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In vitro embryo production is one of the main reproductive techniques used in dairy Gyr cattle. In addition, linear type measures are well characterized and have been used in dairy Gyr breed selection for the last 4 decades. The estimation of genetic parameters for the number of aspirated oocytes and in vitro-produced embryos associated with the linear type measures would support genetic progress for animal breeding programs toward embryo production. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for aspirated oocytes, embryo in vitro production, and linear type traits, exploring the association between them. The repeatability model was applied to 14,251 ovum pick-up events from 1,916 Gyr donors. A subset of 604 donors from the same group had their body measurements taken. Single- and 2-trait analyses were carried out using the BLUPF90 family programs. Heritability estimates of 0.38, 0.34, and 0.20 were obtained for total oocytes, viable oocytes, and embryos, respectively, and the heritability of the linear type traits ranged from 0.22 to 0.40. High genetic correlations between total oocytes and viable oocytes (0.99), and between oocytes (total and viable) and embryos (0.83) were obtained. Low to high genetic (−0.07 to 0.92) and phenotypic (0.32–0.86) correlations were obtained between the linear type traits. Moreover, low phenotypic correlations (0.01–0.13) were observed for oocytes (total and viable) and embryos with the linear type traits, whereas low to moderate genetic correlations (0.07–0.42) were observed between the same traits, especially for ilium width (0.42), rump area (0.38), and hip height (0.33). Thus, selection for in vitro production is achievable in Gyr dairy cattle, and superior genetic progress is associated with the selection of oocytes (total and viable). Furthermore, the moderate genetic association between oocytes and embryos with linear type traits, especially ilium width suggests that progress on in vitro embryo production may be achieved by accessing these measurements. The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the importance of non-genetic effects on average lactation performance in yields of milk, fat, protein, and lactose; urea concentration; persistency; somatic cell count; net returns; as well as estimated phenotypic relationships between dam kidding age and these parameters in the South African Saanen goat population kidding between 1955 and 2018. Analysis of variance was carried out to test for effects; Pearson's correlation coefficients between phenotypic traits were estimated. Dam parity and birth year substantially influenced all parameters studied. Dam birth season was an important factor of variation for all parameters except milk yield, urea concentration, and net returns. There was a substantial variation due to dam kidding season in all parameters except protein yield and urea concentration, with dams kidding in spring attaining the highest average lactation milk and lactose yields. Dams giving birth to triplets attained the highest values for average lactation milk yield, lactose yield, and net returns. Pearson's correlation estimations indicated negative associations between dam kidding age and all parameters investigated except somatic cell count (rp= 0.189). Nongenetic factors determine to what extent the genetic potential of animals is expressed. Dam parity, birth year, kidding age, litter size, birth, and kidding season should be adjusted for when comparing average lactation performance of various milk production parameters in this population. For optimal lactation performance, planned breeding should be applied for spring kidding. There is a need to estimate genetic correlation values for the various traits studied to evaluate their response to selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life history trade‐offs are one of the central tenets of evolutionary demography. Trade‐offs, depicting negative covariances between individuals' life history traits, can arise from genetic constraints, or from a finite amount of resources that each individual has to allocate in a zero‐sum game between somatic and reproductive functions. While theory predicts that trade‐offs are ubiquitous, empirical studies have often failed to detect such negative covariances in wild populations. One way to improve the detection of trade‐offs is by accounting for the environmental context, as trade‐off expression may depend on environmental conditions. However, current methodologies usually search for fixed covariances between traits, thereby ignoring their context dependence. Here, we present a hierarchical multivariate ‘covariance reaction norm’ model, adapted from Martin (2023), to help detect context dependence in the expression of life‐history trade‐offs using demographic data. The method allows continuous variation in the phenotypic correlation between traits. We validate the model on simulated data for both intraindividual and intergenerational trade‐offs. We then apply it to empirical datasets of yellow‐bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer) and Soay sheep (Ovis aries) as a proof‐of‐concept showing that new insights can be gained by applying our methodology, such as detecting trade‐offs only in specific environments. We discuss its potential for application to many of the existing long‐term demographic datasets and how it could improve our understanding of trade‐off expression in particular, and life history theory in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the most important crops all over the world in terms of yield, production, consumption, cultivation, and adoptability. Wheat genotypes exhibiting different yield associated traits which influence each other in many ways. Therefor genotypic and phenotypic correlations are the breeder’s utmost priority to know about the inter-relationship between two or more traits which may be either directly influencing each other in a positive direction or indirectly swaying each other in a negative direction in breeding programs. To find out phenotypic and genotypic correlations among different productive traits, this study was designed at the research area of The Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during 2022-23. The experiment was carried out by using 27 wheat genotypes comprising of nine parents and 18 F3 populations evaluated in RCB design with three replications. Overall the study exhibited that kernel yield plant-1, which is one of the most yield contributing trait, was significantly correlated with thousand-kernel weights, tillers plant-1and biomass yield, along some other yield contributing traits. The parental genotype, Janbaz, and cross combinations Watan × AUP-5008, Pirsabak-2005 × AUP-5008, Saleem-2000 × Janbaz and Watan × Tatara were the most promising genotypes for most of quantitative traits and; hence are recommended to be evaluated in further breeding schemes. Both phenotypic and genotypic correlation study exhibited that kernel yield spike-1 was significant and positively associated with plant height, tillers plant-1, thousand-kernel weight and biomass yield. Based on correlations, yield, and production the parental genotype, Janbaz, and F3 combinations Watan × AUP-5008, Pirsabak-2005 × AUP-5008, Saleem-2000 × Janbaz and Watan × Tatara were the most promising genotypes for most of the quantitative traits, which can be incorporated in further breeding program.

Honeybees display a great range of biological, behavioral, and economic traits, depending on their genetic origin and environmental factors. The high diversity of honeybees is the result of natural selection of specific phenotypes adapted to the local environment. Of particular interest is adaptation of local and non-local bee colonies to environmental conditions. To study the importance of genotype-environment interactions on the viability and productivity of local and non-local bee colonies, we analyzed the long-term dynamics of the main traits in dark forest bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and hybrid colonies. From 2010 to 2022, a total of 64 colonies living in an apiary in Siberia, Russia, were monitored and tested to assess their biological, behavioral, and economic traits in a temperate continental climate. We detected significant correlations between the studied biological and behavioral indicators of the bee colony such as colony strength, overwintering ability, infection of colonies with diseases, hygienic behavior, and others. No relationships between the biological and economic (honey productivity) traits of bee colonies are shown. The overall result of our study is that local dark forest bee, A.m.mellifera, showed higher values for all analyzed traits than hybrid colonies. Compared to hybrids, dark forest bee colonies showed more gentleness, productivity, and survivorship. The results from our study indicate a specific local adaptation of the A.m.mellifera subspecies in a temperate continental climate. Siberia represents a unique region for the conservation of the dark forest bee. The creation of conservation areas is one way to protect local bee populations, well adapted to local environmental conditions, from uncontrolled importation of bee breeds from different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease that constantly threatens poultry production. The velogenic (highly virulent) form of ND inflicts the most damage and can lead to 100% mortality in unvaccinated village chicken flocks. This study sought to characterize responses of local chickens in Ghana after challenging them with lentogenic and velogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains. At 4 wk of age, chicks were challenged with lentogenic NDV. Traits measured were pre- and post-lentogenic infection growth rates (GR), viral load at 2 and 6 d post-lentogenic infection (DPI), viral clearance rate and antibody levels at 10 DPI. Subsequently, the chickens were naturally exposed to velogenic NDV (vNDV) after anti-NDV antibody titers had waned to levels ≤1:1,700. Body weights and blood samples were again collected for analysis. Finally, chickens were euthanized and lesion scores (LS) across tissues were recorded. Post-velogenic exposure GR; antibody levels at 21 and 34 days post-velogenic exposure (DPE); LS for trachea, proventriculus, intestines, and cecal tonsils; and average LS across tissues were measured. Variance components and heritabilities were estimated for all traits using univariate animal models. Mean pre- and post-lentogenic NDV infection GRs were 6.26 g/day and 7.93 g/day, respectively, but mean post-velogenic NDV exposure GR was -1.96 g/day. Mean lesion scores ranged from 0.52 (trachea) to 1.33 (intestine), with males having significantly higher (P < 0.05) lesion scores compared to females. Heritability estimates for the lentogenic NDV trial traits ranged from moderate (0.23) to high (0.55) whereas those for the vNDV natural exposure trial were very low (≤ 0.08). Therefore, in contrast to the vNDV exposure trial, differences in the traits measured in the lentogenic challenge were more affected by genetics and thus selection for these traits may be more feasible compared to those following vNDV exposure. Our results can form the basis for identifying local chickens with improved resilience in the face of NDV infection for selective breeding to improve productivity.

Background: It is necessary to determine the extent and direction of environmental factors to accurately assess cow performance in terms of milk yield and milk components. Although many studies have explored environmental factors affecting milk yield, there is not enough information about the effects and direction of environmental factors on milk composition. Objective: To determine the effects of non-genetic factors, such as calving season, lactation number, lactation stage, animal age, and herd size on milk yield, chemical composition of raw milk, and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in Holstein-Friesian cows. Methods: Data were obtained from 15,354 raw milk samples of 5,118 Holstein-Friesian cows at 276 dairy farms in Türkiye. The data analysis was performed using the General Linear Model (GLM) feature of the SPSS statistics program. Results: Mean fat (F), protein (P), dry matter (DM), lactose (L), urea (U), and Log10SCC values of milk were 3.74 ± 0.01, 3.19 ± 0.01, 11.36 ± 0.03, 4.32 ± 0.01%, 21.57 ± 0.28 mg/dL, and 5.244 ± 0.01 cells/mL, respectively. Peak milk yield (PMY), lactation milk yield (LMY), 305-day milk yield (305-d MY), and SCC values were 33.7 ± 0.13, 8,538.33 ± 89.64 kg, 6,479.42 ± 168.96 kg, and 224,164.34 ± 4,402.79 cells/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Dairy farms in Türkiye should improve protein, dry matter, and urea contents in milk and investigate in detail the relationship between raw milk urea, subclinical mastitis, and reproductive features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We selected ten Ajowan parents (Carum copticum L.) from a genetically diverse population to evaluate gene effects, heritability, and correlations among their morphological traits. We poly-crossed the parents to produce half-sib genotypes. The evaluations comprised the number of days to flowering, plant height, number of fertile branches, number of umbrellas per plant, number of seeds per umbel, seed yield per plant, harvest index, essential oil percentage, and essential oil yield. Parents and polycross progeny seeds grew in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the University of Tehran, 2015-2017. The results showed broad-sense heritability ranged from 0.64 to 0.96 in parents and their progenies. Narrow-sense heritability appeared through the regression of progenies on the parents (h²po) and via progeny analysis (h²n), suggesting that additive genes control these traits. The correlation of seed yield with plant height, number of fertile branches, number of umbrellas per plant, and number of seeds per umbel were positive and significant. The results indicated a significant negative correlation between thymol and γ-terpinene in parents and half-sib families. We reported wide variations and high heritability for most of the evaluated traits in the ajowan populations that can improve seed and essential oil yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Context: Gir is a tropically adapted breed of Bos taurus indicus cattle that has been intensively selected for milk production in Brazil. Selection programs also consider body-conformation traits because these have been associated with health, welfare, and cow longevity, thus affecting productivity. Aims: This study focused on Gir cattle to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for body-conformation traits, as well as their correlations with milk production traits. Methods: Body-conformation traits were classified as 'frame', 'foot and leg', or 'mammary system' traits. The dataset contained 1105 cows recorded with body-conformation traits and 38 996 records of 305-day cumulative milk yield, from 24 489 Gir cows. The pedigree file included 38 571 animals, of which 1593 were genotyped using six different single-nucleotide polymorphism panels. After genotyping imputation, and quality control, 42 105 polymorphisms were available for analyses. Univariate and bivariate animal models, using Bayesian approach via the Gibbs sampling algorithm, were used to estimate genetic parameters, benefiting from both genotypes and pedigree data. Key results: The heritabilities for body-conformation traits ranged from a low of 0.08 ± 0.04 to a medium value of 0.35 ± 0.07, and the heritability for milk production was 0.23 ± 0.01. We identified unfavourable genetic correlations between milk yield and udder depth (0.63 ± 0.11) as well as body height (0.31 ± 0.13). In contrast, there was a favourable genetic correlation between milk yield and rear udder width (0.61 ± 0.14). Conclusion: The heritability estimates confirmed the possibility of selecting animals for milk yield and body conformation traits related to the frame and mammary system categories. Based on the estimated genetic correlations, considerable importance should be given to the emphasis on selection for increased milk yield, because in the long term, this may promote undesirable changes in some type traits as body height and udder depth. Implications: This information is relevant to selective breeding of Gir to enhance tropical milk production. Body-conformation traits in dairy cattle have been associated with health, welfare, and cow longevity, thus affecting herd productivity. The heritability estimates of this study indicated that body-conformations traits could respond to selection. Moreover, the correlations between these traits and milk yield highlighted the importance of considering the correlated response to selection, synergies, and trade-offs between body conformation traits and milk production in Gir cattle. This information is relevant for selective breeding in Gir cattle to enhance tropical milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of various potato cultivars in response to disease pressures from Meloidogyne incognita (MI) and Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) is believed to be different. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. A total of 13 potato cultivars during the main cropping season were assessed. The mean squares values from the analyses of variance for MI, RS, and plant parameters of potato cultivars at the two hot spot sites, 'Kersa' and 'Arbarakate' for the two pathogens showed highly significant (P < 0.01) differences among cultivars in terms of response to pathogens and plant parameters. At 'Kersa', all of the tested potato cultivars were classed as 'moderately resistant'. However, 'Gudenie' and 'Belete' were classed as 'resistant' to RS. At 'Arbarakate', 'Belete', and 'Bubu' were classed as 'resistant' to MI, while 'Gudenie', 'Belete', and 'Bubu' were classed as 'resistant' to RS. At 'Kersa', 'Gudenie' recorded the highest mean values (25.5 t ha−1) of marketable tuber yield (MY) and total yield (TY) (39.2 t ha−1). At 'Arbarakate', the highest mean value (49.6 t ha−1) of TY was registered from the cultivar 'Bubu'. TY had a negative phenotypic correlation with the pathogen's parameters but a positive with plant parameters. 'Gera' was the most distant from all tested cultivars with Euclidean distance = 30.8. These assessments provide information for breeders for further improvement through selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Honeybees display a great range of biological, behavioral, and economic traits, depending on their genetic origin and environmental factors. The high diversity of honeybees is the result of natural selection of specific phenotypes adapted to the local environment. Of particular interest is adaptation of local and non-local bee colonies to environmental conditions. To study the importance of genotype-environment interactions on the viability and productivity of local and non-local bee colonies, we analyzed the long-term dynamics of the main traits in dark forest bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and hybrid colonies. From 2010 to 2022, a total of 64 colonies living in an apiary in Siberia, Russia, were monitored and tested to assess their biological, behavioral, and economic traits in a temperate continental climate. We detected significant correlations between the studied biological and behavioral indicators of the bee colony such as colony strength, overwintering ability, infection of colonies with diseases, hygienic behavior, and others. No relationships between the biological and economic (honey productivity) traits of bee colonies are shown. The overall result of our study is that local dark forest bee, A.m.mellifera, showed higher values for all analyzed traits than hybrid colonies. Compared to hybrids, dark forest bee colonies showed more gentleness, productivity, and survivorship. The results from our study indicate a specific local adaptation of the A.m.mellifera subspecies in a temperate continental climate. Siberia represents a unique region for the conservation of the dark forest bee. The creation of conservation areas is one way to protect local bee populations, well adapted to local environmental conditions, from uncontrolled importation of bee breeds from different regions.

Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.], a staple cereal amongst the rural population of large parts of Africa and South Asia. It is well-known for its nutritional status, especially abundant quantities of iron and calcium. Despite these advantages, finger millet is far from extensive conventional crop improvement programs. To popularize finger millet production and increase its productivity, primarily, the characterization of its germplasm is crucial. In the present study, 587 finger millet genotypes collected from different sources were analyzed for various estimates of genetic variability parameters, genetic divergence through K-means clustering followed by principal component analysis (PCA). The analysis of variance revealed substantial amount of genetic variability for the seven quantitative traits among 587 finger millet germplasm accessions. The genotypes were classified into two clusters following K-means clustering algorithm. The cluster I had higher number of genotypes (343) than cluster II (244). Thus, the grouping of accessions shall be of practical value to finger millet researchers to select and tap the genetic potential of elite accessions from different clusters as donor parentsin crossing programs. Based on PCA, three principal components (PC) with eigen values greater than one contributed 72.55% of the total variability. The PC1 accounted highest proportion of total variance (40.82 %), followed by PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5, PC6 and PC7that revealed 16.74 %, 14.98 %, 11.06 %, 9.19 %, 7.12% and 0.06 % variation, respectively.

Introduction and Objectives: Rice is one of the oldest and most important cereals in the world and is a desirable model plant for genetic and molecular studies. Drought is one of the important risks for the successful production of crops, especially rice, in the world, which can be created at any time during the growing season. One of the main challenges in agriculture is to produce more food with less water consumption, and therefore, the production of rice genotypes that can have more tolerance to drought stress is one of the main goals of breeding projects. Material and Methods: In order to evaluate the effect of drought stress (zero (control), -3 and - 5 bar using Polyethylene Glycol) on some genetic, morphological, and biochemical characteristics of rice at the germination stage, 38 lines with their parents (Mousa Tarom and 304) were investigated in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2022. Results: Morphological traits were decreased under -5 bar drought stress compared to the control. The germination rate and percentage were increased by 9.6 and 1.1% under -3 bar stress, and 37.8 and 33% under -5 bar stress, respectively. The rootlet length, rootlet fresh weight, and dry weight increased under - bar stress compared to the control, indicating that the rice plant can tolerate such a stress intensity, and it may even be used as a priming. Catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities increased by 59, 51 and 81%, respectively, by increasing the stress to -5 bar compared to the control. This increase shows the increase of the plant's resistance to the active oxygen and drought tolerance. The highest phenotypic correlation in non-stressed conditions was between seedling weight and length vigor (0.92), under -3 bar stress was detected between shootlet length and fresh weight (0.91), and under -5 bar stress the highest one was between seed germination percentage and rate (0.94). The factor analysis for each of the zero, -3 and -5 bar drought stress levels introduced three factors that explained 73.68, 81.13 and 81.73 percent of the variance, respectively. Conclusion: The high diversity of traits at the -5 bar drought stress indicates that it is possible to use germination rate and percentage, length and weight indices, and shootlet length and fresh weight as criteria for genotype selection under -5 bar drought stress. Such traits could be used as effective ones in the selection of tolerant rice genotypes at the germination stage and in order to establish the rice plant optimally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to describe the basic status of milk production traits of Chinese Holstein cows in Jiangsu, and locate the QTLs and functional genes that affect the five milk production traits (milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat yield, milk protein percentage, and milk protein yield) of first-born cows. The five milk production traits showed significant phenotypic positive correlation and high genetic positive correlation among the three parities, and we identified 1731 CNVs and 236 CNVRs in the 29 autosomes of 4173 Holstein dairy cows, and 19 CNVRS were significantly associated with milk production traits. The study introduced the basic status of the milk production traits of Chinese Holstein cows in Jiangsu province, and 19 CNVRs were identified to be significantly related to milk production traits of Chinese Holstein cows in the first fetus. This study will provide a theoretical basis for molecular marker-assisted selection of dairy cows, help to analyze the genetic structure of milk production traits of dairy cows, and contribute to the genetic improvement of Chinese Holstein cattle in Jiangsu. Milk production traits are the most important quantitative economic traits in dairy cow production; improving the yield and quality of milk is an important way to ensure the production efficiency of the dairy industry. This study carried out a series of in-depth statistical genetics studies and molecular analyses on the Chinese Holstein cows in the Jiangsu Province, such as descriptive statistics and copy number variation analysis. A genetic correlation, phenotypic correlation, and descriptive statistical analysis of five milk production traits (milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat yield, milk protein percentage, and milk protein yield) of the dairy cows were analyzed using the SPSS and DMU software. Through quality control, 4173 cows and their genomes were used for genomic study. Then, SNPs were detected using DNA chips, and a copy number variation (CNV) analysis was carried out to locate the quantitative trait loci (QTL) of the milk production traits by Perl program software Penn CNV and hidden Markov model (HMM). The phenotypic means of the milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat mass, milk protein percentage, and milk protein mass at the first trimester were lower than those at the other trimesters by 8.821%, 1.031%, 0.930%, 0.003%, and 0.826%, respectively. The five milk production traits showed a significant phenotypic positive correlation (p < 0.01) and a high genetic positive correlation among the three parities. Based on the GGPBovine 100 K SNP data, QTL-detecting research on the fist-parity milk performance of dairy cows was carried out via the CNV. We identified 1731 CNVs and 236 CNVRs in the 29 autosomes of 984 Holstein dairy cows, and 19 CNVRs were significantly associated with the milk production traits (p < 0.05). These CNVRs were analyzed via a bioinformatics analysis; a total of 13 gene ontology (GO) terms and 20 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were significantly enriched (p < 0.05), and these terms and pathways are mainly related to lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and cellular catabolic processes. This study provided a theoretical basis for the molecular-marker-assisted selection of dairy cows by developing descriptive statistics on the milk production traits of dairy cows and by locating the QTL and functional genes that affect the milk production traits of first-born dairy cows. The results describe the basic status of the milk production traits of the Chinese Holstein cows in Jiangsu and locate the QTL and functional genes that affect the milk production traits of the first-born cows, providing a theoretical basis for the molecular-marker-assisted selection of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased body growth and feed efficiency are important for breeding due to expensive feed costs. This study estimated the genetic parameters for two feed efficiency traits [the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the residual feed intake (RFI)] and other important economic traits in male Hu sheep using 1642 male Hu lambs. The heritability of the RFI was estimated at 0.31 (±0.10)–0.54 (±0.1) and the heritability of the FCR was 0.05 (±0.07)–0.77 (±0.12). There was a negative genetic correlation between rib-eye muscle area traits and RFI. A positive genetic correlation was found between fat deposition traits and feed efficiency traits. The digestive tract weight decreased with the direction of RFI: however, the FCR showed the opposite: A low FCR was accompanied by a high digestive tract weight. The genetic correlation between feed efficiency (RFI and FCR) and rumen weight was negative. Heritability estimates for feed efficiency generate fluctuations with different experimental intervals. The weight of other traits should be reasonably allocated to avoid losses in production and feed efficiency in the selection of feed efficiency traits. The present study added to our understanding of the genetic parameters of sheep under the condition of house feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the relationship between milk yield and udder morphology traits in White Fulani cows. Fifty-eight apparently healthy cows in early lactation at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th parity were used in the study. The data obtained from the cows were test day milk yield (TDMY) from single milking and udder morphology traits comprising udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder depth (UD), fore teat length (FTL), rear teat length (RTL), fore teat diameter (FTD), and rear teat diameter (RTD). There was no significant effect of parity on TDMY or the udder morphology traits. Phenotypic correlations between TDMY, UL, UW, and UD were positive and significant. Notably, phenotypic correlations between UL and TDMY at different parities were the strongest. Teat measurements had no significant correlation with TDMY. Stepwise and principal component regressions were implemented to assess the relationship between milk yield and udder morphology traits. Interestingly, UL was the only trait that entered the reduced models. The results suggest a probable genetic correlation between milk yield and udder length. Therefore, since udder conformation traits are heritable, when selecting for udder length in White Fulani cows, a correlated response in milk yield is expected.

The study examined the relationship between milk yield and udder morphology traits in White Fulani cows. Fifty-eight apparently healthy cows in early lactation at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th parity were used in the study. The data obtained from the cows were test day milk yield (TDMY) from single milking and udder morphology traits comprising udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder depth (UD), fore teat length (FTL), rear teat length (RTL), fore teat diameter (FTD), and rear teat diameter (RTD). There was no significant effect of parity on TDMY or the udder morphology traits. Phenotypic correlations between TDMY, UL, UW, and UD were positive and significant. Notably, phenotypic correlations between UL and TDMY at different parities were the strongest. Teat measurements had no significant correlation with TDMY. Stepwise and principal component regressions were implemented to assess the relationship between milk yield and udder morphology traits. Interestingly, UL was the only trait that entered the reduced models. The results suggest a probable genetic correlation between milk yield and udder length. Therefore, since udder conformation traits are heritable, when selecting for udder length in White Fulani cows, a correlated response in milk yield is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural, Environmental & Veterinary Sciences is the property of Arab Journal of Sciences & Research Publishing (AJSRP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br., 2n = 2x = 14, Poaceae), is a cross-pollinated, warm-season crop grown worldwide. To select genotypes for breeding pearl millet cultivars that adapt to drought condition in southern Tunisia, we evaluated the grain yield (GY) and yield-related traits using a set of 27 landraces at two locations in southern Tunisia for two grown seasons (2019 and 2020). The genetic variability, phenotypic and genotypic association, and path coefficient (PC), based on grain yield (GY) and different yield-related agronomic traits, were evaluated. Analysis of variance and BLUPs value revealed a wide range of variability and the possibility of genetic selection for traits that are advantageous. Broad sense heritability (H) for all the traits ranged from 24.10% for grain yield (GY) to 57.11% for spike length (SL), indicating low to moderate inheritability. Genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) ranged from high (29.56%) for principal panicle weight (PPW) to moderate for all the traits except from plant high (PH) (7.31%). For all the traits, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), indicating the magnitude of environmental conditions. GY was significantly correlated with all the traits at the genotypic and phenotypic level. According to the path coefficient, the traits PPW and SL displayed the highest direct effects on GY. Heatmap analysis demonstrated a clear segregation between the early and late genotypes based on their geographic origin. Based on the cluster analysis and FAI-BLUPS analysis, genotypes G11, G13, G12, G17 and G18 were selected as the best-performing genotypes with the shortest cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm and Animal Production and Health Laboratory of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa between 12th November to 10th December, 2022. Data collected on body weight and morphometric traits from one hundred and thirty-nine pullets comprise 48 FUNAAB Alpha, 45 Isa Brown and 46 Noiler were subjected to analysis of variance and Pearson correlation to determine effect of breed on growth traits and phenotype correlations among the traits. There was progressive increase in all the traits as age increased, however, FUNAAB Alpha and Noiler had higher values and significantly different (p<0.05) from Isa Brown. The relationships between body weight and other traits were high, positive and very highly significant (p<0.001) in Noiler and Isa Brown. In FUNAAB Alpha the correlations between body weight and shank length, wing length and breast girth were 0.276, 0.926 and 0.938, respectively. Breed had effect on the morphometric traits and increase in any of the traits leads to increase in body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) remains an important crop in the tropics. One of its challenges remains the selection and improvement of genotypes to meet location–specific needs. We studied ten cowpea accessions in Akamkpa and Ikom, Cross River State, Nigeria. Principal component and biplot analyses associated high yield with growth, flowering, pod and seed traits. Seed weight per plot and number of seeds per plot were phenotypically correlated (rp = 0.99, p ≤ 0.01). Number of seeds per plot and number of seeds per pod were genotypically correlated (rg = 1.00, p ≤ 0.01). TVu–980 did not flower at Akamkpa and TVu–1019 did not grow at Ikom. TVu–992, TVu–53, TVu11, TVu–3629 and TVu–980 (only at Ikom) cowpea accessions showed promising agromorphological attributes for possible crop improvement programmes in Ikom and Akamkpa.

Correlation and path coefficient analysis aid in developing breeding strategies aimed at increasing yield traits through selection by providing a better understanding of the relationship. This study was conducted on yield and yield-related traits to determine their direct and indirect effects among thirty-one kenaf mutant lines to identify selection criteria for higher fiber yield. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all the characters studied except for top diameter, where non-significant differences were observed for genotype and genotype by season interaction. The dry fiber weight significantly correlated with seven traits at the phenotypic and genotypic levels. Hence, selection based on these traits is effective for increasing kenaf fiber yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that fresh stem weight without leaves and pod (0.223) had the maximum contribution to fiber yield per plant, followed by plant height (0.202). Fresh stem weight without leaves and pod (0.252) exhibited the maximum positive direct effect on fiber yield followed by middle diameter (0.226) and plant height (0.186). For the development of kenaf varieties with acceptable yield, effective selection would consider plant height, middle diameter, core diameter, dry stick weight, fresh stem weight with leaves and pod, and fresh stem weight without leaves and pod.

The objective of this study was to obtain (co)variance components, heritability, and genetic and phenotypic correlation estimates for feed efficiency and feed behaviour‐related indicator traits. Further, it aimed to predict the direct and correlated responses for feed efficiency traits when selection was applied for feeding behaviour‐related traits in Nelore cattle. Phenotypic records (n = 4840) from 125 feed efficiency tests (RFI: Residual feed intake and DMI: Dry matter intake) carried out between 2011 and 2018 were considered in this study. Animals belonged to five farms located in two Brazilian geographical regions (Midwest and Southeast). Animals under similar management and environmental conditions in the feedlot were evaluated when they attained an average of 13.5 ± 4.15 months of age. Feed behaviour‐related traits were also obtained, including meal criteria (MC), meal frequency (MF), average meal duration (AMD), meal duration (MD), average consumption per meal (ACM), and consumption rate (CR) through the GrowSafe System® electronic bunk system. The contemporary groups for all traits were composed of farm, management group, feed efficiency test, sex, and birth year. The (co)variance components were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method considering a multi‐trait (n = 8) animal model. The heritability estimates for RFI (0.23 ± 0.02), DMI (0.31 ± 0.02), MF (0.65 ± 0.02), AMD (0.29 ± 0.02), ACM (0.24 ± 0.02), MD (0.41 ± 0.02), MC (0.48 ± 0.02), and CR (0.42 ± 0.02) were moderate to high. The highest genetic correlation was obtained between CR and MD (−0.91 ± 0.04), MD and AMD (0.73 ± 0.03), CR and AMD (−0.68 ± 0.04), and RFI and DMI (0.81 ± 0.02). The highest phenotypic correlation was between ACM and AMD (0.76 ± 0.02), DMI and MD (0.77 ± 0.02), and DMI and RFI (0.77 ± 0.02). Genetic improvement for feed efficiency and feeding behaviour‐related traits is feasible and the results obtained herein provided valuable information regarding the genetic background of Nelore feeding behaviour‐related traits. The genetic association between feeding behaviour and feed efficiency‐related traits suggested that animals spending less time feeding at a low feeding rate also had lower DMI and higher feed efficiency (RFI), and likely had lower energy maintenance requirements. The relative efficiency of selection showed that feeding behaviour‐related traits were not adequate indicator traits to improve RFI and DMI. The DMI might be an effective selection criterion to improve RFI and reduce the herd's maintenance requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrids show better performance than varieties in terms of yield and quality. Heterosis breeding provides a way to develop hybrids to uplift yield and quality. In the current study, 21 hybrids generated through line × tester mating design were evaluated along with the standard check, Arka Rakshak, in a randomized block design to investigate the magnitude of standard heterosis. Significant difference was observed among the genotypes pertaining to days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), fruits per plant, fruit weight (g), fruit girth (cm) and seeds per fruit. Estimation of standard heterosis in desirable direction was identified for all characters. NTL-14-08 × DVRT-2, NTL-14-08 × GT-6 and NTL-14- 08 × GT-7 are the top three crosses that showed higher positive standard heterosis for fruit yield per plant (kg). The heterotic response in hybrids for different characters is in general agreement with the per se performance of hybrids. Phenotypic correlation study indicated that the number of fruits per plant is positively correlated with fruit yield per plant and negatively correlated with days to 50% flowering with significance.

IntroductionThe automated collection of phenotypic measurements in livestock is of interest to both researchers and farmers. Real-time, low-cost, and accurate phenotyping can enhance precision livestock management and could lead to the optimized utilization of pasture and breeding of efficient animals. Wearable sensors provide the tools for researchers to develop novel phenotypes across all production systems, which is especially valuable for grazing conditions. The objectives of this study were to estimate the repeatability and heritability of traits related to grazing and rumination activities and their correlations with other traits.MethodsThis study was conducted on a commercial Merino farm in the west of Victoria, Australia, from 4 May 2020 to 29 May 2020. A total of 160 ActiGraph sensors embedded in halters were attached to the left side of the muzzles of Merino sheep (M = 74, F = 86) aged 10–11 months while the sheep were grazing on pasture. Support vector machine (SVM) algorithms classified the sensor output into the categories of grazing, rumination, walking, idle, and other activities. These activities were further classified into daily grazing time (GT), number of grazing events (NGE), grazing length (GL), rumination time (RT), number of rumination events (NRE), rumination length (RL), walking time (WT), and idle time (IT). The data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate models in ASReml-SA to estimate the repeatability, heritability, and phenotypic correlations among traits.ResultsThe heritability of GT was estimated to be 0.44 ± 0.23, whereas the other traits had heritability estimates close to zero. The estimated repeatability for all traits was moderate to high, with the highest estimate being for GT (0.70 ± 0.03) and the lowest for RT (0.44 ± 0.03). The intraclass correlation or repeatability at a 1-day interval (i.e., 2 consecutive days) was high for all traits, and steadily reduced when the interval between measurements was longer than 1 week.DiscussionThe estimated repeatability for the grazing traits showed that wearable sensors and SVM methods are reliable methods for recording sheep activities on pasture, and have a potential application in the ranking of animals for selective breeding.

The increase of longevity is intended to reduce involuntary culling rates, not extend the life span, and it reflects the ability of animals to successfully cope with the environment and disease during production. Sire model, animal model and repeatability animal models were used to estimate the (co) variance components of longevity and fertility traits. Six longevity and thirteen fertility traits were analysed, including herd life (HL), productive life (PL), number of days between first calving and the end of first lactation or culling (L1); number of days between first calving and the end of the second lactation or culling (L2); number of days between first calving and the end of the third lactation or culling (L3); number of days between first calving and the end of the fourth lactation or culling (L4); age at first service, age at first calving (AFC), the interval from first to last inseminations in heifer (IFLh), conception rate of first insemination in heifer, days open (DO), calving interval, gestation length, interval from calving to first insemination (ICF), interval from first to last inseminations in cow (IFLc), conception rate of first insemination in cow, calving ease (CE), birth weight, and calf survival. The estimated heritabilities (±SE) were 0.018 (±0.003), 0.015 (±0.003), 0.049 (±0.004), 0.025 (±0.003), 0.009 (±0.002) and 0.011 (±0.002) for HL, PL, L1, L2, L3 and L4, respectively. Strong correlations were appeared in HL and PL; the genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were 0.998 and 0.985, respectively. There were high genetic and phenotypic correlations which were observed in L1 and L2, L2 and L3, L3 and L4, respectively. All fertility traits of heifer showed medium to high heritability, while the cow showed low heritability. All heifer fertility traits had low genetic associations with longevity traits, ranging from −0.018 (L2 and IFLh) to 0.257 (L3 and AFC). Most of the fertility traits showed negative correlations with longevity traits in different parities, and we recommend DO, ICF, IFLc and CE as indirect indicators of longevity traits in dairy cows, but we also need to take into account the differences between parities.

The experiment was undertaken to study correlation and path coefficient and relatively importance to yield and its components traits in Okra. The experimental material consisted of six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) through two crosses, which were evaluated in Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the Agriculture Scientific Center in Latakia during the summer of 2020. The result of phenotypic correlation revealed that yield per plant had positively significant correlation with fruit diameter (0.53), positively highly significant correlation with fruit weight (0.65), and negatively highly significant correlation with days for first flowering and days to 50% flowering (-0.56, -0.63), respectively in the first hybrid (Lathkani 6× Lathkani 10). In the second hybrid (Lathkani 7× Lathkani 9), yield per plant has exhibited positively and highly significant correlation with numbers of fruit per plant, numbers of flowers per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight (0.95, 0.96, 0.76, 0.65, 0.64), respectively. The high positively direct effect on yield per plant was contributed by fruit weight followed by days to 50% flowering in the first hybrid. Numbers of fruits per plant had desirably direct effect on yield per plant in the second hybrid. Hence, direct selection based on these traits would result in simultaneous improvement of previously mentioned traits and yield in Okra.

Improved feed efficiency (FE) is one of the most important achievements in animal breeding programs. The present investigation aimed to determine the phenotypic correlations of residual feed intake (RFI) breeding value with some traits in growing Japanese quail. A total of 48 birds (24 males and 24 females) were selected from 220 quail chicks divided into three classes based on breeding values (BV) for RFI including low (LBV;n= 16), medium (MBV;n= 16), and high-BV (HBV;n= 16) were used to test FE. The effects of three groups of BV on the studied traits including carcass traits, meat quality, humoral immunity, and bone properties were evaluated. The BV for RFI was positively correlated with feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed intake (FI) but not with metabolic BW (MBW0.75). Live body weight, carcass, breast, and thigh weight in the LBV-RFI group were significantly greater than those in the HBV-RFI group. The BV for RFI had a negative correlation with live body weight and thigh weight. Our findings suggested that the selection of LBV-RFI quails may be useful to increase live body weight without any adverse impact on meat quality and bone properties, and live body weight can be implemented in breeding programs as an indirect selection indicator for improvement of FE in quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimates of genetic parameters will enable turkey breeders to determine the effect of selection on fear-related behaviors in breeding programs. Currently, no published reports exist on genetic parameters of fear-related behaviors in Nigerian indigenous turkey (NIT). The objective of this pilot study was to estimate genetic parameters of fear-related behaviors in NIT poults to know the relative contribution of genes and environment to these traits. Three behavioral tests were used as measures of fear response in randomly selected 200 NIT poults generated from mating of 10 sires and 20 dams. Emergence, inversion and open field tests were conducted at 9, 12, and 14 days of age, respectively. Fear tests were conducted in early life to measure innate fear and not learned fear. Heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated for latency to emerge from a dark box (EMG), duration of wing flapping during inversion (INV), and behavioral activities performed during open field test such as preening frequency (PN), preening duration (PD), wall pecking duration (DPW), number of times a bird rested on its chest (NRC), duration of movement (DM), total number of floor squares explored (BE) and percentage of floor squares explored (PBC). Variance and covariance parameters of the fear-related behaviors were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood method. Heritability estimates ranged from very low to moderate. The lowest heritability (0.004) was estimated for NRC performed during the open field test while the highest heritability (0.364) was estimated for EMG. All genetic correlations between all pairs of fear-related behaviors were low except between INV and NRC (0.8132); INV and DM (0.7326), and between INV and PN (0.7115). Positive phenotypic correlations were found between INV and other fear-related behaviors while negative phenotypic correlations were found between NRC and the other fear-related behaviors. The highest phenotypic correlation was found between INV and BE (0.9985) while the lowest was between EMG and NRC (-0.0001). The very low to moderate heritability estimated for most of the fear-related behaviors indicates little genetic contribution to fear-related behaviors in NIT, suggesting that fearfulness can be best reduced in these birds by improving the rearing environment. The high genetic correlation between INV and NRC; DPW and PN; INV and DM as well as between INV and PN may indicate that the genes that contribute to these pairs of fear-related behaviors are co-inherited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine phenotypic correlations between the quality traits of eggs from 41-week-old broiler breeder hens (Cobb 500), a total of 105 eggs suitable for incubation were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The average values of egg weight, egg length, egg width, egg shape index, shell thickness, shell weight, and shell ratio were 66.90 g, 60.00 mm, 44.81 mm, 74.70%, 0.37 mm, 6.07 g, and 9.07%, respectively. Moreover, the average values of yolk weight, albumen weight, yolk ratio, albumen ratio, Haugh units, yolk index, and yolk-to-albumen ratio were 20.04 g, 40.80 g, 29.97%, 60.95%, 82.12, 46.17%, and 0.49, respectively. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between the egg weight and the egg length (0.75), egg width (0.80), shell (0.55), yolk (0.60), albumen weight (0.91), and albumen ratio (0.25). However, a significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) was found between the egg weight and both the yolk ratio (-0.20) and yolk-to-albumen ratio (-0.23). The egg shape index proved not to be significantly correlated with any of the internal egg quality traits considered. The shell thickness was in a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) with the shell weight (0.83) and ratio (0.86), whereas a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) was found between the shell thickness and yolk ratio (-0.23). The Haugh units were in a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the albumen ratio (0.24) and yolk index (0.27), whereas a significant negative correlation (p

Milk production traits are the most important quantitative economic traits in dairy cow production; improving the yield and quality of milk is an important way to ensure the production efficiency of the dairy industry. This study carried out a series of in-depth statistical genetics studies and molecular analyses on the Chinese Holstein cows in the Jiangsu Province, such as descriptive statistics and copy number variation analysis. A genetic correlation, phenotypic correlation, and descriptive statistical analysis of five milk production traits (milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat yield, milk protein percentage, and milk protein yield) of the dairy cows were analyzed using the SPSS and DMU software. Through quality control, 4173 cows and their genomes were used for genomic study. Then, SNPs were detected using DNA chips, and a copy number variation (CNV) analysis was carried out to locate the quantitative trait loci (QTL) of the milk production traits by Perl program software Penn CNV and hidden Markov model (HMM). The phenotypic means of the milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat mass, milk protein percentage, and milk protein mass at the first trimester were lower than those at the other trimesters by 8.821%, 1.031%, 0.930%, 0.003%, and 0.826%, respectively. The five milk production traits showed a significant phenotypic positive correlation (p < 0.01) and a high genetic positive correlation among the three parities. Based on the GGPBovine 100 K SNP data, QTL-detecting research on the fist-parity milk performance of dairy cows was carried out via the CNV. We identified 1731 CNVs and 236 CNVRs in the 29 autosomes of 984 Holstein dairy cows, and 19 CNVRs were significantly associated with the milk production traits (p < 0.05). These CNVRs were analyzed via a bioinformatics analysis; a total of 13 gene ontology (GO) terms and 20 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were significantly enriched (p < 0.05), and these terms and pathways are mainly related to lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and cellular catabolic processes. This study provided a theoretical basis for the molecular-marker-assisted selection of dairy cows by developing descriptive statistics on the milk production traits of dairy cows and by locating the QTL and functional genes that affect the milk production traits of first-born dairy cows. The results describe the basic status of the milk production traits of the Chinese Holstein cows in Jiangsu and locate the QTL and functional genes that affect the milk production traits of the first-born cows, providing a theoretical basis for the molecular-marker-assisted selection of dairy cows.

The aim of this paper was to analyze the coefficient of phenotypic correlation and regression between main wool production traits for the sheep belonging to the Palas line specialized for meat, milk and with high prolificacy. The study was performed on a 10 years interval, the phenotypic correlation and the regression being determined for age groups and body weight classes for the following traits: raw wool production, the staple length, wool diameter and body weight at shearing. The obtained results are showing that for the specialized sheep lines the efficiency of wool production is also higher for the sheep with moderate body weights but for these sheep lines the selection for body weight will be done based on the morphoproductive parameters specific to the purpose of exploitation (milk production, meat production or high prolificacy).

Introduction Growth traits of domestic animals and their economic significance have been always considered important by breeders and breeding specialist. Growth models, calculated non-linearly, are used to express growth rate and statistical ratio between age and body weight (Kum et al. 2010). One of the ways to draw and describe the growth curve is to use growth models. By selection, you can change the shape of the growth curve and increase body weight (Anthony et al. 1996), although selecting to increase body weight has adverse effects such as obesity, leg problems and sudden death syndrome in poultry. Growth curve parameters are suitable and efficient criterion allowing to change the relationship between age and body weight through selection (Narince et al. 2010). Many researchers have used linear and nonlinear regression models to model the growth phenomenon. These models are more reliable (Vuori et al. 2006) than linear models due to the limited number of parameters and have a better fit of the data (Lambe et al. 2006). Depending on the breed of livestock and population studied, a growth function presents different results, so it is necessary to model growth for each herd separately (Bahreini Behzadi et al. 2015). Though many have investigated the growth traits of quails, studies estimating the heritability of growth curve parameters, genetic correlations between these parameters and genetic correlation between growth curve parameters and other traits (e.g., growth traits, production, conversion ratio and carcass traits) are very limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations of growth curve parameters and different body weight traits in Japanese quail. Material and methods: Data were obtained from 242 male and 242 female quail hatched between 2017-2019 that belonged to the Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Research Center. Birds were weighed individually for four generations from hatching to 42 days of age over four generations. Pedigree information included bird number, sire number and cage number, year, month, and birthday of the bird and hatching times over 4 generations. The data were first edited with CFC software and prepared for analysis. The traits studied in this study included body weight records at different ages (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 45 days of age). SAS software's linear model and GLM procedure were used to identify constant factors affecting traits. Nonlinear regression model was used to estimate the growth curve parameters. Covariance components and genetic parameters of growth and body weight trait at different ages in quail were estimated using animal model and restricted maximum likelihood method using multivariate analysis by DMU software. Results and discussion: In the present study, moderate to high heritability (0.21-0.72) was obtained for different traits of body weight. Estimation of heritability at 1 week (0.45 ± 0.06), 2 weeks (0.42 ± 0.05), 3 weeks (0.44 ± 0.06), 4 weeks (0.45 ± 0.07), 5 weeks (0.52 ± 0.07) and 6 weeks (0.72 ± 0.06) were higher than the values reported by Barbieri et al. (2015) yet less than the estimate of Narinc et al. (2010). Estimation of moderate heritability obtained for body weight at 1 and 4 weeks of age and high heritability at 5 and 6 weeks of age show that the response to selection is low at early ages and increases with age at 5 and 6 weeks. The strongest correlations were between 3-4 weeks weight (0.93) and 1-2 weeks (0.92). Except for genetic correlations between hatching weight and final ages, most correlations were positive. The highest phenotypic correlation was between 3-4 weeks (0.83) and the phenotypic correlation between hatch weight and 6 weeks (0.006) was the lowest estimate. The results showed that the Gompertz model with the highest coefficient of determination (0.998) and the lowest error variance (1.8262) was the best growth predictor model in Japanese quails. Estimation of growth curve parameters (a, b and k) were 298.58, 3.5 and 0.053, respectively. The small difference between the observed and predicted body weight values indicates that the Gampertz model was able to describe the growth of quails well. Heritability of growth curve parameters (a, b and k) were estimated to be 0.21, 0.48 and 0.22, respectively. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between parameters a and b with different traits of body weight were generally negative. The highest genetic correlation (0.86) and phenotypic (0.66) were obtained between k parameter and 3-week weight. Genetic correlation between mean growth rate (b) and various traits of body weight was 0.9-0.62. The highest genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated between maturity rate (k) and 2, 3 and 4weeks weights. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between growth curve parameters were generally negative. The only correlation between asymptotic weight (a) and mean growth rate (b) was positive and high. These negative correlations indicate that if selection is used to increase puberty weight, we will have negative effects on growth rate and the growth rate will tend to decrease. Conclusion: Estimation of heritability of growth curve parameters and their correlation with body weights at different ages showed that increasing production efficiency by selection based on growth curve parameters rather than selection for body weight could be useful. Curve deformations are more important than other parameters for productive purposes, especially the parameters a and k that are related to growth rates. Choosing a higher growth rate at 0- to 14-day-old does not change maturity weight, but choosing a higher body weight, that is, the near-inflection point of the curve, changes the shape of the curve without any significant change in parameter a. Nonetheless, k would change without any change in parameter a when limiting selection index is applied. The heritability of the Gompertz growth curve parameters and their correlation with weekly weights suggest that the growth rate parameter may be useful in selecting animals that are of early growth

The experiment was undertaken to study correlation and path coefficient and relatively importance to yield and its components traits in Okra. The experimental material consisted of six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) through two crosses, which were evaluated in Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the Agriculture Scientific Center in Latakia during the summer of 2020. The result of phenotypic correlation revealed that yield per plant had positively significant correlation with fruit diameter (0.53), positively highly significant correlation with fruit weight (0.65), and negatively highly significant correlation with days for first flowering and days to 50% flowering (-0.56, -0.63), respectively in the first hybrid (Lathkani 6× Lathkani 10). In the second hybrid (Lathkani 7× Lathkani 9), yield per plant has exhibited positively and highly significant correlation with numbers of fruit per plant, numbers of flowers per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight (0.95, 0.96, 0.76, 0.65, 0.64), respectively. The high positively direct effect on yield per plant was contributed by fruit weight followed by days to 50% flowering in the first hybrid. Numbers of fruits per plant had desirably direct effect on yield per plant in the second hybrid. Hence, direct selection based on these traits would result in simultaneous improvement of previously mentioned traits and yield in Okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High yielding crop varieties are the need of time as the population is accelerating with an exponential rate. Genetic variability can be exploited to screen improved crop varieties to address the scarcity of food. We investigated the agro-morphology in seven bread wheat genotypes collected from International Wheat and Maize Improvement Centre Mexico (CIMMYT); Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (NIA) Tando Jam and Wheat and Research Institute (WRI) Sakrand. The experimental study was conducted at Wheat Research Institute (WRI), Sakrand Sindh, Pakistan. The agro-morphological study of wheat is important for the enhancement of yield production. Phenotypic correlation was calculated in all traits. Results indicated the number of grains per spike had positive and significant correlation to grain yield per spike. The days for maturity showed positive and significant correlation with plant height. The grain filling period indicated positive and non-significant correlation to days for maturity, spike length, grain yield per spike, plant height, number of grains per spike. Grain yield per spike had negatively non-significant correlation to harvest index. It is concluded from this study that most promising genotypes ESWYT-136, ESWYT-104, ESWYT-123, and SKD-1 were morphologically different from each other and are recommended for breeding programs and cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correlation and path coefficient analysis aid in developing breeding strategies aimed at increasing yield traits through selection by providing a better understanding of the relationship. This study was conducted on yield and yield-related traits to determine their direct and indirect effects among thirty-one kenaf mutant lines to identify selection criteria for higher fiber yield. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all the characters studied except for top diameter, where non-significant differences were observed for genotype and genotype by season interaction. The dry fiber weight significantly correlated with seven traits at the phenotypic and genotypic levels. Hence, selection based on these traits is effective for increasing kenaf fiber yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that fresh stem weight without leaves and pod (0.223) had the maximum contribution to fiber yield per plant, followed by plant height (0.202). Fresh stem weight without leaves and pod (0.252) exhibited the maximum positive direct effect on fiber yield followed by middle diameter (0.226) and plant height (0.186). For the development of kenaf varieties with acceptable yield, effective selection would consider plant height, middle diameter, core diameter, dry stick weight, fresh stem weight with leaves and pod, and fresh stem weight without leaves and pod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goat being low maintenance, resilient livestock for tough times plays a significant role for small and marginal farmers and landless labourers particularly in the rainfed areas where crop production is uncertain and rearing large animals is restricted due to acute scarcity of feed and fodder. Goat husbandry has to be addressed with priority not only for rural development but also for its contribution towards the rural economic upliftment. The data of 10148 kids born during the period 2008 to 2019 maintained at farmers’ fields at the different districts of West Bengal were analyzed. The heritability, phenotypic and genotypic correlation were evaluated for the body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. The heritability estimates of birth weight, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months body weight in the present study were 0.515 ± 0.507, 0.247 ± 0.169, 0.325 ± 0.548, 0.511 ± 0.322 and 0.311 ± 0.209, respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between body weights at different ages were positive except at birth. Positive genetic correlations among the body weight traits suggested that the kids at 3 months age and 6 months age can be used to bring about improvement at 12 months age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Greater production of oocytes and embryos from Gir donors contributes to greater fertility and genetic progress. Aims: This study aimed to obtain genetic parameters for oocyte and embryo production in the Gir breed. Methods: Repeatability and random regression models were applied to data consisting of 17 526 Ovum Pick Up observations from 1641 Gir donors from five different herds. Single and multi-trait analyses were carried out with the application of both models for the traits: number of viable oocytes, number of total oocytes and number of embryos, using the BLUPF90 family programs. Legendre polynomials of second order were used in the random regression model. Key results: Considering the repeatability model, additive genetic variance ranged from 0.06 to 0.13 and permanent environment variance ranged from 0.05 to 0.08 for all evaluated traits. Residual variance ranged from 0.30 to 0.45. Heritability estimates were 0.10 for number of embryos, 0.24 for total oocytes, and 0.25 for viable oocytes. Repeatability estimates were moderate, ranging from 0.20 to 0.40, and genetic correlation estimates were always above 0.80. Phenotypic correlation was high only between viable and total oocytes (0.95), and moderate in the other cases. Random regression model results were consistent with those from the repeatability model. The heritability values remained similar throughout the donors' ages, with moderate values for viable and total oocytes, and low values for number of embryos. Genetic correlations among ages for each trait were moderate to high. Also, the genetic correlations between traits within each age were high, with values always above 0.7. Conclusions: Selection of Gir donors for total oocyte production at any time, between 1 and 16 years of age, might lead to an increase in the number of viable oocytes and embryos obtained, but it's preferable at younger ages to hasten genetic progress. Repeatability models could be the best method, as they require less computational effort when compared to the random regression models and the parameter estimates do not vary substantially throughout different ages of the donor. Implications: The use of repeatability models to estimate genetic parameters of oocytes and embryos resulted in similar results compared to random regression models. In vitro embryo production expanded in the past decade, as a result of the progressive adoption of this technique as a choice for embryo production, mainly in zebu breeds. Studies about embryo production are needed for its better exploration in animal breeding programs. We found that the number of oocytes obtained by follicular aspiration can be used as a trait to select better donors for embryo in vitro production. Our results may contribute to improve Gir dairy cattle reproductive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding programs for improvement of sacha-inchi, Plukenetia volubilis L., generally aim to select individuals with greater seed yield since there is a strong correlation between seed yield and oil production. However, the manual removal of seed husks for evaluating this trait is laborious and costly, thereby discouraging breeding efforts. Accordingly, the objective of the present study was to estimate gains from indirect selection of seed production in sacha-inchi progenies, focusing on maximizing efficiency in improvement programs. Genetic parameters along with direct and indirect selection gains were estimated for seed yield traits in 12 open-pollinated progenies. Strong genetic correlations were observed between total number of fruits (TNF), total weight of fruits (TWF), and total weight of seeds (TWS) per plant (r > 0.96). Notably, all three traits demonstrated high heritability (h2 > 0.81). Therefore, plants with high TNF and TWF (Cuzco, Dos de Mayo, Shanao, Aucaloma, and AM-7) can be used to indirectly select the genetic traits of higher seed yields (GS% = 23%). Genetic gain for dry seed production with a selection index of 42% was estimated at 23%, which corresponds to 118 kg·ha−1. Future sacha-inchi improvement programs can select progenies with high TNF and TWF to facilitate the selection of progenies with high TWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. The aim of the study was to determine the dependence between Test Day (TD) milk productivity traits and somatic cells count (SCC) in milk and also the influence of the factors: farm, parity and TD recording season of Holstein cows. The survey included a total of 484 lactating cows from 8 cattle farms in Bulgaria. A total of 3473 TD records including data on TD milk yield, fat %, protein % and SCC in milk were used. A statistically significant effect of the farm, recording season, and SCC on TD milk yield, fat % and protein % was reported. The highest TD milk yield was reported in spring (22.42 kg), followed by winter (21.95 kg). In winter and autumn were reported higher mean values for TD fat (3.77 and 3.84%) and TD protein (3.38 and 3.40%) content in milk. At the highest SCC – above 999 000 cells/ml, the highest average daily milk yield – 24.1 kg and the lowest fat (3.48%) was reported. With the highest and positive statistically significant value was the phenotypic correlation between TD milk yield and SCC (0.21). The correlation with TD fat % was statistically significant, with negative value (- 0.07).

Abstract Life history studies have established that trade‐offs between growth and survival are common both within and among species. Identifying the factor(s) that mediate this trade‐off has proven difficult, however, especially at the among‐species level. In this study, we examined a series of potentially interrelated traits in a community of temperate‐zone passerine birds to help understand the putative causes and consequences of variation in early‐life growth among species. First, we examined whether nest predation risk (a proven driver of interspecific variation in growth and development rates) was correlated with species‐level patterns of incubation duration and nestling period length. We then assessed whether proxies for growth rate covaried with mean trait covariance strength (i.e., phenotypic correlations (rp), which can be a marker of early‐life stress) among body mass, tarsus length, and wing length at fledging. Finally, we examined whether trait covariance strength at fledging was related to postfledging survival. We found that higher nest predation risk was correlated with faster skeletal growth and that our proxies for growth corresponded with increased trait covariance strength (rp), which subsequently, correlated with higher mortality in the next life stage (postfledging period). These results provide an indication that extrinsic pressures (nest predation) impact rates of growth, and that there are costs of rapid growth across species, expressed as higher mean rp and elevated postfledging mortality. The link between higher levels of trait covariance at fledging and increased mortality is unclear, but increased trait covariance strength may reflect reduced phenotypic flexibility (i.e., phenotypic canalization), which may limit an organism's capacity for coping with environmental or ecological variability.

Systems genetics holds the promise to decipher complex traits by interpreting their associated SNPs through gene regulatory networks derived from comprehensive multi-omics data of cell types, tissues, and organs. Here, we propose SpecVar to integrate paired chromatin accessibility and gene expression data into context-specific regulatory network atlas and regulatory categories, conduct heritability enrichment analysis with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics, identify relevant tissues, and estimate relevance correlation to depict common genetic factors acting in the shared regulatory networks between traits. Our method improves power upon existing approaches by associating SNPs with context-specific regulatory elements to assess heritability enrichments and by explicitly prioritizing gene regulations underlying relevant tissues. Ablation studies, independent data validation, and comparison experiments with existing methods on GWAS of six phenotypes show that SpecVar can improve heritability enrichment, accurately detect relevant tissues, and reveal causal regulations. Furthermore, SpecVar correlates the relevance patterns for pairs of phenotypes and better reveals shared SNP-associated regulations of phenotypes than existing methods. Studying GWAS of 206 phenotypes in UK Biobank demonstrates that SpecVar leverages the context-specific regulatory network atlas to prioritize phenotypes’ relevant tissues and shared heritability for biological and therapeutic insights. SpecVar provides a powerful way to interpret SNPs via context-specific regulatory networks and is available at https://github.com/AMSSwanglab/SpecVar, copy archived at swh:1:rev:cf27438d3f8245c34c357ec5f077528e6befe829.