Genetics and Genomics Commons^™

Rumen Fluid Metabolomics Analysis Associated With Feed Efficiency On Crossbred Steers, Virginia M. Artegoitia, Andrew P. Cederberg, Ronald M. Lewis, Harvey C. Freetly

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The rumen has a central role in the efficiency of digestion in ruminants. To identify potential differences in rumen function that lead to differences in average daily gain (ADG), rumen fluid metabolomic analysis by LC-MS and multivariate/univariate statistical analysis were used to identify differences in rumen metabolites. Individual feed intake and body-weight was measured on 144 steers during 105 d on a high concentrate ration. Eight steers with the greatest ADG and 8 steers with the least-ADG with dry matter intake near the population average were selected. Blood and rumen fluid was collected from the 16 steers 26 d before …

A 16.7 Kb Deletion In Sipa1l3 Is Associated With Juvenile Cataract In Mice, Lianna R. Walker, Emily R. Tosky, Kylee M. Sutton, Rhonda Griess, Marytza D. Abebe, Sarah Y. Barnes, Tom Cunningham, Stephen D. Kachman, Merlyn K. Nielsen, Daniel C. Ciobanu

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Congenital or juvenile cataract is a disease condition in which opacification of the lenses is present at birth or manifests early in life. It has been attributed to different monogenic factors with a high degree of heterogeneity and is often studied using mouse models. A spontaneous mutation was identified in a mouse line selected for heat loss that influenced lens formation and resulted in juvenile cataracts in mice homozygous for the recessive allele. Genetic dissection of this selection line by combining high-density genotypes and homozygosity mapping uncovered a 906 kb fragment on MMU7 encompassing 21 SNPs split into two groups …

Early Transcriptome Responses Of The Bovine Midcycle Corpus Luteum To Prostaglandin F2Α Includes Cytokine Signaling, Heather Talbott, Xiaoying Artegoitia, Fang Qiu, Pan Zhang, Chittibabu Guda, Fang Yu, Robert A. Cushman, Jennifer R. Wood, Cheng Wang, Andrea S. Cupp, John S. Davis

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

In ruminants, prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2α)-mediated luteolysis is essential prior to estrous cycle resumption, and is a target for improving fertility. To deduce early PGF2α-provoked changes in the corpus luteum a short time-course (0.5-4 h) was performed on cows at midcycle. A microarraydetermined transcriptome was established and examined by bioinformatic pathway analysis. Classic PGF2α effects were evident by changes in early response genes (FOS, JUN, ATF3) and prediction of active pathways (PKC, MAPK). Several cytokine transcripts were elevated and NF-kB and STAT activation were predicted by pathway analysis. Self-organizing map analysis grouped differentially expressed transcripts into ten mRNA expression patterns indicative …

Shinygpas: Interactive Genomic Prediction Accuracy Simulator Based On Deterministic Formulas, Gota Morota

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Background: Deterministic formulas for the accuracy of genomic predictions highlight the relationships among prediction accuracy and potential factors influencing prediction accuracy prior to performing computationally intensive cross-validation. Visualizing such deterministic formulas in an interactive manner may lead to a better understanding of how genetic factors control prediction accuracy. Results: The software to simulate deterministic formulas for genomic prediction accuracy was implemented in R and encapsulated as a web-based Shiny application. Shiny genomic prediction accuracy simulator (ShinyGPAS) simulates various deterministic formulas and delivers dynamic scatter plots of prediction accuracy versus genetic factors impacting prediction accuracy, while requiring only mouse navigation in …

Dietary Energy Drives The Dynamic Response Of Bovine Rumen Viral Communities, Christopher L. Anderson, Matthew B. Sullivan, Samodha C. Fernando

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Background: Rumen microbes play a greater role in host energy acquisition than that of gut-associated microbes in monogastric animals. Although genome-enabled advancements are providing access to the vast diversity of uncultivated microbes, our understanding of variables shaping rumen microbial communities is in its infancy. Viruses have been shown to impact microbial populations through a myriad of processes, including cell lysis and reprogramming of host metabolism. However, little is known about the processes shaping the distribution of rumen viruses or how viruses may modulate microbial-driven processes in the rumen. To this end, we investigated how rumen bacterial and viral community structure …

Genome-Wide Association Study For Feed Efficiency And Growth Traits In U.S. Beef Cattle, Christopher M. Seabury, David L. Oldeschulte, Mahdi Saatchi, Jonathan E. Beever, Jared E. Decker, Yvette A. Halley, Eric K. Bhattarai, Maral Molael, Harvey Freetly, Stephanie L. Hansen, Helen Yampara-Iquise, Kristen A. Johnson, Monty S. Kerley, Jaewoo Kim, Daniel D. Loy, Elisa Marques, Holly L. Neibergs, Robert D. Schnabel, Daniel W. Shike, Matthew L. Spangler, Bob Weaber, D. J. Garrick, Jeremy F. Taylor

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays for domestic cattle have catalyzed the identification of genetic markers associated with complex traits for inclusion in modern breeding and selection programs. Using actual and imputed Illumina 778K genotypes for 3887 U.S. beef cattle from 3 populations (Angus, Hereford, SimAngus), we performed genome-wide association analyses for feed efficiency and growth traits including average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), mid-test metabolic weight (MMWT), and residual feed intake (RFI), with marker-based heritability estimates produced for all traits and populations.

Results: Moderate and/or large-effect QTL were detected for all traits in all populations, as jointly …

Influence Of Sodium Chloride Reduction And Replacement With Potassium Chloride Based Salts On The Sensory And Physico-Chemical Characteristics Of Pork Sausage Patties, Regan E. Stanley, Chad G. Bower, Gary A. Sullivan

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

This study evaluated the effects of sodium chloride reduction and replacement with potassium chloride or modified potassium chloride based salts using a weight or molar equivalent basis on the sensory and physicochemical properties of pork sausage patties. Three independent replications of pork sausage patties were manufactured to compare five treatments: full sodium, reduced sodium, modified potassium chloride weight based replacement, modified potassium chloride molar based replacement, and standard potassium chloride weight based replacement. Salt replacement did not affect (P > 0.05) moisture, protein, fat, textural properties, lipid oxidation, or redness. Sausage patties with modified potassium chloride were more acceptable than those …

Evaluation Of The National Research Council (2001) Dairy Model And Derivation Of New Prediction Equations. 1. Digestibility Of Fiber, Fat, Protein, And Nonfiber Carbohydrate, R. R. White, Y. Roman-Garcia, J. L. Firkins, M. J. Vandehaar, L. E. Armentano, W. P. Weiss, T. Mcgill, R. Garnett, M. D. Hanigan

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Evaluation of ration balancing systems such as the National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirementsseries is important for improving predictions of animal nutrient requirements and advancing feeding strategies. This work used a literature data set (n = 550) to evaluate predictions of total-tract digested neutral detergent fiber (NDF), fatty acid (FA), crude protein (CP), and nonfiber carbohydrate (NFC) estimated by the NRC (2001) dairy model. Mean biases suggested that the NRC (2001) lactating cow model overestimated true FA and CP digestibility by 26 and 7%, respectively, and under-predicted NDF digestibility by 16%. All NRC (2001) estimates had notable mean and …

The Effect Of Regular Or Reduced-Fat Distillers Grains With Solubles On Rumen Methanogenesis And The Rumen Bacterial Community, E. Castillo-Lopez, C. J. R. Jenkins, N. D. Aluthge, W. Tom, P. J. Kononoff, S. C. Fernando

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Aims: The effect of feeding dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) or reduced-fat DDGS (RFDG) on ruminal methanogenesis and the rumen bacterial community of dairy cattle was evaluated. Methods and Results: Treatments were CONT, a diet with no distillers grains; DG, inclusion of 20% DDGS; rfDG, inclusion of 20% RFDG; and MIX, inclusion of 10% DDGS and 10% RFDG. Methane emission was measured; rumen bacterial community was evaluated by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Total methane production remained unaffected. However, feeding distillers grains tended to reduce methanogenesis per unit of feed intake, decreased the abundance of …

Effect Of Feeding Distillers Grains During Different Phases Of Production And Addition Of Postmortem Antioxidants On Shelf Life Of Ground Beef1, B. D. Cleveland, J. O. Buntyn, A. L. Gronli, J. C. Macdonald, University Of Nebraska - Lincoln, G. A. Sullivan

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Feeding distillers grains (DGS) to cattle can increase PUFA concentration, increase lipid oxidation, and de- crease color stability of beef. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding DGS and the post- mortem addition of antioxidants on the shelf life of ground beef products. Crossbred heifers (n = 64; initial BW = 225 kg) were supplemented with different amounts of modi- fied DGS (MDGS; 0.91 or 2.27 kg daily, DM basis) dur- ing backgrounding and finished on diets containing corn gluten feed or MDGS. Four beef shoulder clods from each dietary group were ground independently. Fatty …

Record Breaking Achievements By Spiders And The Scientists Who Study Them, Stefano Mammola, Peter Michalik, Eileen Hebets, Marco Isaia

Eileen Hebets Publications

Organismal biology has been steadily losing fashion in both formal education and scientific research. Simultaneous with this is an observable decrease in the connection between humans, their environment, and the organisms with which they share the planet. Nonetheless, we propose that organismal biology can facilitate scientific observation, discovery, research, and engagement, especially when the organisms of focus are ubiquitous and charismatic animals such as spiders. Despite being often feared, spiders are mysterious and intriguing, offering a useful foundation for the effective teaching and learning of scientific concepts and processes. In order to provide an entryway for teachers and students—as well …

144 Effect Of Antral Follicle Count In Beef Heifers On In Vitro Fertilization/Production, C. C. Chase Jr., R. A. Freeland, A. K. Mcneel, E. C. Wright-Johnson, G. A. Perry, S. C. Tenley, J. R. Wood, A. S. Cupp, J. L. Vallet, J. R. Miles

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Our objective has been to compare the IVF and in vitro production (IVP) of embryos from low and high antral follicle count (AFC) heifers. This is the fourth year of the study with years 1 to 3 reported individually. For this report, we add data for the fourth year and present a combined analysis (years 1 to 4) for the first time. Each year, AFC was determined on ~120 Angus heifers using transrectal ultrasonography. Ten heifers with the lowest AFC and 10 heifers with the highest AFC and all with evidence of oestrous cyclicity were synchronized with two 5-mL injections …

Medical Subject Heading (Mesh) Annotations Illuminate Maize Genetics And Evolution, Timothy M. Beissinger, Gota Morota

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Background: High-density marker panels and/or whole-genome sequencing, coupled with advanced phenotyping pipelines and sophisticated statistical methods, have dramatically increased our ability to generate lists of candidate genes or regions that are putatively associated with phenotypes or processes of interest. However, the speed with which we can validate genes, or even make reasonable biological interpretations about the principles underlying them, has not kept pace. A promising approach that runs parallel to explicitly validating individual genes is analyzing a set of genes together and assessing the biological similarities among them. This is often achieved via gene ontology analysis, a powerful tool that …

Production Of A Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone 2 Receptor Knockdown (Gnrhr2 Kd) Swine Line, A. T. Desaulniers, R. A. Hou, G. A. Mills, C. A. Lents, Brett R. White

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Swine are the only livestock species that produce both the second mammalian isoform of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH2) and its receptor (GNRHR2). Previously, we reported that GNRH2 and GNRHR2 mediate LH-independent testosterone secretion from porcine testes. To further explore this ligand-receptor complex, a pig model with reduced GNRHR2 expression was developed. Small hairpin RNA sequences targeting porcine GNRHR2 were subcloned into a lentiviral-based vector, lentiviral particles were generated and microinjected into the perivitelline space of zygotes, and embryos were transferred into a recipient. One GNRHR2 knockdown (KD) female was born that subsequently produced 80 piglets from 6 litters with 46 hemizygous …

Physically Adjusted Neutral Detergent Fiber System For Lactating Dairy Cow Rations. I: Deriving Equations That Identify Factors That Influence Effectiveness Of Fiber, Robin R. White, Mary Beth Hou, Jeffrey L. Firkins, Paul J. Kononoff

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) is the fraction of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) that stimulates chewing activity and contributes to the floating mat of large particles in the rumen. Multiplying dietary NDF by particle size has been used as an estimate of peNDF. In re-evaluating the concept of peNDF, we compared the use of peNDF as dietary NDF × particle size with the use of individual NDF and particle size descriptors (physically adjusted NDF; paNDF) when used with other physical and chemical diet descriptors to predict dry matter (DM) intake (DMI), rumination time, and ruminal pH in lactating dairy …

Expression Of Cytokine Genes And Receptors In White Blood Cells Associated With Divergent Body Weight Gain In Beef Steers, Amanda K. Lindholm-Perry, Virginia M. Cederberg, Jeremy R. Miles, Andrew P. Foote

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Previous work examining the transcriptome of steer tissue samples from animals with divergent gain have shown a relationship with the expression of genes with functions in immune and inflammatory pathways. The process of mounting an immune or inflammatory response is energetically expensive and variation in cytokine responses may affect cattle production traits. In addition, a previous study has identified variation in the transcript abundance of numerous genes, including the cytokine gene IL6ST, in the circulating white blood cells of pigs associated with high and low residual feed intake (RFI) lines. The aim of this study was to determine whether …

Economic Selection Index Development For Beefmaster Cattle I: Terminal Breeding Objective, Kathleen P. Ochsner, M. D. Macneil, Matthew L. Spangler

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to develop an economic selection index for Beefmaster cattle in a terminal production system where bulls are mated to mature cows with all resulting progeny harvested. National average prices from 2010 to 2014 were used to establish income and expenses for the system. Phenotypic and genetic parameter values among the selection criteria and goal traits were obtained from literature. Economic values were estimated by simulating 100,000 animals and approximating the partial derivatives of the profit function by perturbing traits one at a time, by 1 unit, while holding the other traits constant at their …

The Impact Of Training Strategies On The Accuracy Of Genomic Predictors In United States Red Angus Cattle, J. Lee, Stephen D. Kachman, Matthew L. Spangler

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Genomic selection (GS) has become an integral part of genetic evaluation methodology and has been applied to all major livestock species, including beef and dairy cattle, pigs, and chickens. Significant contributions in increased accuracy of selection decisions have been clearly illustrated in dairy cattle after practical application of GS. In the majority of U.S. beef cattle breeds, similar efforts have also been made to increase the accuracy of genetic merit estimates through the inclusion of genomic information into routine genetic evaluations using a variety of methods. However, prediction accuracies can vary relative to panel density, the number of folds used …

Genomics Symposium: Using Genomic Approaches To Uncover Sources Of Variation In Age At Puberty And Reproductive Longevity In Sows, Hiruni R. Wijesena, Clay A. Lents, Jean-Jack Riethoven, Melanie D. Trenhaile-Grannemann, Jennifer F. Thorson, Brittney N. Keel, Phillip S. Miller, Matt Spangler, Stephen D. Kachman, Daniel C. Ciobanu

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Genetic variants associated with traits such as age at puberty and litter size could provide insight into the underlying genetic sources of variation impacting sow reproductive longevity and productivity. Genomewide characterization and gene expression profiling were used using gilts from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln swine resource population (n = 1,644) to identify genetic variants associated with age at puberty and litter size traits. From all reproductive traits studied, the largest fraction of phenotypic variation explained by the Porcine SNP60 BeadArray was for age at puberty (27.3%). In an evaluation data set, the predictive ability of all SNP from highranked 1-Mb …

The Roles Of Age At Puberty And Energy Restriction |In Sow Reproductive Longevity: A Genomic Perspective, Hiruni R. Wijesena, Clay A. Lents, Melanie D. Trenhaile-Grannemann, Jean-Jack Riethoven, Brittney N. Keel, Jennifer F. Thorson, Phillip S. Miller, Rodger K. Johnson, Matthew L. Spangler, Stephen D. Kachman, Daniel C. Ciobanu

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Approximately 50% of sows are culled annually with more than one-third due to poor fertility. Our research demonstrated that age at puberty is an early pre-breeding indicator of reproductive longevity. Age at puberty can be measured early in life, has a moderate heritability, and is negatively correlated with lifetime number of parities. Detection of age at puberty is tedious and time consuming and is therefore not collected by the industry, which limits genetic progress. Genomic prediction is a viable approach to preselect gilts that will express puberty early and have superior reproductive longevity. The hypothesis that genetic variants explaining differences …

Economic Selection Index Development For Beefmaster Cattle Ii: General-Purpose Breeding Objective, Kathleen P. Ochsner, M. D. Macneil, Ronald M. Lewis, Matthew L. Spangler

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

An economic selection index was developed for Beefmaster cattle in a general-purpose production system in which bulls are mated to a combination of heifers and mature cows, with resulting progeny retained as replacements or sold at weaning. National average prices from 2010 to 2014 were used to establish income and expenses for the system. Genetic parameters were obtained from the literature. Economic values were estimated by simulating 100,000 animals and approximating the partial derivatives of the profit function by perturbing traits 1 at a time, by 1 unit, while holding the other traits constant at their respective means. Relative economic …

Development Of An Objective Feet And Leg Conformation Evaluation Method Using Digital Imagery In Swine, J. D. Stock, J. A. Calderon Diaz, C. E. Abell, T. J. Baas, M. F. Rothschild, B. E. Mote, K. J. Stalder

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Background:The objectives of this study were to create an objective measurement method of joint angles for knee, hock, front and rear pasterns and a rear stance position in swine using digital imaging technology and to assess the repeatability of the objective measurement process. Methods and Findings: Forty-five multiparous sows (average parity 6.7 ± 2.5; parity range 5 to 14) from two commercial farms (n=21 farm 1 and n=24 farm 2) were used. Sows were moved to a pen where digital images of the profile and rear stance were captured. On average, 5.2 (± 2.6) profile and 2.6 (± 1.0) …

Effect Of Partially Replacing A Barley-Based Concentrate With Flaxseed-Based Products On The Rumen Bacterial Population Of Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows, E. Castillo-Lopez, J. Moats, N. D. Aluthge, H. A. Ramirez Ramirez, D. A. Christensen, T. Mutsvangwa, G. B. Penner, S. C. Fernando

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Aims: The effects of partial replacement of a barley-based concentrate with flaxseed-based products on the rumen bacterial population of lactating Holstein dairy cows were evaluated. Methods and Results: Treatments fed were CONT, a normal diet that included barley silage, alfalfa hay and a barley-based concentrate that contained no flaxseed or faba beans; FLAX, inclusion of a nonextruded flaxseed-based product containing 55-0% flaxseed, 37-8% field peas and 6-9% alfalfa; EXT, similar to FLAX, but the product was extruded and EXTT, similar to FLAX, but product was extruded and field peas were replaced by high-tannin faba beans. The rumen bacterial population was …

Genomic Relatedness Strengthens Genetic Connectedness Across Management Units, Haipeng Yu, Matthew L. Spangler, Ronald M. Lewis, Gota Morota

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Genetic connectedness refers to a measure of genetic relatedness across management units (e.g., herds and flocks). With the presence of high genetic connectedness in management units, best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) is known to provide reliable comparisons between estimated genetic values. Genetic connectedness has been studied for pedigree-based BLUP; however, relatively little attention has been paid to using genomic information to measure connectedness. In this study, we assessed genomebased connectedness across management units by applying prediction error variance of difference (PEVD), coefficient of determination (CD), and prediction error correlation r to a combination of computer simulation and real data (mice …

National Beef Quality Audit-2016: Transportation, Mobility, And Harvest-Floor Assessments Of Targeted Characteristics That Affect Quality And Value Of Cattle, Carcasses, And By-Products, L.C. Eastwood, C A. Boykin, M.K. Harris, A.N. Arnold, D.S. Hale, C R. Kerth, D.B. Griffin, J.W. Savell, K.E. Belk, D.R. Woerner, J.D. Hasty, R.J. Delmore Jr., J.N. Martin, T.E. Lawrence, T.J. Mcevers, D.L. Vanoverbeke, G.G. Mafi, M.M. Pfeiffer, Ty B. Schmidt, R.J. Maddock, D.D. Johnson, C.C. Carr, J. M. Scheffler, T.D. Pringle, A.M. Stelzleni

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The National Beef Quality Audit-2016 (NBQA-2016) was conducted to assess current transportation, mobility, and quality characteristics of U.S. fed steers and heifers. Data were collected at 17 beef processing facilities between March and November 2016. About 8,000 live cattle were evaluated for transportation and mobility, and about 25,000 carcasses were evaluated on the slaughter floor. Cattle were in transit to the slaughter facility for a mean duration of 2.7 h from a mean distance of 218.5 km using trailers with dimensions ranging from 17.84 m2 to 59.09 m2. Area allotted per animal averaged 1.13 m2 and ranged from 0.85 m2 …

National Beef Quality Audit–2016: Transportation, Mobility, Live Cattle, And Carcass Assessments Of Targeted Producer-Related Characteristics That Affect Value Of Market Cows And Bulls, Their Carcasses, And Associated By-Products, M.K. Harris, L.C. Eastwood, C.A. Boykin, A.N. Arnold, K.B. Gehring, D.S. Hale, C.R. Kerth, D.B. Griffin, J.W. Savell, K.E. Belk, D.R. Woerner, J.D. Hasty, R.J. Delmore Jr., J.N. Martin, T.E. Lawrence, T.J. Mcevers, D.L. Vanoverbeke, G.G. Mafi, M.M. Pfeiffer, Ty B. Schmidt, R.J. Maddock, D.D. Johnson, C.C. Carr, J.M. Scheffler, T.D. Pringle, A.M. Stelzleni

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The National Beef Quality Audit–2016 marks the fourth iteration in a series assessing the quality of live beef and dairy cows and bulls and their carcass counterparts. The objective was to determine the incidence of producer-related defects, and report cattle and carcass traits associated with producer management. Conducted from March through December of 2016, trailers (n = 154), live animals (n = 5,470), hide-on carcasses (n = 5,278), and hide-off hot carcasses (n = 5,510) were surveyed in 18 commercial packing facilities throughout the United States. Cattle were allowed 2.3 m2 of trailer space on average during transit indicating some …

A Potential Role For Mtorc1/2 In Β2 Adrenergic Regulation Of Skeletal Muscle Glucose Oxidation In Models Of Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Robert J. Posont, Caitlin N. Cadaret, Taylor L. Barnes, Dustin T. Yates

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The epidemic of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) continues to be a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality throughout the world. This condition has been linked to the development of metabolic health problems such as obesity, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and type 2 diabetes at all ages. Previous studies have demonstrated that IUGR fetal adaptations impair proper glucose homeostasis in part via changes in insulin responsiveness in key tissues including skeletal muscle and liver, and that these deficits persists into adulthood. Many components of insulin signaling pathways associated with glucose metabolic regulation have been evaluated in IUGR tissues for adaptive changes. …

Low Cost, Multi-Purpose Genotyping Panels For Dairy And Beef Cattle, Michelle Judge

Theses

rhe selection of animals based on DNA has revolutionised animal breeding, but the associated high cost of obtaining genotypes has limited its uptake. The objective of this thesis was to develop a low-cost, low-density, multi-purpose genotyping panel for the procurement of reliable genotype information, and to quantify the long-term consequences of using such low-density genotype panels in breeding programs. The objectives were achieved through a combination of real-life cattle genotype data and simulations to mimic a cattle population. The in-silico development of genotype panels was based on actual genotypes from up to 58,705 beef cattle. Alternative novel strategies were used …

Dna Markers Identify Genetic Heritage Between Chickadees Near A Contact Zone In Illinois, Fahad M. Alshammari

Masters Theses

I studied the genetic interactions of Black-capped (Poecile atricapilus) (BCCH) and Carolina (P. carolinensis) (CACH) Chickadees in and near the largest hybrid contact zone in Illinois. Biologists have assumed Carolina and Black-capped Chickadees hybridize in their large contact zone in Bond and Fayette Counties, based on intermediate morphological measurements, plumage characteristics and the production of aberrant vocalizations. In determining hybridization, however, diagnostic genetics may be more useful than any other criterion. The genetic and environmental factors that have contributed to the survival of this chickadees hybrid zone have underscored the genetic integrity of both species. We …

Using Rna Seq To Define Genes And Pathways Affecting Salmonella Vaccine Response In Beef Cattle, Sara Awrahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A Salmonella siderophore receptor and porin (SRP) proteins vaccine is an intervention strategy to control Salmonella burden in cattle. The vaccine works by stimulating immunity to produce antibodies against bacterial SRPs as siderophore molecules play a major role in transporting iron to bacteria. Blocking iron uptake system by antibodies causes death of bacterial cells. The vaccine can also be useful to protect humans against salmonellosis, which causes high rates of illness and death annually, by reducing shedding of Salmonella in the feces of cattle. Though other researchers have evaluated efficacy and immune response of this Salmonella SRP vaccine, genes …