Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Imtiaz A. S. Randhawa, Michael R. McGowan, Laercio R. Porto-Neto, Ben J. Hayes, Russell E. Lyons
Summary: The beef industry has seen a recent rise in the trend of polled cattle in certain breeds in Australia. While there was historical reluctance towards poll breeding due to perceived negative correlations with production, recent studies show that polledness does not have consistently negative impacts on production traits. Further research is needed to support the continued breeding of polled animals to eradicate horns naturally and reduce management costs and health risks.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
R. Grobler, E. Van Marle-Koster, C. Visser
Summary: The advantages of polled beef animals in the value chain, such as animal welfare, reduced injury risks during transport, and improved safety during handling, are well recognized. Despite the identification of four causal mutations, the molecular basis governing polled/horned condition and the underlying genetics for scurs remain unclear.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sadie L. Hennig, Bret R. McNabb, Josephine F. Trott, Alison L. Van Eenennaam, James D. Murray
Summary: A long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA#1) is highly expressed in the horn bud region of polled bovine fetuses, but its absence alone does not result in a hornless phenotype.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sadie L. Hennig, Joseph R. Owen, Jason C. Lin, Bret R. McNabb, Alison L. Van Eenennaam, James D. Murray
Summary: Dehorning in cattle using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to remove a 133 bp region including a 10 bp sequence resulted in embryos with mutations, but not necessarily the desired polled phenotype. The timing of injection post-insemination and the use of synthetic gRNAs both affected the deletion rate in the embryos, highlighting the complexity of genetic factors influencing horn development in cattle.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Igor Nelson Herculano Duarte, Ayrton Fernandes de Oliveira Bessa, Luciana Diniz Rola, Maria Victoria Henrique Genuino, Iasmin Marques Rocha, Cintia Righetti Marcondes, Luciana Correia de Almeida Regitano, Danisio Prado Munari, Donagh Pearse Berry, Marcos Eli Buzanskas
Summary: This study discovered selection signatures in Canchim composite beef cattle through genomic analysis. Most of the identified genes were found near the expected functional genes in the breeding program, which are associated with meat quality and reproductive traits. Additionally, genes related to immunity, adaptation, morphology, and behavior were also identified. Some recently introduced genes in Canchim, such as those related to polled trait, were also identified.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sydney E. O'Daniel, Kelli J. Kochan, Charles R. Long, David G. Riley, Ronald D. Randel, Thomas H. Welsh Jr
Summary: The length of the telomere (TL) in Brahman cows was found to be negatively associated with the number of parities and showed a trend with the duration of labor. The TL may serve as a potential indicator of cow longevity and welfare due to its susceptibility to stress. Further exploration into the mechanisms of telomere dynamics in cattle, especially under stressors associated with a changing climate, is warranted.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ayrton Fernandes de Oliveira Bessa, Igor Nelson Herculano Duarte, Luciana Diniz Rola, Priscila Arrigucci Bernardes, Severino Gonzaga Neto, Raysildo Barbosa Lobo, Danisio Prado Munari, Marcos Eli Buzanskas
Summary: The study estimated genetic parameters for reproductive traits of Brahman cattle, evaluated genetic correlations and trends, and verified the impact of inbreeding on phenotypes. The results showed significant genetic trends and unfavorable effects of inbreeding on body weight and age at first calving.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yu Yang, Shuling Yang, Jia Tang, Gang Ren, Jiafei Shen, Bizhi Huang, Chuzhao Lei, Hong Chen, Kaixing Qu
Summary: By comparing and analyzing Brahman cattle and Yunling cattle, it was found that Yunling cattle had higher levels in most of the hematological and biochemical parameters, indicating better adaptability, metabolic ability, and liver function. As a hybrid breed with Brahman cattle, Yunling cattle showed better performance in adapting to the environment, stress resistance, and tolerance to crude feed.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zhimin Zhang, Li Yang, Yang He, Xinmao Luo, Shaokang Zhao, Xianbo Jia
Summary: This study investigates the difference in bovine fecal microbiota between grazing and feedlot Angus cattle. The analysis found significant differences in species diversity and relative abundance between the two groups, particularly in Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Elusimicrobia, and Patescibacteria. These differences could potentially impact the meat quality of Angus beef.
Article
Microbiology
Venkata Vinay Kumar Bandarupalli, Benoit St-Pierre
Summary: In ruminant livestock production, ruminal acidosis is caused by the high intake of starch-rich feed, leading to a state of subacute acidosis (SARA) and eventually acute acidosis due to lactate accumulation. This study identified two bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) enriched from rumen fluid cultures, Bt-01708_Bf and Bt-01899_Ap, which can metabolize lactate into distinct subgroups based on other metabolic capabilities. The genomic analysis revealed the presence of lactate dehydrogenase, lactate transporter, and pathways for short chain fatty acids production and glycogen synthesis in these bacterial species.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yohannes E. Messele, Mauida Alkhallawi, Tania Veltman, Darren J. Trott, Joe P. McMeniman, Stephen P. Kidd, Wai Y. Low, Kiro R. Petrovski
Summary: This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolates from beef cattle in an Australian feedlot. The results showed an increase in resistance to certain antibiotics from entry to exit. However, the incidence of medically important resistance was low, indicating prudent antimicrobial use in the Australian industry.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nathan E. Blake, Matthew Walker, Shane Plum, Jason A. Hubbart, Joseph Hatton, Domingo Mata-Padrino, Ida Holaskova, Matthew E. Wilson
Summary: This study developed a predictive algorithm using machine learning methods to estimate dry matter intake (DMI) in animals. By measuring water intake variables, age, sex, full body weight, and average daily gain (ADG), the algorithm can accurately predict DMI within a 0.75 kg range.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. P. Berry
Summary: As a larger proportion of beef output comes from dairy herds, dairy producers are making key decisions on genetic merit of carcasses. There is a growing interest in generating valuable calves from dairy females, with the use of selected beef bulls for mating. Developing breeding objectives for beef bulls suitable for dairy production systems can improve profitability and sustainability by exploiting beef-on-dairy breeding strategies.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Elizabeth M. Ross, Hari Sanjana, Loan T. Nguyen, YuanYuan Cheng, Stephen S. Moore, Ben J. Hayes
Summary: This study investigates the expression variation of fertility-related genes in cattle using different sequencing technologies. The findings reveal a large amount of transcriptional variation within fertility genes and highlight the limitations of using a single technology to fully characterize the transcriptional landscape.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Addisu H. Addis, Hugh T. Blair, Paul R. Kenyon, Stephen T. Morris, Nicola M. Schreurs
Summary: In New Zealand, surplus dairy-origin calves are commercially slaughtered at two weeks of age, raising ethical concerns. To address this, a young beef cattle production system maximizing the use of excess calves has been proposed as an alternative. The study found that this system can increase pasture utilization and farm profitability.
Article
Agronomy
Smi Ullah, Imtiaz A. S. Randhawa, Richard Trethowan
Summary: Research on heat stress tolerance in wheat has shown that there is a complex interplay of multiple genes of minor effects influenced by the environment. By crossbreeding emmer wheat with hexaploid wheat, a diverse set of genotypes with heat tolerance traits have been identified. These genotypes showed significant phenotypic and genotypic variations, with some marker-trait associations (MTAs) having pleiotropic effects across different environments, including some new MTAs linked to the emmer genome. Genomic regions on specific chromosomes were identified as having a positive impact on grain yield and thousand kernel weight under heat stress, indicating potential for marker-assisted selection to improve heat tolerance in wheat.
MOLECULAR BREEDING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Colin Kern, Ying Wang, Xiaoqin Xu, Zhangyuan Pan, Michelle Halstead, Ganrea Chanthavixay, Perot Saelao, Susan Waters, Ruidong Xiang, Amanda Chamberlain, Ian Korf, Mary E. Delany, Hans H. Cheng, Juan F. Medrano, Alison L. Van Eenennaam, Chris K. Tuggle, Catherine Ernst, Paul Flicek, Gerald Quon, Pablo Ross, Huaijun Zhou
Summary: Gene regulatory elements play a crucial role in animal genomes, with a core set of regulatory elements found to be functionally conserved across different species. These datasets offer a unique opportunity for comparative epigenomics and the agricultural research community.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Jason C. Lin, Alison L. Van Eenennaam
Summary: Introducing genome editing reagents into mammalian zygotes via electroporation provides a simpler and more streamlined approach compared to traditional methods. Studies have examined parameters for mouse and rat zygotes, with limited reports on livestock zygotes. Delivery of genome editing reagents via electroporation can help reduce mosaicism, especially in large livestock species.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Imtiaz A. S. Randhawa, Michael R. McGowan, Laercio R. Porto-Neto, Ben J. Hayes, Russell E. Lyons
Summary: The beef industry has seen a recent rise in the trend of polled cattle in certain breeds in Australia. While there was historical reluctance towards poll breeding due to perceived negative correlations with production, recent studies show that polledness does not have consistently negative impacts on production traits. Further research is needed to support the continued breeding of polled animals to eradicate horns naturally and reduce management costs and health risks.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. L. Van Eenennaam, S. J. Werth
Summary: Discussions on sustainability often involve competing goals, leading to conflicting outcomes. The role of livestock in sustainable diets is contentious, and the emerging market for alternative meats aims to reduce GHG emissions and animal agriculture, but may overlook the nutritional importance of ASF. Technological innovations are crucial for improving the efficiency of animal source, plant source, and cultured meat production in order to meet future demand sustainably and counteract misinformation that may hinder global food security.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Deepak, Sharif S. Aly, William J. Love, Patricia C. Blanchard, Beate Crossley, Alison L. Van Eenennaam, Terry W. Lehenbauer
Summary: The study estimated the association of BRD risk factors in pre-weaned dairy calves in California. Female calves were more negatively impacted by failure of passive immunity transfer compared to male calves. Different pathogens had varying odds ratios, with Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida showing high associations with BRD. Age, sex, immune status, and pathogens all played a role in BRD occurrence in pre-weaned dairy calves.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sadie L. Hennig, Joseph R. Owen, Jason C. Lin, Bret R. McNabb, Alison L. Van Eenennaam, James D. Murray
Summary: Dehorning in cattle using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to remove a 133 bp region including a 10 bp sequence resulted in embryos with mutations, but not necessarily the desired polled phenotype. The timing of injection post-insemination and the use of synthetic gRNAs both affected the deletion rate in the embryos, highlighting the complexity of genetic factors influencing horn development in cattle.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sadie L. Hennig, Bret R. McNabb, Josephine F. Trott, Alison L. Van Eenennaam, James D. Murray
Summary: A long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA#1) is highly expressed in the horn bud region of polled bovine fetuses, but its absence alone does not result in a hornless phenotype.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Carolyn J. Lawrence-Dill, Robyn L. Allscheid, Albert Boaitey, Todd Bauman, Edward S. Buckler, Jennifer L. Clarke, Christopher Cullis, Jack Dekkers, Cassandra J. Dorius, Shawn F. Dorius, David Ertl, Matthew Homann, Guiping Hu, Mary Losch, Eric Lyons, Brenda Murdoch, Zahra-Katy Navabi, Somashekhar Punnuri, Fahad Rafiq, James M. Reecy, Patrick S. Schnable, Nicole M. Scott, Moira Sheehan, Xavier Sirault, Margaret Staton, Christopher K. Tuggle, Alison Van Eenennaam, Rachael Voas
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alba V. Ledesma, Maci L. Mueller, Alison L. Van Eenennaam
Summary: The progress made in the derivation and culture of pluripotent stem cells from farm animals has opened up the possibility of creating livestock chimeras that can pass on superior genetics and disseminate useful genomic alterations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julie A. Finzel, Austin R. Brown, Roselle C. Busch, Morgan P. Doran, John M. Harper, Daniel K. Macon, Rebecca K. Ozeran, Morgan R. Stegemiller, Karissa Isaacs, Alison Van Eenennaam
Summary: Despite being available for over a decade, adoption of electronic identification ear tags (EID) and DNA testing among commercial range sheep producers in the Western United States has been low. This project involved collaboration with five California sheep producers to demonstrate the potential of these technologies in improving flock health and reproductive management.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Maci L. Mueller, Alison L. L. Van Eenennaam
Summary: Genetic improvement of cattle is crucial for the sustainable development of animal agriculture worldwide. Reproductive and molecular biotechnologies are used to enhance genetic progress, and gene editing is a recent tool that allows precise modification of the genetic code. Integration of gene editing into conventional cattle breeding programs is necessary for its effectiveness.
CABI AGRICULTURE & BIOSCIENCE
(2022)