Massey Research Online - Browsing by Author "Blair HT"

Browsing by Author "Blair HT"

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Advantage of including Genomic Information to Predict Breeding Values for Lactation Yields of Milk, Fat, and Protein or Somatic Cell Score in a New Zealand Dairy Goat Herd
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-01) Scholtens M; Lopez-Villalobos N; Lehnert K; Snell R; Garrick D; Blair HT
Selection on genomic breeding values (GBVs) is now readily available for ranking candidates in improvement schemes. Our objective was to quantify benefits in terms of accuracy of prediction from including genomic information in the single-trait estimation of breeding values (BVs) for a New Zealand mixed breed dairy goat herd. The dataset comprised phenotypic and pedigree records of 839 does. The phenotypes comprised estimates of 305-day lactation yields of milk, fat, and protein and average somatic cell score from the 2016 production season. Only 388 of the goats were genotyped with a Caprine 50K SNP chip and 41,981 of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) passed quality control. Pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction (PBLUP) was used to obtain across-breed breeding values (EBVs), whereas a single-step BayesC model (ssBC) was used to estimate across-breed GBVs. The average prediction accuracies ranged from 0.20 to 0.22 for EBVs and 0.34 to 0.43 for GBVs. Accuracies of GBVs were up to 103% greater than EBVs. Breed effects were more reliably estimated in the ssBC model compared with the PBLUP model. The greatest benefit of genomic prediction was for individuals with no pedigree or phenotypic records. Including genomic information improved the prediction accuracy of BVs compared with the current pedigree-based BLUP method currently implemented in the New Zealand dairy goat population.
Agent-Based Modeling to Improve Beef Production from Dairy Cattle: Model Description and Evaluation
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-10-05) Addis AH; Blair HT; Kenyon PR; Morris ST; Schreurs NM; Garrick DJ
Agent-based modeling (ABM) enables an in silico representation of complex systems and captures agent behavior resulting from interaction with other agents and their environment. This study developed an ABM to represent a pasture-based beef cattle finishing systems in New Zealand (NZ) using attributes of the rearer, finisher, and processor, as well as specific attributes of dairy-origin beef cattle. The model was parameterized using values representing 1% of NZ dairy-origin cattle, and 10% of rearers and finishers in NZ. The cattle agent consisted of 32% Holstein-Friesian, 50% Holstein-Friesian–Jersey crossbred, and 8% Jersey, with the remainder being other breeds. Rearers and finishers repetitively and simultaneously interacted to determine the type and number of cattle populating the finishing system. Rearers brought in four-day-old spring-born calves and reared them until 60 calves (representing a full truck load) on average had a live weight of 100 kg before selling them on to finishers. Finishers mainly attained weaners from rearers, or directly from dairy farmers when weaner demand was higher than the supply from rearers. Fast-growing cattle were sent for slaughter before the second winter, and the remainder were sent before their third winter. The model finished a higher number of bulls than heifers and steers, although it was 4% lower than the industry reported value. Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian–Jersey-crossbred cattle dominated the dairy-origin beef finishing system. Jersey cattle account for less than 5% of total processed beef cattle. Further studies to include retailer and consumer perspectives and other decision alternatives for finishing farms would improve the applicability of the model for decision-making processes.
Agent-Based Modelling to Improve Beef Production from Dairy Cattle: Young Beef Production
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-04-19) Addis AH; Blair HT; Kenyon PR; Morris ST; Schreurs NM; Garrick DJ; Zaborowicz M; Frankowski J
Approximately 42% of the total calves born in New Zealand’s dairy industry are either euthanized on farms or commercially slaughtered as so-called bobby calves within 2 weeks of age. These practices have perceived ethical issues and are considered a waste of resources because these calves could be grown on and processed for beef. Young beef cattle harvested between 8 and 12 months of age would represent a new class of beef production for New Zealand and would allow for a greater number of calves to be utilized for beef production, reducing bobby calf numbers in New Zealand. However, the acceptance of such a system in competition with existing sheep and beef cattle production systems is unknown. Therefore, the current study employed an agent-based model (ABM) developed for dairy-origin beef cattle production systems to understand price levers that might influence the acceptance of young beef production systems on sheep and beef cattle farms in New Zealand. The agents of the model were the rearer, finisher, and processor. Rearers bought in 4-days old dairy-origin calves and weaned them at approximately 100 kg live weight before selling them to finishers. Finishers managed the young beef cattle until they were between 8 and 12 months of age in contrast to 20 to 30 months for traditional beef cattle. Processing young beef cattle in existing beef production systems without any price premium only led to an additional 5% of cattle being utilized compared to the traditional beef cattle production system in New Zealand. This increased another 2% when both weaner cattle and young beef were sold at a price premium of 10%. In this scenario, Holstein Friesian young bull contributed more than 65% of total young beef cattle. Further premium prices for young beef cattle production systems increased the proportion of young beef cattle (mainly as young bull beef), however, there was a decrease in the total number of dairy-origin cattle processed, for the given feed supply, compared to the 10% premium price. Further studies are required to identify price levers and other alternative young beef production systems to increase the number of young beef cattle as well the total number of dairy-origin beef cattle for beef on sheep and beef cattle farms. Some potential options for investigation are meat quality, retailer and consumer perspectives, and whether dairy farmers may have to pay calf rearers to utilize calves with lower growth potential
Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the DGAT1 Gene with the Fatty Acid Composition of Cows Milked Once and Twice a Day
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-03-21) Sanjayaranj I; MacGibbon AKH; Holroyd SE; Janssen PWM; Blair HT; Lopez-Villalobos N
A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs109421300 of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) on bovine chromosome 14 is associated with fat yield, fat percentage, and protein percentage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SNP rs109421300 on production traits and the fatty acid composition of milk from cows milked once a day (OAD) and twice a day (TAD) under New Zealand grazing conditions. Between September 2020 and March 2021, 232 cows from a OAD herd and 182 cows from a TAD herd were genotyped. The CC genotype of SNP rs109421300 was associated with significantly (p < 0.05) higher fat yield, fat percentage, and protein percentage, and lower milk and protein yields in both milking frequencies. The CC genotype was also associated with significantly (p < 0.05) higher proportions of C16:0 and C18:0, higher predicted solid fat content at 10 °C (SFC10), and lower proportions of C4:0 and C18:1 cis-9 in both milking frequencies. The association of SNP with fatty acids was similar in both milking frequencies, with differences in magnitudes. The SFC10 of cows milked OAD was lower than cows milked TAD for all three SNP genotypes suggesting the suitability of OAD milk for producing easily spreadable butter. These results demonstrate that selecting cows with the CC genotype is beneficial for New Zealand dairy farmers with the current payment system, however, this would likely result in less spreadable butter.
Associations among Mammary Ultrasound Measurements, Milk Yield of Non-Dairy Ewe Lambs and the Growth of Their Single Lambs
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-07-09) Haslin E; Corner-Thomas RA; Kenyon PR; Peterson SW; Morris ST; Blair HT
Mammary cistern size was positively correlated with milk yield of mature dairy ewes, but the association in ewe lambs is unknown. This experiment aimed to examine the associations between mammary ultrasound measurements and the milk yield of ewe lambs at one year of age and to determine the accuracy of using maternal mammary ultrasound to predict single lamb growth rates. Single-bearing ewe lambs (n = 45) were randomly selected and 30 were milked once at weeks three (W3), five (W5), and seven (W7) of lactation. Mammary ultrasound scans were performed at day 110 of pregnancy, W3, W5, W7, and weaning (L69). Single lambs (n = 30) were weighed at birth and at each mammary scanning event. Udder measurements explained 26.8%, 21.4%, and 38.4% of the variation in milk yield at W3, W5 and W7, respectively, and 63.5% and 36.4% of the variation in single lamb growth to W3 and to L69. This ultrasound technique was more accurate in predicting single lamb growth to W3 than milk yield and may enable the identification of pregnant ewe lambs whose progeny would have greater growth rates. More research is needed to identify accurate indicators of superior milk yield and determine whether ultrasound could be used to select ewe lambs.
Cumulative dairy cow genetic change from selection and crossbreeding over the last 2 decades in New Zealand closely aligns to model-based predictions published in 2000
(Elsevier Inc. and Fass Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association, 2021-03) Lopez-Villalobos N; Blair HT; Garrick DJ
A deterministic model was developed in 1998 to evaluate the concurrent effects of selection and crossbreeding on the rate of genetic gain and increases in productivity of New Zealand dairy cattle over the ensuing 25-yr period. The predictions of today's breed composition of the national dairy herd and genetic trends for body weight and lactation yields of milk, fat, and protein are compared with today's actual values. Selection was assumed to use an index that included live weight and lactation yields of milk, fat, and protein. Mating strategies involving the Holstein-Friesian (F), Jersey (J), and Ayrshire (A) breeds were evaluated. Effects of heterosis and age were included to calculate phenotypic live weight and yields of milk, fat, and protein per cow. At the time the model was developed, New Zealand had an across-breed evaluation system, but only straightbred bulls were used after progeny testing based on records of straightbred and crossbred daughters. The model predicted that if crossbred cows and bulls could be considered as bull parents, faster rates of genetic gain may result because of increased selection intensities in the cow to breed bull selection pathway. This scenario transpired, and the best bulls and cows for farm profit were used regardless of breed. Under that mating strategy for the 2018 birthyear, the model predicted the national breed composition would be 11% F, 34% J, 52% F×J, and 2% A; the actual breed composition was 36% F, 9% J, 53% F×J, and 1% A. The model-predicted annual genetic gains would be 16.7 L of milk, 1.2 kg of fat, 1.5 kg of protein, and −0.7 kg of body weight; the realized annual improvements were 13.6 L of milk, 1.31 kg of fat, 1.17 kg of protein, and −0.36 kg of body weight. Predicted long-term responses to selection can closely mirror realized improvements, confirming the value of modeling to inform animal breeding decision making.
Effect of Breed on the Fatty Acid Composition of Milk from Dairy Cows Milked Once and Twice a Day in Different Stages of Lactation
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-09) Sanjayaranj I; Lopez-Villalobos N; Blair HT; Janssen PWM; Holroyd SE; MacGibbon AKH; Ametaj B
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed on the overall composition and fatty acid composition of milk from cows milked once a day (OAD) and twice a day (TAD) in different stages of lactation. Milk samples were taken from 39 Holstein-Friesian (F), 27 Jersey (J), and 34 Holstein-Friesian × Jersey (F × J) crossbred cows from a OAD milking herd and 104 F and 83 F × J cows from a TAD milking herd in early (49 ± 15 days in milk), mid (129 ± 12 days in milk), and late (229 ± 13 days in milk) lactation. Calibration equations to predict the concentrations of individual fatty acids were developed using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. There was a significant interaction between breed within the milking frequency and stage of lactation for the production traits and composition traits. Holstein-Friesian cows milked OAD produced milk with lower concentrations of C18:0 in early and mid lactations compared to F × J and J cows. Holstein-Friesian cows milked TAD produced lower concentrations of C18:0 in early lactation and lower concentrations of C16:0 and C18:0 in late lactation compared to F × J. Lower concentrations of these fatty acids would reduce the hardness of the butter when the milk is processed. In the OAD milking herd, F cows were superior for daily milk yield compared to J cows, but Jersey cows produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentages of fat and a higher concentration of C18:0 fatty acid. The relative concentrations of C18:0 and C18 cis-9 in F and J cows milked OAD imply there is no breed effect on the activity of delta-9-desaturase, whereas stages of lactation likely have an effect. These results can be used to assist with selecting breeds and cows that are suitable for either OAD or TAD milking, allowing closer alignment with milk processing needs.
Effect of Breeding Heavier Romney Ewe Lambs at Seven Months of Age on Lamb Production and Efficiency over Their First Three Breeding Seasons
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-12-07) Haslin E; Corner-Thomas RA; Kenyon PR; Pettigrew EJ; Hickson RE; Morris ST; Blair HT
This experiment examined the effect of breeding heavier ewe lambs on lamb production and their efficiency over their first three breeding seasons. Two groups of ewe lambs were bred at seven months of age at an average pre-breeding live weight of either 47.9 ± 0.36 kg (heavy; n = 135) or 44.9 ± 0.49 kg (control; n = 135). Ewe live weight, number of lambs born and weaned, and lamb live weight were recorded until 39 months of age, and efficiency was calculated for each ewe. Although the number and lamb weaning weight did not differ between treatments over three years, when data were pooled, heavier ewe lambs at breeding weaned a greater number of lambs over the three-year period. The total lamb weaning weight over the three-year period increased by 2% for each additional kilogram at ewe lamb breeding. Breeding heavier ewe lambs had no effect on efficiency. These results suggest that although breeding heavier ewe lambs had a positive effect on lamb production over the three-year period, it had no effect on efficiency. Before final recommendations can be made, lifetime performance and longevity to five years of age of heavier ewe lambs at breeding are required.
Effects of Increased Growth Rates Prior to the First Breeding as Ewe Lambs and Pregnancy Rank on Mammary Glands of Two-Year-Old Ewes
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-12-01) Haslin E; Corner-Thomas RA; Kenyon PR; Morris ST; Blair HT; Ispierto IG
This study investigated potential carry-over effects of increased growth rates prior to breeding at seven months of age on mammary glands of two-year-old ewes bearing one or two lambs, and examined the association between ewe mammary structures and the growth of their progeny. Ewe live weight and mammary ultrasound measures were recorded at 119 days of pregnancy, 29 days of lactation (L29), and weaning of the progeny (L79) in 64 two-year-old ewes selected from two treatments. The heavy group (n = 32) was preferentially fed prior to their first breeding at seven months of age, achieving an average live weight of 47.9 ± 0.38 kg. The control group (n = 32) weighed an average of 44.9 ± 0.49 kg at breeding. Lambs (n = 74) were weighed at birth, L29 and L79. Udder ultrasound measures did not differ (p > 0.10) between treatments, indicating no carry-over effects of treatments on mammary glands of two-year-old ewes. The association between ultrasound measures and lamb growth seemed to differ depending on lamb birth rank. More research is needed to further investigate these associations and determine whether ultrasonography could be used to identify ewes whose progeny would have greater growth rates based on birth rank.
Factors Associated with Mortality of Lambs Born to Ewe Hoggets
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-02) Ridler AL; Flay KJ; Kenyon PR; Blair HT; Corner-Thomas RA; Pettigrew EJ
The reproductive performance of ewe hoggets is poorer than that of mature-age ewes due to production of fewer lambs with poorer survival. Scant data are available on the risk factors for, and causes of, the mortality for lambs born to ewe hoggets, the impact of ewe deaths on lamb loss, and the causes of death for lambs born to ewe hoggets vs. mature-age ewes lambing in the same circumstances. In this study, 297 lambs born to 1142 ewe hoggets were necropsied along with 273 lambs born to 1050 mature-age ewes. Low lamb birthweight, multiple litter size, and increasing ewe hogget average daily gain from breeding to late pregnancy were risk factors for lamb mortality. The most common cause of mortality for lambs born to ewe hoggets was stillbirth and the risk factors for stillbirth were similar to those for lamb mortality generally. Approximately 11% of ewe hoggets’ lamb deaths were due to the death of the dam. Causes of mortality differed between lambs born to ewe hoggets vs. those born to mature-age ewes. Management practices to increase ewe hogget lambs’ birthweights (particularly those from multiple litters) and supervision of ewe hoggets at lambing time are recommended.
Fatty Acid Composition of Dairy Milk: A Case Study Comparing Once- and Twice-a-Day Milking of Pasture-Fed Cows at Different Stages of Lactation
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-03) Sanjayaranj I; Lopez-Villalobos N; Blair HT; Janssen PWM; Holroyd SE; MacGibbon AKH
In this case study, we compared the gross composition and fatty acid (FA) composition of milk from cows milked once a day (OAD) and twice a day (TAD) at different stages of lactation in real farm conditions with no control on feed. Seventy-two cows from a OAD milking herd and 181 cows from a TAD milking herd were sampled in early, mid and late lactation. Calibration equations were developed to enable the prediction of proportions of individual FAs using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. Cows milked OAD produced 25% lower daily milk yield (MY) compared to cows milked TAD. Percentages of fat and protein were 21% and 9% higher in cows milked OAD compared to cows milked TAD, respectively. The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (molecules with unbranched hydrocarbon chains and all single bonds) was significantly lower, while the proportions of de novo synthesised FAs from C8:0 to C14:0 were significantly higher, in cows milked OAD compared to cows milked TAD. OAD milking improved the energy balance of cows, which led to higher proportions of de novo synthesised FAs and lower proportions of long-chain fatty acids (16:0 and above). The proportion of SFA was significantly higher in mid lactation (ML) compared to early lactation (EL) and late lactation (LL) in cows milked OAD and TAD. In EL, the proportions of C4:0 to C12:0 FAs in cows milked OAD were significantly higher compared to the cows milked TAD due to the improved energy status of cows milked OAD. Understanding the proportions of individual FAs in cows milked OAD and TAD will enable further studies on milk fat characteristics and on butter hardness and coagulation properties of milk.
Genetic and phenotypic relationships between ewe reproductive performance and wool and growth traits in Uruguayan Ultrafine Merino sheep.
(Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science, 2023-03-07) Ramos Z; Garrick DJ; Blair HT; De Barbieri I; Ciappesoni G; Montossi F; Kenyon PR
This study reports genetic parameters for yearling and adult wool and growth traits, and ewe reproductive performance. Data were sourced from an Uruguayan Merino flock involved in a long-term selection program focused on reduced fiber diameter (FD), and increased clean fleece weight (CFW) and live weight (LW). Pedigree and performance data from approximately 5,700 mixed-sex yearling lambs and 2,000 mixed-age ewes born between 1999 and 2019 were analyzed. The number of records ranged from 1,267 to 5,738 for yearling traits, and from 1,931 to 7,079 for ewe productive and reproductive performance. Data on yearling and adult wool traits, LW and body condition score (BCS), yearling eye muscle area (Y_EMA), and fat thickness (Y_FAT), and several reproduction traits were analyzed. The genetic relationships between FD and reproduction traits were not different from zero. Moderate unfavorable genetic correlations were found between adult CFW and ewe lifetime reproduction traits (-0.34 ± 0.08 and -0.33 ± 0.09 for the total number of lambs weaned and total lamb LW at weaning, respectively). There were moderate to strong positive genetic correlations between yearling LW and all reproduction traits other than ewe-rearing ability (-0.08 ± 0.11) and pregnancy rate (0.18 ± 0.08). The genetic correlations between Y_EMA and reproduction traits were positive and ranged from 0.15 to 0.49. Moderate unfavorable genetic correlations were observed between yearling FD and Y_FAT and between adult FD and BCS at mating (0.31 ± 0.12 and 0.23 ± 0.07, respectively). The genetic correlations between adult fleece weight and ewe BCS at different stages of the cycle were negative, but generally not different from zero. This study shows that selection for reduced FD is unlikely to have any effect on reproduction traits. Selection for increased yearling LW and Y_EMA will improve ewe reproductive performance. On the other hand, selection for increased adult CFW will reduce ewe reproductive performance, whereas selection for reduced FD will negatively impact body fat levels. Although unfavorable genetic relationships between wool traits and both FAT and ewe reproductive performance existed, simultaneous improvements in the traits would occur using appropriately designed indexes.
Genome-Wide Association Studies of Live Weight at First Breeding at Eight Months of Age and Pregnancy Status of Ewe Lambs
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-03-27) Haslin E; Pettigrew EJ; Hickson RE; Kenyon PR; Gedye KR; Lopez-Villalobos N; Jayawardana JMDR; Morris ST; Blair HT; Ahmad SM
This study estimated genetic parameters and identified candidate genes associated with live weight, and the occurrence of pregnancy in 1327 Romney ewe lambs using genome-wide association studies. Phenotypic traits considered were the occurrence of pregnancy in ewe lambs and live weight at eight months of age. Genetic parameters were estimated, and genomic variation was assessed using 13,500 single-nucleotide polymorphic markers (SNPs). Ewe lamb live weight had medium genomic heritability and was positively genetically correlated with occurrence of pregnancy. This suggests that selection for heavier ewe lambs is possible and would likely improve the occurrence of pregnancy in ewe lambs. No SNPs were associated with the occurrence of pregnancy; however, three candidate genes were associated with ewe lamb live weight. Tenascin C (TNC), TNF superfamily member 8 (TNFSF8) and Collagen type XXVIII alpha 1 chain (COL28A1) are involved in extracellular matrix organization and regulation of cell fate in the immune system. TNC may be involved in ewe lamb growth, and therefore, could be of interest for selection of ewe lamb replacements. The association between ewe lamb live weight and TNFSF8 and COL28A1 is unclear. Further research is needed using a larger population to determine whether the genes identified can be used for genomic selection of replacement ewe lambs.
Genomic Regions Associated with Wool, Growth and Reproduction Traits in Uruguayan Merino Sheep
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-01-07) Ramos Z; Garrick DJ; Blair HT; Vera B; Ciappesoni G; Kenyon PR
The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions and genes associated with the fiber diameter (FD), clean fleece weight (CFW), live weight (LW), body condition score (BCS), pregnancy rate (PR) and lambing potential (LP) of Uruguayan Merino sheep. Phenotypic records of approximately 2000 mixed-age ewes were obtained from a Merino nucleus flock. Genome-wide association studies were performed utilizing single-step Bayesian analysis. For wool traits, a total of 35 genomic windows surpassed the significance threshold (PVE ≥ 0.25%). The proportion of the total additive genetic variance explained by those windows was 4.85 and 9.06% for FD and CFW, respectively. There were 42 windows significantly associated with LWM, which collectively explained 43.2% of the additive genetic variance. For BCS, 22 relevant windows accounted for more than 40% of the additive genetic variance, whereas for the reproduction traits, 53 genomic windows (24 and 29 for PR and LP, respectively) reached the suggestive threshold of 0.25% of the PVE. Within the top 10 windows for each trait, we identified several genes showing potential associations with the wool (e.g., IGF-1, TGFB2R, PRKCA), live weight (e.g., CAST, LAP3, MED28, HERC6), body condition score (e.g., CDH10, TMC2, SIRPA, CPXM1) or reproduction traits (e.g., ADCY1, LEPR, GHR, LPAR2) of the mixed-age ewes.
Identification of Genomic Regions Associated with Concentrations of Milk Fat, Protein, Urea and Efficiency of Crude Protein Utilization in Grazing Dairy Cows
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-03-23) Ariyarathne HBPC; Correa-Luna M; Blair HT; Garrick DJ; Lopez-Villalobos N
Abstract The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with milk fat percentage (FP), crude protein percentage (CPP), urea concentration (MU) and efficiency of crude protein utilization (ECPU: ratio between crude protein yield in milk and dietary crude protein intake) using grazing, mixed-breed, dairy cows in New Zealand. Phenotypes from 634 Holstein Friesian, Jersey or crossbred cows were obtained from two herds at Massey University. A subset of 490 of these cows was genotyped using Bovine Illumina 50K SNP-chips. Two genome-wise association approaches were used, a single-locus model fitted to data from 490 cows and a single-step Bayes C model fitted to data from all 634 cows. The single-locus analysis was performed with the Efficient Mixed-Model Association eXpedited model as implemented in the SVS package. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with genome-wide association p-values ≤ 1.11 × 10−6 were considered as putative quantitative trait loci (QTL). The Bayes C analysis was performed with the JWAS package and 1-Mb genomic windows containing SNPs that explained > 0.37% of the genetic variance were considered as putative QTL. Candidate genes within 100 kb from the identified SNPs in single-locus GWAS or the 1-Mb windows were identified using gene ontology, as implemented in the Ensembl Genome Browser. The genes detected in association with FP (MGST1, DGAT1, CEBPD, SLC52A2, GPAT4, and ACOX3) and CPP (DGAT1, CSN1S1, GOSR2, HERC6, and IGF1R) were identified as candidates. Gene ontology revealed six novel candidate genes (GMDS, E2F7, SIAH1, SLC24A4, LGMN, and ASS1) significantly associated with MU whose functions were in protein catabolism, urea cycle, ion transportation and N excretion. One novel candidate gene was identified in association with ECPU (MAP3K1) that is involved in post-transcriptional modification of proteins. The findings should be validated using a larger population of New Zealand grazing dairy cows.
Increased Dietary Protein to Energy Ratio in Pre-Weaning Lambs Increases Average Daily Gain and Cortical Bone Thickness in the Tibia
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-12) Gibson MJ; Adams BR; Back PJ; Dittmer KE; Herath HMGP; Pain SJ; Kenyon PR; Morel PCH; Blair HT; Rogers CW
The objective of this study was to examine if diets differing in crude protein (CP) to metabolizable energy (ME) ratio (CP:ME) pre-weaning altered peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) measures of bone mass and strength in lambs. The left hind leg of lambs were available at the completion of a trial designed to examine the effect that altering the CP:ME ratio in milk replacer had on growth and body composition of pre-weaned lambs reared artificially. Treatments consisted of either normal commercial milk replacer (CMR, n = 10) containing 240 g/kg CP and 21.89 MJ/kg ME, high protein milk replacer (HPM, n = 9) containing CMR with additional milk protein concentrate to reach 478.7 g/kg CP and 19.15 MJ/kg ME or a mix of normal milk replacer and milk protein concentrate adjusted twice-weekly to match optimal CP:ME requirements (MB, n = 8) based on maintenance plus 300 g/d liveweight gain. At 22 kg live weight, lambs were euthanized and the tibia including the surrounding muscle was collected and scanned using pQCT at the mid-diaphysis. Lambs on the HPM and MB diets had a greater average daily gain (p < 0.01). There were limited differences in bone morphology and muscle mass, though notably the higher protein diets (MB and HPM) were associated with greater cortical thickness (p < 0.05) and, therefore, potentially greater peak bone mass at maturity This finding demonstrates that pre-weaning diets, and the protein content in particular, may influence the developmental potential of long bones and attainment of peak bone mass at maturity.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Lipidomics of Brown Adipose Tissue and Plasma of New-Born Lambs Subjected to Short-Term Cold Exposure
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-10-14) Graña-Baumgartner A; Dukkipati VSR; Biggs PJ; Kenyon PR; Blair HT; Lopez-Villalobos N; Ross AB; Czauderna M
During cold exposure, brown adipose tissue (BAT) holds the key mechanism in the generation of heat, thus inducing thermogenic adaptation in response to cooler environmental changes. This process can lead to a major lipidome remodelling in BAT, where the increase in abundance of many lipid classes plays a significant role in the thermogenic mechanisms for heat production. This study aimed to identify different types of lipids, through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), in BAT and plasma during a short-term cold challenge (2-days), or not, in new-born lambs. Fifteen new-born Romney lambs were selected randomly and divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 3) with BAT and plasma obtained within 24 h after birth, as a control; Group 2 (n = 6) kept indoors for two days at an ambient temperature (20-22 °C) and Group 3 (n = 6) kept indoors for two days at a cold temperature (4 °C). Significant differences in lipid composition of many lipid categories (such as glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and sterol lipids) were observed in BAT and plasma under cold conditions, compared with ambient conditions. Data obtained from the present study suggest that short-term cold exposure induces profound changes in BAT and plasma lipidome composition of new-born lambs, which may enhance lipid metabolism via BAT thermogenic activation and adipocyte survival during cold adaptation. Further analysis on the roles of these lipid changes, validation of potential biomarkers for BAT activity, such as LPC 18:1 and PC 35:6, should contribute to the improvement of new-born lamb survival. Collectively, these observations help broaden the knowledge on the variations of lipid composition during cold exposure.
Molecular Detection of Zoonotic and Veterinary Pathogenic Bacteria in Pet Dogs and Their Parasitizing Ticks in Junggar Basin, North-Western China
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2022-07) Guo J; Song S; Cao S; Sun Z; Zhou Q; Deng X; Zhao T; Chai Y; Zhu D; Chen C; Baryshnikov PI; Blair HT; Wang Z; Wang Y; Zhang H
Despite the recognized epidemiological importance of ticks as vectors for pathogens that cause numerous zoonotic and veterinary diseases, data regarding the pathogens of pet dogs and their parasitic ticks in the Junggar Basin are scarce. In this study, a total of 178 blood samples and 436 parasitic ticks were collected from pet dogs in Junggar Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), north-western China. All ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus turanicus sensu stricto (s.s.) according to morphological and molecular characteristics. Rh. turanicus s.s. ticks were collected from pet dogs in China for the first time. Seven tick-borne pathogens, such as Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia massiliae, Candidatus R. barbariae, Brucella spp., Rickettsia sibirica, and Anaplasma ovis, were detected from ticks, whereas the first five bacteria were detected from blood samples of dogs. Brucella spp. was the most predominant pathogen in both blood samples and ticks of pet dogs, with the detection rates of 16.29 and 16.74%, respectively. Moreover, 17 ticks and 1 blood sample were co-infected with two pathogens, and 1 tick was co-infected with three pathogens. This study provided molecular evidence for the occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Brucella spp. circulating in pet dogs and their parasitic ticks in Junggar Basin, north-western China. These findings extend our knowledge of the tick-borne pathogens in pet dogs and their parasitic ticks in Central Asia; therefore, further research on these pathogens and their role in human and animal diseases is required.
Optimization of Profit for Pasture-Based Beef Cattle and Sheep Farming Using Linear Programming: Model Development and Evaluation
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-06-04) Addis AH; Blair HT; Kenyon PR; Morris ST; Schreurs NM
A linear programming optimization tool is useful to assist farmers with optimizing resource allocation and profitability. This study developed a linear programming profit optimization model with a silage supplement scenario. Utilizable kilograms of pasture dry matter (kg DM) of the total pasture mass was derived using minimum and maximum pasture mass available for beef cattle and sheep and herbage utilization percentage. Daily metabolizable energy (MJ ME/head) requirements for the various activities of beef cattle and sheep were estimated and then converted to kg DM/head on a bi-monthly basis. Linear programming was employed to identify the optimum carrying capacity of beef cattle and sheep, the most profitable slaughtering ages of beef cattle, the number of prime lambs (sold to meat processing plants), and sold store lambs (sold to other farmers for finishing). Gross farm revenue (GFR) and farm earnings before tax (EBT) per hectare and per stock unit, as well as total farm expenditure (TFE), were calculated and compared to the average value of Taranaki-Manawatu North Island intensive finishing sheep and beef Class 5 farming using Beef and Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) data. The modeled farm ran 46% more stock units (a stock unit consumed 550 kg DM/year) than the average value of Class 5 farms. At this stocking rate, 83% of the total feed supplied for each species was consumed, and pasture supplied 95% and 98% of beef cattle and sheep feed demands respectively. More than 70% of beef cattle were finished before the second winter. This enabled the optimized system to return 53% and 188% higher GFR/ha and EBT/ha, respectively, compared to the average values for a Class 5 farm. This paper did not address risk, such as pasture growth and price fluctuations. To understand this, several additional scenarios could be examined using this model. Further studies to include alternative herbages and crops for feed supply during summer and winter are required to expand the applicability of the model for different sheep and beef cattle farm systems.
Optimization of Profit for Pasture-Based Beef Cattle and Sheep Farming Using Linear Programming: Young Beef Cattle Production in New Zealand
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-09-05) Addis AH; Blair HT; Kenyon PR; Morris ST; Schreurs NM
In New Zealand, surplus dairy-origin calves not needed as replacement or for beef cattle farms requirements for finishing are commercially slaughtered within two weeks of age. This system has perceived ethical issues which can potentially negatively affect the dairy industry. Therefore, a young beef cattle production system to maximize the use of excess calves within the land size constraint is considered as an alternative to a traditional 18 to 33-months slaughtering system. The current study examined the effects of young beef cattle production with slaughter ages at 8 to 14 months on pasture utilization, farm profitability and selling policy on class 5, intensive finishing sheep and beef cattle farms in New Zealand. A linear programming model that had previously been developed for this farm class (optimized traditional beef cattle system) was modified to include a young beef cattle slaughter system and identified the carrying capacity for young and traditional beef cattle and the selling policy required to optimize pasture utilization and farm profitability. Systems with young beef cattle slaughtered at 8, 10, 12 or 14-months of age were simulated without (Scenario I) or with (Scenario II) decreasing the number of traditional beef cattle. Daily per head energy demand for maintenance and live weight change was estimated and converted to kg DM/head on a bimonthly basis. Carcasses from young beef cattle were processed as one class under manufacturing beef price (NZ$4.50). The modified young and traditional beef cattle slaughtering system maintained an extra 6% and 35% beef cattle in Scenario I and Scenario II respectively, and finished 90% and 84% of traditional beef cattle before the second winter. Pasture supplied 98% of the feed demand for the beef cattle activities and 79–83% of that was consumed. Mixed young and traditional beef cattle finishing scenarios returned 2% less gross farm revenue per hectare (GFR/ha). However, earnings before tax per hectare (ETB/ha) in Scenario I and Scenario II were 15–25% greater than that of the optimized traditional beef cattle system, respectively. Young beef cattle production increased pasture utilization and farm profitability and increased selling options for finished beef cattle. Therefore, the young beef cattle system is a viable option for farmers and will help to reduce the need to slaughter calves within two weeks of age.

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