The location and utilization of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes with significant effects on economically important traits are becoming increasingly important in livestock breeding programs. The porcine cholecystokinin type A receptor (CCKAR) is a candidate gene for performance traits, due to its known role in the physiological control of feed intake, satiety, and obesity. We i...

IMPLICATIONS Genomic predictions for commercial cattle can be used to select replacement heifers, design mating strategies, and market calves. Presently, two companies (Igenity and Zoetis) offer genomic tests for commercial cattle. Like expected progeny differences (EPDs) on young bulls, these genomic tests do not perfectly predict genetic merit. However, these tests will be useful for identify...

Life cycle changes in bone mineralization and bone size traits of the tibia and humerus were evaluated in commercial male and female broilers using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Experiment 1 evaluated weekly changes in bone traits from 2 to 7 wk of age, whereas experiment 2 compared the bone traits of 4 strains of commercial meat-type chickens from 4 to 8 wk of age. Birds were restra...

Wisconsin dairy farmers produce more corn (Zea mays L.) silage than any other state in the U.S. A University of Wisconsin corn silage research consortium evaluated corn hybrids and found that the range for NDF and digestibility among commercial hybrids is narrow, but more importantly, yield and quality differences among corn hybrids were repeatable (Coors, 1996). In 1995, an extension program w...

The objective of this research was to estimate genetic parameters and trends for length of productive life (LPL), lifetime number of piglets born alive (LBA), lifetime number of piglets weaned (LPW), lifetime litter birth weight (LBW), and lifetime litter weaning weight (LWW) in a commercial swine farm in Northern Thailand. Data were gathered during a 24-year period from July 1989 to August 201...

Avian eggshell quality is an important trait for commercial egg production, as the eggshell is the primary packaging material and antimicrobial barrier for the internal food resource. Strong eggshells are essential to ensure that eggs can reach their final destination without damage. Ovocalyxin-32 (OCX32) is a matrix protein found within the outer layers of the eggshell and in the cuticle. Nume...

Nine different genetic families of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) were compared using summed z-scores (phenotypic values) and a modified selection index (Imod). Imod values incorporated both the phenotypic scores of the different traits and the economic weightings of these traits, as determined by a survey of commercial Ontario beekeepers. Largely because of the high weight all beekeepers place...

in order to assess the heritability of short vegetation period (early maturity) of sugar beet hybrids, an experiment was carried out in randomized complete block (rcb) design with 4 replications in abdolrasoul motahari agricaltural research station of sugar beet seed institute, karaj, iran in 2009. in this research, the heredity of the traits in testcrosses derived from crosses of 18 half sib f...

To date, most genetic progress for quantitative traits in livestock, especially for dairy cows has been made by selection on phenotype or on estimated breeding values (EBV) derived from phenotype, without knowledge of the number of genes that affect the trait or the effects of each gene. In this quantitative genetic approach to genetic improvement, the genetic architecture of traits has essenti...