• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.1088-1096
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• 2008

Data from milk performance testing were used to analyze genetic and environmental trends for purebred Tsigai, Improved Valachian and Lacaune sheep. 103,715 (Tsigai), 212,962 (Improved Valachian) and 2,196 (Lacaune) test-day records gathered by the State Breeding Institute of the Slovak Republic entered the analyses. The respective pedigree data comprised 23,724 (Tsigai), 51,401 (Improved Valachian) and 438 (Lacaune) records. The multiple-trait, mixed model methodology was used to predict the breeding values for daily milk yield, fat and protein content and to estimate the fixed and remaining random effects assumed to affect the above mentioned traits, separately for each breed. The breeding values for daily milk yield were adjusted for 150-day standardized lactation length by multiplying with the constant 150, as the breeding goal of the selection scheme in Slovakian sheep is to increase 150-day milk production and constant heritability throughout the whole lactation is assumed. The genetic trends were expressed as changes in averages of breeding values across birth years of animals. For Tsigai and Lacaune breeds, cumulative genetic changes over the analyzed period were 3.8 and 5.1 kg for 150-day milk, 0 and -0.16% for fat content and 0 and -0.12% for protein content. For Improved Valachian breed, either a low (1.6 kg for 150-day milk yield) or zero (fat and protein content) cumulative genetic change was found. The environmental trends were calculated as averages of solutions for flock-test day effect across years and months in which measurements were taken. A distinctive cyclical pattern which reflected short-time variation in milk production traits was found. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are given and discussed.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.58 no.10
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• pp.38.1-38.6
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• 2016

Background: Despite the importance of relationships between somatic cell score (SCS) and currently selected traits (milk, fat and protein yield) of Holstein cows, there was a lack of comprehensive literature for it in Iran. Therefore we tried to examine heritabilities and relationships between these traits using a fixed-regression animal model and Bayesian inference. The data set consisted of 1,078,966 test-day observations from 146,765 primiparous daughters of 1930 sires, with calvings from 2002 to 2013. Results: Marginal posterior means of heritability estimates for SCS ($0.03{\pm}0.002$) were distinctly lower than those for milk ($0.204{\pm}0.006$), fat ($0.096{\pm}0.004$) and protein ($0.147{\pm}0.005$) yields. In the case of phenotypic correlations, the relationships between production and SCS were near zero at the beginning of lactation but become increasingly negative as days in milk increased. Although all environmental correlations between production and SCS were negative ($-0.177{\pm}0.007$, $-0.165{\pm}0.008$ and $-0.152{\pm}0.007$ between SCS and milk, fat, and protein yield, respectively), slightly antagonistic genetic correlations were found; with posterior mean of relationships ranging from $0.01{\pm}0.039$ to $0.11{\pm}0.036$. This genetic opposition was distinctly higher for protein than for fat. Conclusion: Although small, the positive genetic correlations suggest some genetic antagonism between desired increased milk production and reduced SCS (i.e., single-trait selection for increased milk production will also increase SCS).

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.5.1-5.5
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• 2014

The objectives of this study were thus to identify most significant factors that determine milk component yield (MCY) using a meta-analysis and, if possible, to develop equations to predict MCY using variables that can be easily measured in the field. A literature database was constructed based on the research articles published in the Journal of Dairy Science from Oct., 2007 till May, 2010. The database consisted of a total of 442 observed means for MCY from 118 studies. The candidate factors that determine MCY were those which can be routinely measured in the field (e.g. DMI, BW, dietary forage content, chemical composition of diets). Using a simple linear regression, the best equations for predicting milk fat yield(MFY) and milk protein yield (MPY) were $MFY=0.351({\pm}0.068)+0.038({\pm}0.003)$ DMI ($R^2=0.27$), and $MPY=0.552({\pm}0.071)+0.031({\pm}0.002)DMI-0.004({\pm}0.001)$ FpDM (%, forage as a percentage of dietary DM) ($R^2=0.38$), respectively. The best equation for predicting milk fat content (%) explained only 12% of variations in milk fat content, and none of a single variable can explain more than 5% of variations in milk protein content. We concluded that among the tested variables, DMI was the only significant factor that affects MFY and both DMI and FpDM significantly affect MPY. However, predictability of linear equations was relatively low. Further studies are needed to identify other variables that can predict milk component yield more accurately.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.576-590
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• 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify genes associated with 305-day milk yield (MY) and fat yield (FY) that also influence the adaptability of the Thai multibreed dairy cattle population to tropical conditions. Methods: A total of 75,776 imputed and actual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 2,661 animals were used to identify genomic regions associated with MY and FY using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased predictions. Fixed effects included herd-year-season, breed regression, heterosis regression and calving age regression effects. Random effects were animal additive genetic and residual. Individual SNPs with a p-value smaller than 0.05 were selected for gene mapping, function analysis, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) annotation analysis. Results: A substantial number of QTLs associated with MY (9,334) and FY (8,977) were identified by integrating SNP genotypes and QTL annotations. Notably, we discovered 17 annotated QTLs within the health and exterior QTL classes, corresponding to nine unique genes. Among these genes, Rho GTPase activating protein 15 (ARHGAP15) and catenin alpha 2 (CTNNA2) have previously been linked to physiological traits associated with tropical adaptation in various cattle breeds. Interestingly, these two genes also showed signs of positive selection, indicating their potential role in conferring tolerance to trypanosomiasis, a prevalent tropical disease. Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of MY and FY in the Thai multibreed dairy cattle population, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of tropical adaptation. The identified genes represent promising targets for future breeding strategies aimed at improving milk and fat production while ensuring resilience to tropical challenges. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the genetic factors influencing milk production and adaptability in dairy cattle, facilitating the development of sustainable genetic selection strategies and breeding programs in tropical environments.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1504-1512
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• 2009

A feeding trial was conducted to examine the effect of high-temperature-micro-time (HTMT) processing of diets containing extruded soybean (ESB) in high quantity on milk fat production, metabolic responses, and the formation of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-vaccenic acid (TVA). Twenty-one multiparous Holstein cows in mid-lactation were blocked according to milk yield in the previous lactation. Cows within each block were randomly assigned to either normal concentrate or HTMT treated diets containing ESB (7.5% HTMT-ESB and 15% HTMT-ESB). It was hypothesized that the HTMT-ESB would affect the undegradable fatty acids in the rumen and, thus, would modify the fatty acid profile of milk fat. Both 7.5% and 15% HTMT-ESB did not affect milk yield, fat, protein, lactose and solid-not-fat (SNF), but the proportion of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat was significantly increased by these treatments. Content of TVA in milk fat was not affected by HTMT-ESB. The HTMT-ESB influenced the fatty acid profile in milk fat, but there was little difference between 7.5% and 15% of supplementation. HTMT-ESB feeding significantly decreased the concentration of plasma insulin and glucose, while plasma growth hormone (GH), triglyceride (TG), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and HDLcholesterol were increased by 7.5% and 15% ESB-HTMT supplementation in comparison to the control group (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in plasma LDL-cholesterol, insulin like growth factor (IGF)-1, T3, T4, and leptin concentrations among treatments (p>0.05). The present results showed that cis-9, trans-11 CLA production was increased by HTMT treatment of dietary ESB without reduction of milk fat, and the unchanged milk fat and yield was assumed to be associated with the constant level of thyroid hormones, leptin, and IGF-1.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.8
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• pp.1137-1143
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• 2013

To evaluate lactation performance and changes in plasma and fecal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in response to the supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SC), two dairy farms were selected. On each farm, 32 cows in early to mid lactation (21 to 140 DIM) were blocked by parity and days in milk (DIM), and randomly assigned to one of the two treatments within block (Control or 56 g SC/cow/d). Effect of SC on lactation performance (daily) and changes in blood and fecal LPS level were examined on d 0 and 28 of supplementation. The results showed that SC supplementation increased lactation performance of dairy cows on both farms. On Farm 1, milk production, 3.5% fat corrected milk (FCM), and yield of milk fat and protein were greater (p<0.01) for cows supplemented with SC. Supplementation of SC increased percentage milk fat (p = 0.029) from 81 to 110 DIM. There was no significant effect (p>0.05) of SC supplementation on percentage of milk protein, dry matter intake and feed efficiency. On Farm 2, cows supplemented with SC had a greater (p<0.05) milk yield, percentage of milk fat and milk protein, yield of milk fat and protein, 3.5% FCM and feed efficiency. Supplemental SC had no effect on LPS concentrations in feces (p>0.05) while it trended to reduce (p = 0.07 or 0.207) the concentration in plasma. The results indicate that supplemental SC can increase lactation performance of dairy cattle and has potential for reducing plasma LPS concentration.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.769-774
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• 2006

Fractions of herd-year-season, sire by herd interaction, additive genetic and dominance genetic variances were estimated for milk production traits in Holsteins of Japan using Method R. Inbreeding depressions for milk production traits were also estimated. Estimated fractions of herd-year-season variances ranged from 0.056 to 0.074 for yield traits and from 0.033 to 0.035 for content traits. Estimated fractions of additive genetic variances to phenotypic variances (heritabilities across a herd in the narrow sense) were 0.306, 0.287, 0.273, 0.255, 0.723, 0.697 and 0.663 for milk, fat, SNF and protein yields, and fat, SNF and protein contents, respectively. Estimated fractions of dominance genetic variances ranged from 0.019 to 0.022 for yield traits and from 0.014 to 0.018 for content traits. Fractions of variances for sire by herd interaction were estimated to range from 0.020 to 0.025 for yield traits and 0.011 to 0.012 for content traits. Estimates of inbreeding depression for milk, fat, SNF and protein yields were -36.16 kg, -1.42 kg, -3.24 kg and -1.15 kg per 1% inbreeding for milk, fat, SNF and protein yields, respectively. Estimates of depression per 1% inbreeding for content traits were positive at $0.39{\times}10^{-3}%$, $0.31{\times}10^{-3}%$ and $0.82{\times}10^{-3}%$ for fat, SNF and protein contents, respectively.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.370-381
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• 2015

This study was designed to determine the usability of lemon fiber (LF-2%, 4%, 6%) and carrot fiber (CF-2%, 4%, 6%) to produce lowfat beef hamburgers. To that end, a certain amount of fat was replaced with each fiber. The proximate composition, pH value, cholesterol content, cooking characteristics, color, texture profile, and sensory properties of low-fat beef hamburgers were investigated. LF increased moisture content and cooking yield due to its better water binding properties, while CF caused higher fat and cholesterol contents owing to its higher fat absorption capacity (p<0.05). LF resulted in a lighter, redder, and more yellow color (p<0.05). Hardness, gumminess, springiness, and chewiness parameters decreased when the usage level of both fibers increased (p<0.05). However, more tender, gummy, springy, and smoother hamburgers were produced by the addition of CF in comparison with LF (p<0.05). Moreover, hamburgers including CF were rated with higher sensory scores (p<0.05). In conclusion, LF demonstrated better technological results in terms of cooking yield, shrinkage, moisture retention, and fat retention. However it is suggested that CF produces better low-fat hamburgers since up to 2% CF presented sensory and textural properties similar to those of regular hamburgers.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.692-701
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• 2020

This study evaluated the quality characteristics of crust derived from dry-aged Holstein and Hanwoo loins and their effects on food as additives. With respect to physicochemical properties, we examined the proximate composition, pH value, salinity, color, water and fat absorption, emulsifying capacity, and swelling yield. The protein and ash contents in the Holstein crust were significantly higher than those in the Hanwoo crust (p < 0.0001). The fat content in the Hanwoo crust was significantly higher than that in the Holstein crust (p < 0.01). The salinity, lightness, and yellowness of the Hanwoo crust were significantly lower than those of the Holstein crust (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the pH value and emulsifying capacity of the Hanwoo crust were significantly higher than those of the Holstein crust (p < 0.001). The fat absorption of the Holstein crust was significantly higher than that of the Hanwoo crust (p < 0.001). The swelling yield of the Holstein crust was significantly higher than that of the Hanwoo crust at pH 3 and 4 (p < 0.001), whereas the swelling yield of the Hanwoo crust was significantly higher than that of the Holstein crust at pH 7 (p < 0.001). Principal component analysis of dry-aged Hanwoo, Holstein, and non-aged Holstein showed different flavor patterns for each sample. Finally, the results showed that the crusts derived from dry-aged Hanwoo and Holstein loins were suitable flavor enhancers.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.1409-1418
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• 2001

Two trials were carried out during two different grazing seasons to evaluate effect of grass silage supplementation, when amount of pasture is limited on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, and gross energetic efficiency (GEE) of grazed lactating cows on a high forage-based diet. Fifty-one Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: high pasture group or high silage group. In the spring flush, pasture and silage DMI, milk yield, milk fat percentage, and GEE were not different between the dietary groups. After the spring flush, pasture and silage DMI were higher for the high silage group than for the high pasture group. After the spring flush, although these were the higher total DMI of the high silage group than the high pasture group, milk yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher for the high pasture group than the high silage group. Milk fat percentage tended to be higher for the high silage group than the high pasture group. The GEE was significantly (p<0.05) higher for the high pasture group than the high silage group during after the spring flush. This study indicated that supplementation of grass silage, especially after the spring flush, can have a significant effect of increasing of forage intake and maintenance of the milk fat percentage; but not increase milk yield and GEE.