Genetic parameters for reproductive traits and somatic cell score in U.S. dairy goats.

There are no studies regarding the estimation of genetic parameters and genetic trends for reproductive traits and somatic cells in goats. Their knowledge allows optimization of selection schemes. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and genetic and phenotypic trends for age at first kidding (AFK), kidding interval (KIN) and somatic cell score (SCS).

Principal component analysis of the biological characteristics of entomopathogenic fungi in nutrient-limited and cuticle-based media.

Media formulated with insect cuticle (0.5% and 1%; Sphequit Sph®), with a reduction in nutrients (¼ Sabouraud dextrose agar + yeast [SDAY]) and commercial media (potato dextrose agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar) were evaluated for the cultivation of Beauveria bassiana, Cordyceps javanica (Isaria javanica [Bally] Samson & Hywel-Jones), and Metarhizium robertsii. By using principal component analysis, it was determined that the ¼ SDAY and Sph formulations have greater advantages than commercial media for the development of fungi.