K-FI and GM80K-FH were similar. They were also the highest, followed by those from GM7K, and the lowest were those from the polygenic model. Correlations estimates between MY and FY were similar across models. Different MY and FY EBV rankings existed across models. The highest rank correlations were those between rankings from GM80K-FI and GM80K-FH. The second highest rank correlations between rankings from GM7K and GM80K-FI, and GM7K and GM80K-FH. The lowest rank correlations were between rankings from the polygenic model and the three genomic–polygenic models. Rank correlations indicated that selection response would differ when choosing replacement animals based on rankings from polygenic and genomic–polygenic EBV. Accuracy of EBV indicated that the highest expected selection responses for MY and FY would be achieved by utilizing EBV from GM80K-FI and GM80K-FH. Lastly, the similarity between results from GM80K-FI and GM80K-FH suggested that genotype imputation with either FImpute or Findhap would be appropriate for this Thai multibreed dairy population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rambutan ( Nephelium lappaceum L.) kernels contain a high amount of fat and it has a potential to be used as a new alternative source of edible vegetable fat. Drying of fat seed can improve the fat yield and prolong the seed storage shelf life. Therefore the drying behaviour of rambutan kernels was investigated using a hot air dryer for 6 h at each of three temperatures, 45°C, 55°C and 65°C. Based on the coefficient of determination ( R2) and root mean square error (RMSE), modified Henderson and Pabis model was found to be the best thin-layer drying model for rambutan kernels ( R2 > 0.99 and RMSE < 0.02). The effective moisture diffusivity of rambutan kernels, estimated from a modified equation of Fick's second law of diffusion, was 2.56 × 10-10 to 3.68 × 10-10 m2 s-1. The result of fat extraction significantly indicates the effect of low moisture rambutan kernels on the fat yield enhancing ( P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin E on the fat content and fatty acid profile of grazing dairy cows supplemented with microencapsulated conjugated linoleic acid. Eight New Zealand Holstein cows in a rotational grazing system were used, in a crossover design, randomly assigned to four treatments: control (base diet with microencapsulated conjugated linoleic acid) and three levels of vitamin E (control with 4,000; 8,000; and 12,000 IU/cow per day). All the cows received a supplement apportioning 5 g of cis-9, trans-11, and 5 g of trans-10, cis-12 of conjugated linoleic acid. Moreover, they each received 4-kg dry matter (DM) concentrate and 3.2-kg DM corn silage every day. There were no differences in dry matter intake, milk production, milk composition (fat, protein, and lactose), or fatty acid profile as an effect of vitamin E, and fat content remained under 3 % in all treatments. Therefore, under the conditions that this experiment was carried out, high concentrations of vitamin E in the diet of grazing dairy cows do not inhibit milk fat depression associated with conjugated linoleic acid. It also has no effect on the fatty acid profile of the milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic trends for Jersey dairy cattle in Zimbabwe were estimated. A total of 10,986 lactation records were obtained from Zimbabwe Livestock Identification Trust, with cows calving in the period 1996 to 2008. An ASReml program fitting an animal model was used for the analyses. The animal model that was used included overall mean, herd-year-season, previous calving interval, and days dry as fixed effects while linear and quadratic regression coefficients of age at calving as covariates. Random effects were cow, permanent environmental effects, and residual error. The pedigree file included 1,228 animals born from 1994 to 2005. The traits studied were milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat percent, protein percent, and LogSCC. Results indicated that milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield increased genetically ( P < 0.0001) on average by 1.420, 0.160, and 0.164 kg per year, respectively. Fat percent, protein percent, and LogSCC declined over the past 12 years ( P < 0.0001) at the rate of −0.021, −0.015, and −0.0002 per year, respectively. This was due to the negative correlation between milk composition and milk yield. The results implies that the selection applied in the last decade has achieved genetic progress and that there is genetic variance for continued improvement and for setting up an effective dairy breeding program in Zimbabwean Jersey herds for milk, fat, and protein production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to optimize emu oil production by manipulation of the dietary protein and energy ratios for greater fat accretion. The research was done at African Emu Ranch in Muldersdrift, Gauteng. Twenty-four, four to five months old emu birds were randomly allocated to three dietary protein treatments, namely a standard control diet containing 170 g crude protein (CP) or a 140 and 200 CP/kg diet, all with similar metabolizable energy content. Proximate analyses were done on representative samples of the diets to confirm the nutrient composition based on AOAC techniques. Water and feed were given ad libitum. The feeding trial spanned eight weeks. The birds were slaughtered and fat yield, anatomical and histological parameters, volatile fatty acid production and carcass weights were recorded. The fat was analyzed for lipid content and composition by means of gas chromatography. Growth rates and average weight gains of the birds in different treatments did not differ. The average dressed out carcass weights for 140, 170 and 200 g CP/kg groups were 16.75, 18.65 and 19.11 kg respectively and differed between treatments. The 200 g CP diet yielded the heaviest carcasses and highest dressing percentage. Volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations did not differ between dietary treatments. Acetic acid was the most abundant volatile fatty acid in the distal and proximal intestines. The highest concentration of acetic acid was found in the distal ileum. A small volume of iso-butyric acid was detected in the distal ileum. Total average fat yields for the 140, 170 and 200 g CP groups were 4.1, 4.2 and 4.4 kg respectively, but fat yields did not differ between treatments. The long-chain fatty acid composition of the fat did not differ between treatment groups and consisted of saturated fatty acids (27.74%), monounsaturated fatty acids (51.80%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (20.45%). Fatty acid composition did not differ between different anatomical fat depots in the carcass. The total mean of lipid produced in the omental and subcutaneous locations were 82% and 92.5% respectively. The results suggest that optimum emu oil production can be achieved by feeding diets with a low protein (optimum level of 140 g) to energy ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), supplementation during postpartum period on production performance of lactating Kankrej cows. A total of 16 lactating Kankrej cows on the basis of their parity, milk yield and body weight were grouped in to 4 homogenous treatment groups of 4 each. Out of these, one group served as control fed as per NRC (1982) wherein no supplementation was given. Cows in treatment groups T1, T2 and T3, respectively, were subjected to shatavari supplementation @ 50, 100 and 150 g per day. During the supplementation period the fat % was found significantly higher (p≤0.01) in T3 group than the control and T1 group however, there was no significant difference between control, T1 and T2 group. Also there was no significant difference between T2 and T3 group. The fat yield was significantly higher in T1, T2, T3 group than control but there was no significant difference between the different treatment groups. Therefore, it can be inferred that shatavari supplementation is beneficial and it could serve as potential management tool to improve fat percentage and fat yieldin milk inlactating cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]