Using spline functions (segmented polynomials) in regression models requires the knowledge of the location of the knots. Knots are the points at which independent linear segments are connected. Optimal positions of knots for linear splines of different orders were determined in this study for different scenarios, using existing estimates of covariance functions and an optimization algorithm. Th...

Heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated for subjectively scored milkability and leakage, clinically recorded mastitis, somatic cell score (SCS) and milk production using data from Finnish sire sampling program, health and milk recording system. Four sets of data were analyzed using multi-trait REML included in DMU-package with sire model. The data consisted of 23,8...

Milk production in the temperate climates accounts for 66% of the world milk output. In North America only about 20% of beef originates from dairy herds, while in Europe beef production is a by-product of dairying. Several studies showed small genetic correlations between milk and beef traits, thus suggesting the possibility of simultaneous selection for both .characteristics. European breeding...

The objective of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms at the STAT5A and FGF2 gene loci with fertility, lactation milk yield and lameness in dairy cattle. Five hundred and eighteen primiparous Holstein cows were included in the study. Several reproductive traits were considered including conception rate (0/1) at first insemination, conception rate (0/1) in a 305-day lac...

The impact of 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), growth hormone receptor (GHR), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) gene loci on daily milk production, feed intake, and feed conversion, and weekly measures of live weight, BCS, and body energy traits was evaluated using genetic and phenotypic data on 571 Holstein cows raised at the Langhil...

Knowledge of genetic parameters is essential for improved reproductive management and increased yield. Quantitative analysis of genetic parameters is lacking for many breeds of buffaloes. This article provides the first estimate of genetic parameters for dual purpose (meat and milk) Brazilian Jaffarabadi buffaloes, using Bayesian inference. Data on milk yield (MY), lactation length (LL), weight...

Background: Tumor necrosis factor- a (TNF-α) is a cytokine that was identified as a factor with a wide range of proinflammatory activities. The expression of bovine TNF-α in mammary tissue during pregnancy seems to have a role in development of the corresponding glands.Objective: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were defined in 3′-flanking region of...

introduction productive traits such as milk production and fat and protein percentage have economic importance in the livestock industry. accurate prediction of breeding value of animals is one of the best tools available for maximizing response to selection program. it is a fact that the main objective of the breeding program, is to achieve the maximum economic benefit. for breeders of dairy c...

Associations between stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-1) gene polymorphisms and milk production, composition (fat, protein, and casein content), acidity (pH and titratable acidity) and coagulation properties (MCP), namely rennet coagulation time (RCT, min) and curd fi rmness (a30, mm) were investigated on individual Brown Swiss milk. A total of ...

RNA-Seq enables the generation of extensive transcriptome information providing the capability to characterize transcripts (including alternative isoforms and polymorphism), to quantify expression and to identify differential regulation in a single experiment. Our aim in this study was to take advantage of using RNA-Seq high-throughput technology to provide a comprehensive transcriptome profili...