Genetic parameters of behavior traits of beef cattle classified using wearable devices.

With the development of wearable devices, it is now possible to monitor livestock behavior 24 h a day. In this study, we estimated the genetic parameters of the daily duration of six behaviors (feeding, moving, lying, standing, ruminating while lying, and ruminating while standing) in beef cattle, automatically classified using wearable devices. The devices were attached to 332 Japanese beef cattle at two stations for approximately 5 months.

Genomic and phenotypic selection indices for decreased birth weight, shortening fattening period, and regulating total weight gain in beef cattle.

Objective: To develop genomic and phenotypic indices for beef cattle selection that afford progeny with reduced birth weight and fattening period. The indices should also allow regulating total weight gain during the fattening period and avoid marked increases of inbreeding.

Methods: Whether addition of constraint on total weight gain to constraints on body weight gain at up to four specific time points during the fattening process was effective for the weight gain until the end of the fattening period was examined in two selection indices with the selection trait being a phenotypic or a genomic breeding value random regression coefficient.

Development of an index that decreases birth weight, promotes postnatal growth and yet minimizes selection intensity in beef cattle.

Objective: The main goal of our current study was to improve the growth curve of meat animals by decreasing the birth weight while achieving a finishing weight that is the same as that before selection but at younger age.

Methods: Random regression model was developed to derive various selection indices to achieve desired gains in body weight at target time points throughout the fattening process. We considered absolute and proportional gains at specific ages (in weeks) and for various stages (i.

Breeding season in female cats acclimated under a natural photoperiod and interval until puberty.

The breeding season was investigated in 174 female cats that were acclimated under a natural photoperiod, and determined the interval between birth and initial estrus (puberty) was determined in 125 cats. Although the breeding season differed noticeably among individual animals, the mean was 180.4 +/- 3.