Genetic Improvement of Dairy Cattle


Book Description







Livestock Epigenetics


Book Description

Livestock Epigenetics reviews advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of epigenetic mechanisms in gene expression in livestock species. Epigenetics impact many economically important traits from growth and development to more efficient reproduction and breeding strategies. The book opens with a broad introductory chapter that discusses the importance of an understanding of epigenetics to efficient and sustainable livestock production. In subsequent chapters the role of epigenetics in specific aspects of animal production are reviewed. The final chapter provides researchers with a valuable basis for the use of comparative epigenetics research to allow research to apply advances across organisms. Livestock Epigenetics provides detailed information on this rapidly expanding field of research with contributions from a global team of experts.










Genetic Evaluation of Longevity in Dairy Cattle


Book Description

Longevity is an important trait in dairy cows, reflecting the overall functionality of a cow. The aim of this thesis was the development of a new model for the routine genetic evaluation of longevity in German Holsteins. To achieve this purpose, different studies were conducted. They are briefly summarized in the following: Chapter 1 provides the reader with background information on base principles of survival theory and on the frame conditions of routine genetic evaluations of longevity in German Holsteins. At the end, the necessity for a new routine evaluation system is defined. With the...