Effect of Phase-Change Materials on Laboratory-Made Insoles: Analysis of Environmental Conditions.

Thermal comfort is essential when wearing a postural-corrective garment. Discomfort of any kind may deter regular use and prolong user recovery time. The objective of this work is therefore to optimize a new compound that can alter the temperature of orthopedic insoles, thereby improving the thermal comfort for the user.

Genomic Prediction for Abortion in Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows.

Abortion in dairy cattle causes great economic losses due to reduced animal health, increase in culling rates, reduction in calf production, and milk yield, among others. Although the etiology of abortions can be of various origins, previous research has shown a genetic component. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the development of the genomic prediction for cow abortions in lactating Holstein dairy cattle based on producer-recorded data and ssGBLUP methodology and (2) evaluate the efficacy of genomic predictions for cow abortions in commercial herds of US Holstein cows using data from herds that do not contribute phenotypic information to the evaluation.

Genomic Prediction for Twin Pregnancies.

Twinning is a multifactorial trait influenced by both genetic and environmental factors that can negatively impact animal welfare and economic sustainability on commercial dairy operations. To date, using genetic selection as a tool for reducing twinning rates on commercial dairies has been proposed, but not yet implemented. In response to this market need, Zoetis (Kalamazoo, MI, USA) has developed a genomic prediction for twin pregnancies, and included it in a comprehensive multitrait selection index.

Indirect genomic predictions for milk yield in crossbred Holstein-Jersey dairy cattle.

The objective of this study was to predict genomic breeding values for milk yield of crossbred dairy cattle under different scenarios using single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP). The data set included 13,880,217 milk yield measurements on 6,830,415 cows. Genotypes of 89,558 Holstein, 40,769 Jersey, and 22,373 Holstein-Jersey crossbred animals were used, of which all Holstein, 9,313 Jersey, and 1,667 crossbred animals had phenotypic records.