Quantitative trait loci exploration and characterization of gestation length in Holstein cattle.

Gestation length (GL) is a moderately heritable trait in cattle with economic and management implications. This study aimed to characterize the gestation length of an Argentinian Holstein cattle population, understand contributing factors, and explore the GL effect on production performance. Further objectives were to estimate direct and maternal heritabilities for this trait and to identify genomic regions affecting it.

Modification of a previously patented method to unequivocally score A2-like and A1-like bovine β-casein variants.

A growing interest in the production and commercialization of A2 cow's milk has been observed in many countries in the last few years due to the beneficial properties for human health attributed to A2 β-casein variant. Methods of varying complexity and different equipment requirements have been proposed for the determination of the β-casein genotype of individual cows. We proposed herein a modification of a previously patented method based on an amplification-created restriction site PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Deletion in KARLN intron 5 and predictive relationship with bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis infection phenotype.

Kalirin (gene: KALRN) is a Rho-GEF kinase linked to neurodegenerative diseases in humans. Unexpectedly, various polymorphisms in KALRN gene were previously associated with resistance to bacterial infections in ruminants. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the rs384223075 (RS-075) deletion in KALRN intron 5 on the occurrence of Mycobacterium bovis and Brucella abortus infections in cattle.

Methodology for the identification of relevant loci for milk traits in dairy cattle, using machine learning algorithms.

Machine learning methods were considered efficient in identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) underlying a trait of interest. This study aimed to construct predictive models using machine learning algorithms, to identify loci that best explain the variance in milk traits of dairy cattle. Further objectives involved validating the results by comparison with reported relevant regions and retrieving the pathways overrepresented by the genes flanking relevant SNPs.