Mathematical Modeling and Software Tools for Breeding Value Estimation Based on Phenotypic, Pedigree and Genomic Information of Holstein Friesian Cattle in Serbia.

In this paper, six univariate and two multivariate best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) models were tested for the estimation of breeding values (BV) in Holstein Friesian cattle in Serbia. Two univariate models were formed using the numerator relationship matrix (NRM), four using the genomic relationship matrix (GRM). Multivariate models contained only an NRM.

Effects of drought on the abundance and distribution of non-breeding shorebirds in central California, USA.

Conservation of migratory species requires anticipating the potential impacts of extreme climatic events, such as extreme drought. During drought, reduced habitat availability for shorebirds creates the potential for changes in their abundance and distribution, in part because many species are highly mobile and rely on networks of interior and coastal habitats. Understanding how shorebirds responded to a recent drought cycle that peaked from 2013 to 2015 in central California, USA, will help optimize management of wetlands and fresh water for wildlife.

Measures of effective population size in sea otters reveal special considerations for wide-ranging species.

Conservation genetic techniques and considerations of the evolutionary potential of a species are increasingly being applied to species conservation. For example, effective population size ( ) estimates are useful for determining the conservation status of species, yet accurate estimates of current remain difficult to obtain. The effective population size can contribute to setting federal delisting criteria, as was done for the southern sea otter ().

Permissible Home Range Estimation (PHRE) in Restricted Habitats: A New Algorithm and an Evaluation for Sea Otters.

Parametric and nonparametric kernel methods dominate studies of animal home ranges and space use. Most existing methods are unable to incorporate information about the underlying physical environment, leading to poor performance in excluding areas that are not used. Using radio-telemetry data from sea otters, we developed and evaluated a new algorithm for estimating home ranges (hereafter Permissible Home Range Estimation, or "PHRE") that reflects habitat suitability.

Genetic polymorphism of the Gypsy population in Hungary as based on studies of red blood cell antigens.

Based on the examination of blood groups (ABO, Rh, MNSs, Duffy, Kell-Cellano, P, Kidd, Lewis, LW) the genetic polymorphism of the Gypsy population living in Hungary has been studied. Comparisons were made between Hungarian Gypsy and non-Gypsy populations, and significant differences were found in the incidence of most of the tested blood groups.