Evaluating the Efficacy of Target Capture Sequencing for Genotyping in Cattle.

(1) Background: Target capture sequencing (TCS) is potentially a cost-effective way to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and an alternative to SNP array-based genotyping. (2) Methods: We evaluated the effectiveness and reliability of TCS in cattle breeding scenarios using 48 female and 8 male samples. DNA was extracted from blood samples, targeted for 71,746 SNPs with TWIST probes, and sequenced on an MGI platform.

Evaluation of maternal bromoform supplementation in late gestation on blood parameters of cows and their progeny.

Bromoform supplementation has been successful in reducing enteric methanogenesis in ruminants; however, the impacts on the health of these animals are still limited. The current study evaluates the impact of maternal bromoform supplementation on the health of late-gestation cows and their progeny. Pregnant Angus cows (n = 42) were allocated into a control or bromoform group (n = 21 cows per treatment).

Changing Australia's trading language has enhanced the implementation of objective carcase measurement technologies.

In 2016 an Australian project, the Advanced Livestock Measurement Technologies project (ALMTech), was initiated to accelerate the development and implementation of technologies that measure lean meat yield and eating quality. This led to the commercial testing, and implementation of a range of new technologies in the lamb, beef, and pork industries. For measuring lean meat yield %, these technologies included dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, hand-held microwave systems, and 3-D imaging systems.

Improved cut weight predictions from DEXA scans of lamb carcasses enables more accurate allocation of cuts to processing plans.

The value of precise dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) cut weight predictions to lamb allocation to cut plans is unknown. Lambs (n = 191) varying in carcase weight (HSCW) and GR (tissue depth over the 12th rib) were DEXA scanned and boned out to weigh retail cuts. Cut weights were predicted using HSCW; HSCW + GR; HSCW + DEXA and HSCW + DEXA image components in GLM models.