Validation of genomic predictions for a lifetime merit selection index for the US dairy industry.

Selection indices are a critical component of many breeding programs. A common purpose of a selection index is to predict an animal's genetic potential for total economic merit. The objective of this study was to evaluate retrospectively whether a specific selection index comprising genomically-enhanced predicted transmitting abilities had the ability to predict observed lifetime profit in US Holstein animals.

Use of decision analysis to evaluate the delivery method of veterinary health care on dairy farms as measured by correction of left displaced abomasum.

Objective: To use decision and sensitivity analysis to examine the delivery of health care on US dairy farms as measured by correction of left displaced abomasum (LDA).

Sample Population: 5 journal articles evaluating outcomes from veterinarian- or herd personnel-delivered correction of LDA via laparotomy or a roll-and-toggle procedure.

Design: Economic analysis.

Economic assessment of animal health performance.

This article describes the fundamental principles of economic assessment of animal health performance in the modem animal production environment. Animal production is a complex system of combined inputs (eg, physical inputs, managerial decision choices) into a production process that produces products valued by society. Perturbations to this system include disease processes and management inefficiencies.

Economic consequences of control programs for paratuberculosis in midsize dairy farms in the United States.

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiologic efficacy and economic efficiency of current and potential future control programs for paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) on midsize dairy herds in the United States.

Design: Stochastic dynamic computer simulation model.

Sample Population: Data on prices and other input variables collected from various sources were used to represent a population of midsize US dairy herds infected with paratuberculosis.

Association and epidemiologic features of Trypanosoma cruzi and human T cell lymphotropic a virus type II in inhabitants of the Paraguayan Gran Chaco.

Serologic evidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection was demonstrated in 43.5% of 519 Paleoamerindians and in only 2.5% of 161 non-Indians (Mennonites of German descent and Paraguayans of Spanish descent) inhabiting an area of western Paraguay that belongs to the Gran Chaco territory.

A simulation of Johne's disease control.

A dynamic and stochastic simulation model (the "JohneSSim model") was developed to evaluate the economic and epidemiological effects of different strategies for control of paratuberculosis in dairy herds. Animals occupy one of the six defined infection states; the spread of Johne's disease is modeled with five infection routes. Many different dairy farm situations can be simulated.