Genome-wide association analysis is a powerful tool for annotating phenotypic effects on the genome and knowledge of genes and chromosomal regions associated with dairy phenotypes is useful for genome and gene-based selection. Here, we report results of a genome-wide analysis of predicted transmitting ability (PTA) of 31 production, health, reproduction and body conformation traits in contemporary Holstein cows.

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Genome-wide association analysis of thirty one production, health, reproduction and body conformation traits in contemporary U.S. Holstein cows

Remote monitoring of animal behaviour in the environment can assist in managing both the animal and its environmental impact. GPS collars which record animal locations with high temporal frequency allow researchers to monitor both animal behaviour and interactions with the environment. These ground-based sensors can be combined with remotely-sensed satellite images to understand animal-landscape interactions. The key to combining these technologies is communication methods such as wireless sensor networks (WSNs). We explore this concept using a case-study from an extensive cattle enterprise in northern Australia and demonstrate the potential for combining GPS collars and satellite images in a WSN to monitor behavioural preferences and social behaviour of cattle.

Monitoring Animal Behaviour and Environmental Interactions Using Wireless Sensor Networks, GPS Collars and Satellite Remote Sensing

The increasing miniaturisation of animal-tracking technology has made it possible to gather exceptionally detailed machine-sensed data on the social dynamics of almost entire populations of individuals, in both terrestrial and aquatic study systems. Here, we review important issues concerning the collection of such data, and their processing and analysis, to identify the most promising approaches in the emerging field of 'reality mining'. Automated technologies can provide data sensing at time intervals small enough to close the gap between social patterns and their underlying processes, providing insights into how social structures arise and change dynamically over different timescales. Especially in conjunction with experimental manipulations, reality mining promises significant advances in basic and applied research on animal social systems.

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Reality mining of animal social systems.

Inbreeding Effects on Milk Production, Calving Performance, Fertility, and Conformation in Irish Holstein-Friesians

Genetic parameters for claw disorders in Dutch dairy cattle and correlations with conformation traits.

The World Holstein-Friesian Federation (WHFF) introduced a type harmonisation programme by almost all countries for the type evaluation of Holstein dairy cows. The quality and robustness of the programme have been demonstrated in the Multiply Across Country Evaluation (MACE) for type evaluations, producing inter-country correlations, which at one time were considered impossible to achieve. The International Committee of Animal Recording (ICAR) has adopted the principle of the WHFF type harmonisation programme and it is logical, considering the quality of the results, to fully integrate the recommendations of both organisations into an international standard for type evaluation, administration and presentation.

M. Klopc̆ic̆

Papers

International type evaluation of dairy cattle.

Electronic identification and tracking of cattle in Victoria, Australia.

Estimation of 24-hour yields for milk, fat and protein based on data collected with an automatic milking system.

Evaluation of an enzymatic method for the rapid and specific determination of urea in raw milk.

Properties of milk recording data from automatic milking systems.