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Hermann H. Swalve
Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, 06120 Halle, Germany

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Journal article
Published: 30 August 2021 in Animals
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The objective of the study was to evaluate behavioral observation procedures and tests to characterize sows’ behavior for their suitability for free farrowing systems. Nest building activity (NB), lying-down behavior (LDB), and position after lying down (PLD) were assessed. Four tests were designed to characterize the reaction of sows to a novel object and an unexpected situation (Towel Test, TT), behavior towards humans (Dummy Arm Test, DAT; Trough Cleaning Test, TCT), and behavior towards piglets (Reunion Test, RT). The study was performed on a nucleus farm in 37 batches including 771 purebred landrace sows housed in farrowing pens with short-term fixation. The assessment of NB started 2 days before the expected date of the farrowing. In 56.2% of the observations, the sows showed increased chewing activity on gunnysacks. The LDB and PLD were assessed on days 3 and 19 post partum (p.p.). In 49.1% of the observations, sows showed careful lying-down behavior. In 50.1% of cases, sows preferred the stomach-teats-position when lying down. With the DAT on day 4 p.p., in 89.3% of observations, no or only slight reactions of the sow were documented. The TT and TCT were performed on days 3 and 10 p.p. Strong defensive reactions of animals towards humans were recorded in 4.5% of the observations in the TT, and in 4.0% of the observations in the TCT. In the RT on day 3 p.p., in 61.8%, a joyful response of the sows to the reunion with their piglets was observed. This study showed that the behavioral observation procedures and designed tests are suitable to characterize sows’ behavior towards humans and piglets with regard to traits that are particularly important in systems without fixation.

ACS Style

Julia Neu; Nina Göres; Jelena Kecman; Barbara Voß; Frank Rosner; Hermann H. Swalve; Nicole Kemper. Behavioral Observation Procedures and Tests to Characterize the Suitability of Sows for Loose-Housed Farrowing Systems. Animals 2021, 11, 2547 .

AMA Style

Julia Neu, Nina Göres, Jelena Kecman, Barbara Voß, Frank Rosner, Hermann H. Swalve, Nicole Kemper. Behavioral Observation Procedures and Tests to Characterize the Suitability of Sows for Loose-Housed Farrowing Systems. Animals. 2021; 11 (9):2547.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Julia Neu; Nina Göres; Jelena Kecman; Barbara Voß; Frank Rosner; Hermann H. Swalve; Nicole Kemper. 2021. "Behavioral Observation Procedures and Tests to Characterize the Suitability of Sows for Loose-Housed Farrowing Systems." Animals 11, no. 9: 2547.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2021 in Journal of Dairy Science
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ACS Style

S.-L. Klein; T. Yin; H.H. Swalve; S. König. Single-step genomic best linear unbiased predictor genetic parameter estimations and genome-wide associations for milk fatty acid profiles, interval from calving to first insemination, and ketosis in Holstein cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

S.-L. Klein, T. Yin, H.H. Swalve, S. König. Single-step genomic best linear unbiased predictor genetic parameter estimations and genome-wide associations for milk fatty acid profiles, interval from calving to first insemination, and ketosis in Holstein cattle. Journal of Dairy Science. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S.-L. Klein; T. Yin; H.H. Swalve; S. König. 2021. "Single-step genomic best linear unbiased predictor genetic parameter estimations and genome-wide associations for milk fatty acid profiles, interval from calving to first insemination, and ketosis in Holstein cattle." Journal of Dairy Science , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 30 August 2018 in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
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To measure methane (CH4) emissions from cattle on-farm, a number of methods have been developed. Combining measurements made with different methods in one data set could lead to an increased power of further analyses. Before combining the measurements, their agreement must be evaluated. We analysed data obtained with a handheld laser methane detector (LMD) and the GreenFeed system (GF), as well as data obtained with LMD and Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and Non-dispersive Infrared (NDIR) breath analysers (sniffers) installed in the feed bin of automatic milking systems. These devices record short-term breath CH4 concentrations from cows and make it possible to estimate daily CH4 production in g/d which is used for national CH4 emission inventories and genetic studies. The CH4 is released by cows during eructation and breathing events, resulting in peaks of CH4 concentrations during a measurement which represent the respiratory cycle. For LMD, the average CH4 concentration of all peaks during the measurement (P_MEAN in ppm × meter) was compared with the average daily CH4 production (g/d) measured by GF on 11 cows. The comparison showed a low concordance correlation coefficient (CCC; 0.02) and coefficient of individual agreement (CIA; 0.06) between the methods. The repeated measures correlation (rp) of LMD and GF, which can be seen as a proxy for the genetic correlation, was, however, relatively strong (0.66). Next, based on GF, a prediction equation for estimating CH4 in g/d (LMD_cal) using LMD measurements was developed. LMD_cal showed an improved agreement with GF (CCC = 0.22, CIA = 0.99, rp = 0.74). This prediction equation was used to compare repeated LMD measurements (LMD_val in g/d) with CH4 (g/d) measured with FTIR (n = 34 cows; Data Set A) or NDIR (n = 39 cows; Data Set B) sniffer. A low CCC (A: 0.28; B: 0.17), high CIA (A: 0.91; B: 0.87) and strong rp (A: 0.57; B: 0.60) indicated that there was some agreement and a minimal re-ranking of the cows between sniffer and LMD. Possible sources of disagreement were cow activity (LMD: standing idle; sniffer: eating and being milked) and the larger influence of wind speed on LMD measurement. The LMD measurement was less repeatable (0.14–0.27) than the other techniques studied (0.47–0.77). Nevertheless, GF, LMD and the sniffers ranked the cows similarly. The LMD, due to its portability and flexibility, could be used to study CH4 emissions on herd or group level, as a validation tool, or to strengthen estimates of genetic relationships between small-scale research populations.

ACS Style

Diana Sorg; Gareth F. Difford; Sarah Mühlbach; Björn Kuhla; Hermann H. Swalve; Jan Lassen; Tomasz Strabel; Marcin Pszczola. Comparison of a laser methane detector with the GreenFeed and two breath analysers for on-farm measurements of methane emissions from dairy cows. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2018, 153, 285 -294.

AMA Style

Diana Sorg, Gareth F. Difford, Sarah Mühlbach, Björn Kuhla, Hermann H. Swalve, Jan Lassen, Tomasz Strabel, Marcin Pszczola. Comparison of a laser methane detector with the GreenFeed and two breath analysers for on-farm measurements of methane emissions from dairy cows. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 2018; 153 ():285-294.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Diana Sorg; Gareth F. Difford; Sarah Mühlbach; Björn Kuhla; Hermann H. Swalve; Jan Lassen; Tomasz Strabel; Marcin Pszczola. 2018. "Comparison of a laser methane detector with the GreenFeed and two breath analysers for on-farm measurements of methane emissions from dairy cows." Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 153, no. : 285-294.

Journal article
Published: 04 April 2018 in Livestock Science
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The aim of this study was to optimize modelling of the highest performance in dressage and show jumping competitions for enabling its use in the genetic evaluation of German riding horses. Genetic parameters were estimated using 4,582,191 observations from 221,132 horses in dressage and 9,997,439 observations from 253,945 horses in show jumping recorded between 1995 and 2014 in Germany. The highest performance was defined as the highest level achieved in competition and graduated by the level of difficulty. To investigate the effect of alternative modelling on genetic parameters for performance and on distributions and stability of estimated breeding values (EBV), eight different statistical models were set up. In these models, the following fixed effects were considered separately and in combinations in addition to the random additive genetic effect: gender, age at the highest performance or maximum age in the competition data, birth year, and year of the highest performance. Models were compared based on Akaike's information criterion (AIC), genetic parameters, and correlations between EBV from full and reduced data. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.21 to 0.24 for dressage and from 0.28 to 0.36 for show jumping. The two best fitted models included year of the highest performance and age at the highest performance or maximum age. EBV for the highest level achieved in dressage and show jumping competitions appear to be valuable in enhancing genetic progress for sport-related breeding goals of German riding horses.

ACS Style

V. Welker; K.F. Stock; K. Schöpke; Hermann H. Swalve. Genetic parameters of new comprehensive performance traits for dressage and show jumping competitions performance of German riding horses. Livestock Science 2018, 212, 93 -98.

AMA Style

V. Welker, K.F. Stock, K. Schöpke, Hermann H. Swalve. Genetic parameters of new comprehensive performance traits for dressage and show jumping competitions performance of German riding horses. Livestock Science. 2018; 212 ():93-98.

Chicago/Turabian Style

V. Welker; K.F. Stock; K. Schöpke; Hermann H. Swalve. 2018. "Genetic parameters of new comprehensive performance traits for dressage and show jumping competitions performance of German riding horses." Livestock Science 212, no. : 93-98.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2017 in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
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ACS Style

Diana Sorg; Sarah Mühlbach; Frank Rosner; Björn Kuhla; Michael Derno; Susanne Meese; Angela Schwarm; Michael Kreuzer; Hermann Swalve. The agreement between two next-generation laser methane detectors and respiration chamber facilities in recording methane concentrations in the spent air produced by dairy cows. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2017, 143, 262 -272.

AMA Style

Diana Sorg, Sarah Mühlbach, Frank Rosner, Björn Kuhla, Michael Derno, Susanne Meese, Angela Schwarm, Michael Kreuzer, Hermann Swalve. The agreement between two next-generation laser methane detectors and respiration chamber facilities in recording methane concentrations in the spent air produced by dairy cows. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 2017; 143 ():262-272.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Diana Sorg; Sarah Mühlbach; Frank Rosner; Björn Kuhla; Michael Derno; Susanne Meese; Angela Schwarm; Michael Kreuzer; Hermann Swalve. 2017. "The agreement between two next-generation laser methane detectors and respiration chamber facilities in recording methane concentrations in the spent air produced by dairy cows." Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 143, no. : 262-272.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2017 in Journal of Dairy Science
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The objectives of this study were (1) to analyze the agreement of a standard laboratory ELISA for progesterone (P4) with an automated on-farm ELISA kit operated under commercial conditions in 1,297 milk samples from 50 dairy cows; (2) to study the influence of the method of detection of luteal activity on genetic parameters of fertility traits based on P4 measured with an automated on-farm ELISA once weekly from wk 3 to 9 postpartum in the milk of 1,304 cows; and (3) to study the influence of sampling frequency (once or twice weekly from wk 3 to 9) on the same traits from 296 cows. Luteal activity can be detected when there is an active corpus luteum in the ovary producing P4 and indicating the onset of reproductive cyclicity after calving. The on-farm ELISA overestimated P4 contents by a mean square error of prediction of 2.76 ng/mL and had an intermediate Spearman correlation with the laboratory kit (0.54). For the second objective, the postpartum interval to the commencement of luteal activity (C-LA), proportion of luteal activity between d 15 and 63 postpartum (P-LA), calculated as the number of samples above the threshold for high P4 values divided by the number of all samples, and delay of first ovulation (DOV1), defined as C-LA occurring later than d 45 postpartum, were derived from the P4 profiles. Both C-LA and DOV1 were determined by (a) thorough qualitative visual inspection of the profile, (b) the profile's mean as threshold for the first increase in P4 postpartum, indicating commencement of luteal activity, and (c) 3 ng/mL as threshold for the first increase in P4, a value that has been used by many other studies. Similarly, P-LA was determined by using methods (b) and (c). Estimates of heritability were 0.04 to 0.13 for C-LA, 0.12 to 0.23 for P-LA, and 0.03 to 0.07 for DOV1. Genetic correlation of P-LA with C-LA and with the profile's mean P4 was -1.00. The profile's mean had a higher estimate of heritability (0.11-0.12) than C-LA or DOV1. It can be calculated as the arithmetic mean of all P4 values of a profile, whereas C-LA, P-LA, and DOV1 need a definition of a threshold for high P4 values. We therefore suggest the profile's mean as a promising candidate for further research. For the third objective, once-weekly sampling was mimicked by neglecting every second sample, and C-LA and DOV1 shifted toward a later onset of cyclicity. Thus, a common standard for sampling regimen and detection algorithm is essential to avoid incompatibility between studies.

ACS Style

Diana Sorg; Monika Wensch-Dorendorf; Kati Schöpke; Gunter Martin; Renate Schafberg; Nicole Reinhold; Steffen Pache; Hermann Swalve. Genetic analysis of new progesterone-based fertility traits in dairy cows measured on-farm. Journal of Dairy Science 2017, 100, 8205 -8219.

AMA Style

Diana Sorg, Monika Wensch-Dorendorf, Kati Schöpke, Gunter Martin, Renate Schafberg, Nicole Reinhold, Steffen Pache, Hermann Swalve. Genetic analysis of new progesterone-based fertility traits in dairy cows measured on-farm. Journal of Dairy Science. 2017; 100 (10):8205-8219.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Diana Sorg; Monika Wensch-Dorendorf; Kati Schöpke; Gunter Martin; Renate Schafberg; Nicole Reinhold; Steffen Pache; Hermann Swalve. 2017. "Genetic analysis of new progesterone-based fertility traits in dairy cows measured on-farm." Journal of Dairy Science 100, no. 10: 8205-8219.

Journal article
Published: 29 June 2016 in Genetics Selection Evolution
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Intensified selection of polled individuals has recently gained importance in predominantly horned dairy cattle breeds as an alternative to routine dehorning. The status quo of the current polled breeding pool of genetically-closely related artificial insemination sires with lower breeding values for performance traits raises questions regarding the effects of intensified selection based on this founder pool. We developed a stochastic simulation framework that combines the stochastic simulation software QMSim and a self-designed R program named QUALsim that acts as an external extension. Two traits were simulated in a dairy cattle population for 25 generations: one quantitative (QMSim) and one qualitative trait with Mendelian inheritance (i.e. polledness, QUALsim). The assignment scheme for qualitative trait genotypes initiated realistic initial breeding situations regarding allele frequencies, true breeding values for the quantitative trait and genetic relatedness. Intensified selection for polled cattle was achieved using an approach that weights estimated breeding values in the animal best linear unbiased prediction model for the quantitative trait depending on genotypes or phenotypes for the polled trait with a user-defined weighting factor. Selection response for the polled trait was highest in the selection scheme based on genotypes. Selection based on phenotypes led to significantly lower allele frequencies for polled. The male selection path played a significantly greater role for a fast dissemination of polled alleles compared to female selection strategies. Fixation of the polled allele implies selection based on polled genotypes among males. In comparison to a base breeding scenario that does not take polledness into account, intensive selection for polled substantially reduced genetic gain for this quantitative trait after 25 generations. Reducing selection intensity for polled males while maintaining strong selection intensity among females, simultaneously decreased losses in genetic gain and achieved a final allele frequency of 0.93 for polled. A fast transition to a completely polled population through intensified selection for polled was in contradiction to the preservation of high genetic gain for the quantitative trait. Selection on male polled genotypes with moderate weighting, and selection on female polled phenotypes with high weighting, could be a suitable compromise regarding all important breeding aspects.

ACS Style

Carsten Scheper; Monika Wensch-Dorendorf; Tong Yin; Holger Dressel; Herrmann Swalve; Sven König. Evaluation of breeding strategies for polledness in dairy cattle using a newly developed simulation framework for quantitative and Mendelian traits. Genetics Selection Evolution 2016, 48, 50 .

AMA Style

Carsten Scheper, Monika Wensch-Dorendorf, Tong Yin, Holger Dressel, Herrmann Swalve, Sven König. Evaluation of breeding strategies for polledness in dairy cattle using a newly developed simulation framework for quantitative and Mendelian traits. Genetics Selection Evolution. 2016; 48 (1):50.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carsten Scheper; Monika Wensch-Dorendorf; Tong Yin; Holger Dressel; Herrmann Swalve; Sven König. 2016. "Evaluation of breeding strategies for polledness in dairy cattle using a newly developed simulation framework for quantitative and Mendelian traits." Genetics Selection Evolution 48, no. 1: 50.

Journal article
Published: 01 November 2015 in Journal of Dairy Science
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Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is an increasing claw health problem in all cattle production systems worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of an improved scoring of the clinical status for DD via M-scores accounting for the dynamics of the disease; that is, the transitions from one stage to another. The newly defined traits were then subjected to a genetic analysis to determine the genetic background for susceptibility to DD. Data consisted of 6,444 clinical observations from 729 Holstein heifers in a commercial dairy herd, collected applying the M-score system. The M-score system is a classification scheme for stages of DD that allows a macroscopic scoring based on clinical inspections of the bovine foot, thus it describes the stages of lesion development. The M-scores were used to define new DD trait definitions with different complexities. Linear mixed models and logistic models were used to identify fixed environmental effects and to estimate variance components. In total, 68% of all observations showed no DD status, whereas 11% were scored as infectious for and affected by DD, and 21% of all observations exhibited an affected but noninfectious status. For all traits, the probability of occurrence and clinical status were associated with age at observation and period of observation. Risk of becoming infected increased with age, and month of observation significantly affected all traits. Identification of the optimal month concerning DD herd status was consistent for all trait definitions; the last month of the trial was identified. In contrast, months exhibiting the highest least squares means of transformed scores differed depending on trait definition. In this respect, traits that can distinguish between healthy, infectious, and noninfectious stages of DD can account for the infectious potential of the herd and can serve as an alert tool. Estimates of heritabilities of traits studied ranged between 0.19 (±0.11) and 0.52 (±0.17), revealing a tendency for higher values for more complex trait definitions. In terms of genetic selection, all trait definitions identified the best (i.e., most resistant) animals, but only the new trait definitions were able to distinguish between animals with average and high predispositions for DD. Considering repeated measurements resulted in heritability estimates ranging between 0.13 (±0.05) and 0.29 (±0.10).

ACS Style

K. Schöpke; A. Gómez; K.A. Dunbar; H.H. Swalve; D. Döpfer. Investigating the genetic background of bovine digital dermatitis using improved definitions of clinical status. Journal of Dairy Science 2015, 98, 8164 -8174.

AMA Style

K. Schöpke, A. Gómez, K.A. Dunbar, H.H. Swalve, D. Döpfer. Investigating the genetic background of bovine digital dermatitis using improved definitions of clinical status. Journal of Dairy Science. 2015; 98 (11):8164-8174.

Chicago/Turabian Style

K. Schöpke; A. Gómez; K.A. Dunbar; H.H. Swalve; D. Döpfer. 2015. "Investigating the genetic background of bovine digital dermatitis using improved definitions of clinical status." Journal of Dairy Science 98, no. 11: 8164-8174.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2014 in Journal of Dairy Science
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Feet and leg problems have a major effect on the well-being and lifespan of the dairy cow and thus are economically important to the dairy farmer. Apart from approaches using genetic selection for classical traits from conformation scoring, attempts for genetic improvement can be based either on records of individual disease cases or on records of disorder status at time of hoof trimming. In this study, 1,962 first-lactation cows were subjected to hoof trimming with an assessment of disorder status for sole hemorrhage as a binary trait. Cows were from 7 large commercial herds in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (northeastern Germany) that had similar housing with cubicles, slatted flooring, little use of straw for bedding, and total mixed ration feeding. Cows were trimmed and assessed once, focusing on cows in the first half of the lactation. Herds were visited at intervals to enable recording of cohorts at a similar stage of lactation. Each cohort or herd-visit included between 31 and 165 cows. Additional measurements included body weight, back fat thickness, and body condition at time of trimming. Further data on dairy production, conformation scores, and reproductive performance were merged after collection of records had finished. The DNA extracted from blood of 1,183 cows was used for analysis with a custom-made array of 384 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). The SNP were selected according to results from the literature for effects in classical conformation traits, from biochemical pathway analysis, and from comparative analysis of putative candidate genes in cattle, pigs, and sheep. Selection of cohorts of cows for SNP chip analysis was such that cohorts with extreme frequencies of disorders and cohorts with slightly deviating housing systems were excluded in this first step. The results from a mixed threshold model analysis with genotype included as a fixed effect and accounting for relationships among animals revealed that the intronic SNP rs29017173 (A/G) within the IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1, Bos taurus autosome 21) was significantly associated with disorder status. Back-transformed means of disorder status for the 3 genotypes were 0.37 (AA), 0.52 (AG), and 0.56 (GG). Using the full data set of 1,962 cows, including the less-suitable cohorts, gave back-transformed means of 0.51 (AA), 0.58 (AG), and 0.62 (GG). As SNP rs29017173 is included on the Illumina BovineSNP50 DNA Analysis BeadChip (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA), a sample of 2,394 artificial insemination sires from the German calibration sample for genomic selection from birth years 1998 to 2003 was studied for possible correlated effects. The A/G polymorphism of SNP rs29017173 studied here was also associated with substantial effects for feet and leg traits from the classical conformation score system. Selection using this polymorphism will be facilitated by the fact that the same allele is favored for all traits with substantial effects.

ACS Style

H.H. Swalve; C. Flören; M. Wensch-Dorendorf; K. Schöpke; R. Pijl; K. Wimmers; B. Brenig. A study based on records taken at time of hoof trimming reveals a strong association between the IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) gene and sole hemorrhage in Holstein cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 2014, 97, 507 -519.

AMA Style

H.H. Swalve, C. Flören, M. Wensch-Dorendorf, K. Schöpke, R. Pijl, K. Wimmers, B. Brenig. A study based on records taken at time of hoof trimming reveals a strong association between the IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) gene and sole hemorrhage in Holstein cattle. Journal of Dairy Science. 2014; 97 (1):507-519.

Chicago/Turabian Style

H.H. Swalve; C. Flören; M. Wensch-Dorendorf; K. Schöpke; R. Pijl; K. Wimmers; B. Brenig. 2014. "A study based on records taken at time of hoof trimming reveals a strong association between the IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) gene and sole hemorrhage in Holstein cattle." Journal of Dairy Science 97, no. 1: 507-519.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2013 in Genetics Selection Evolution
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The most common application of imputation is to infer genotypes of a high-density panel of markers on animals that are genotyped for a low-density panel. However, the increase in accuracy of genomic predictions resulting from an increase in the number of markers tends to reach a plateau beyond a certain density. Another application of imputation is to increase the size of the training set with un-genotyped animals. This strategy can be particularly successful when a set of closely related individuals are genotyped.

ACS Style

Eduardo Cg Pimentel; Monika Wensch-Dorendorf; Sven König; Hermann H Swalve. Enlarging a training set for genomic selection by imputation of un-genotyped animals in populations of varying genetic architecture. Genetics Selection Evolution 2013, 45, 12 -12.

AMA Style

Eduardo Cg Pimentel, Monika Wensch-Dorendorf, Sven König, Hermann H Swalve. Enlarging a training set for genomic selection by imputation of un-genotyped animals in populations of varying genetic architecture. Genetics Selection Evolution. 2013; 45 (1):12-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eduardo Cg Pimentel; Monika Wensch-Dorendorf; Sven König; Hermann H Swalve. 2013. "Enlarging a training set for genomic selection by imputation of un-genotyped animals in populations of varying genetic architecture." Genetics Selection Evolution 45, no. 1: 12-12.

Journal article
Published: 19 November 2012 in Livestock Science
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Udder diseases are a major problem in dairy cattle herds. Apart from the improvement of hygiene and food quality, udder health can be improved by genetic selection. This study used disease treatment data of 29,698 Holstein cows from 21 German contract testing herds to evaluate different trait definitions with respect to variance components, breeding values, and genetic correlations to somatic cell score (SCS) and milk yield. Considering the first 305 days of a lactation, four traits were defined: a binary trait, the number of udder health treatments (TRS), the number of sickness periods (NUMS) and the days a cow was considered to be sick. Additionally the number of treatments and the number of sickness periods defined from the treatments were analyzed based on a model with an underlying Poisson distribution. Results from analyses with single and multiple trait sire and animal models showed low heritabilities, ranging from 0.05 to 0.13. The genetic correlation of 305 day average somatic cell score with all disease treatment traits defined in this study was high but differed clearly from one. Genetic correlations with 305 day milk yield were unfavorable and remarkably higher than genetic correlations of SCS with milk yield. Reliabilities of estimated breeding values (EBV) were the highest for NUMS. Spearman correlations of EBV for binary and linear trait definitions differed considerably from unity. Correlations of EBV between the disease treatment traits defined in this study and SCS were similar to genetic correlations. An exception was found for the correlation between EBV of TRS and SCS (0.46) which was remarkably lower than the corresponding genetic correlation. In summary, this study demonstrates the differences between various disease treatment traits as well as the benefits of using a more precise trait definition instead of the binary option. Despite the lower heritabilities, the discrepancy between the correlations of disease treatment traits and SCS to milk yield showed the necessity to include disease treatment traits, i.e. case data on mastitis, into breeding objectives and selection indices.

ACS Style

G. Martin; M. Wensch-Dorendorf; R. Schafberg; H.H. Swalve. A comparison of udder health trait definitions in German Holstein dairy cattle based on mastitis treatment data. Livestock Science 2012, 151, 219 -227.

AMA Style

G. Martin, M. Wensch-Dorendorf, R. Schafberg, H.H. Swalve. A comparison of udder health trait definitions in German Holstein dairy cattle based on mastitis treatment data. Livestock Science. 2012; 151 (2):219-227.

Chicago/Turabian Style

G. Martin; M. Wensch-Dorendorf; R. Schafberg; H.H. Swalve. 2012. "A comparison of udder health trait definitions in German Holstein dairy cattle based on mastitis treatment data." Livestock Science 151, no. 2: 219-227.

Comparative study
Published: 01 February 2011 in Journal of Dairy Science
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Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows and pure Holstein cows were compared in a designed experiment. All cows were housed in a freestall barn at the experimental station of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, and calved from July 2005 to August 2008. Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows were mated to Holstein AI bulls for first calving and mated to Fleckvieh artificial insemination (AI) bulls for second and third calvings. Pure Holstein cows were consistently mated to Holstein AI bulls. At first calving, Holstein-sired calves from Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred dams (282 d) had longer gestation length than Holstein-sired calves from Holstein dams (280 d). For second and third calvings, gestation length was significantly longer for Fleckvieh-sired calves from Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred dams (284 d) than for Holstein-sired calves from Holstein dams (278 d). Holstein-sired calves from Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred dams (43 kg) and Holstein-sired calves from pure Holstein dams (42 kg) were not significantly different for calf weight at birth for first calving. For second and third calvings, Fleckvieh-sired calves from Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred dams (50 kg) had significantly heavier calf weight at birth than Holstein-sired calves from pure Holstein dams (44 kg). For calving difficulty and stillbirth, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows were not different from pure Holstein cows at first calving or at second and third calving. Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows (71 d) were not significantly different from pure Holstein cows (75 d) for days to first breeding during first lactation; however, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows (81 d) had significantly fewer days to first breeding than pure Holstein cows (89 d) during second lactation, and the crossbred cows (85 d) tended to have fewer days to first breeding than pure Holstein cows (92 d) during third lactation. For days open, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows were not significantly different than pure Holstein cows during any of the first 3 lactations. For body weight, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows were significantly heavier than pure Holstein cows during first lactation (621 kg versus 594 kg) and second lactation (678 kg versus 656 kg). Also, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows (18.20 mm) had significantly more backfat thickness than pure Holstein cows (15.81 mm) during first lactation. Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows (48 cm) had significantly greater chest width than pure Holstein cows (46 cm). Furthermore, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows had significantly longer front heel walls (5.2 cm versus 5.0 cm), significantly longer rear heel walls (4.2 cm versus 4.0 cm), and significantly more depth of the front heel (4.4 cm vs. 4.1 cm) than pure Holstein cows. This study has shown that F1 of Brown Swiss × Holstein cows are competitive with pure Holstein cows for all traits analyzed here. For fertility, crossbred Brown Swiss × Holstein cows exhibited fewer days to first breeding during second lactation than pure Holstein cows.

ACS Style

S. Blottner; B.J. Heins; M. Wensch-Dorendorf; L.B. Hansen; H.H. Swalve. Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbreds compared with pure Holsteins for calving traits, body weight, backfat thickness, fertility, and body measurements. Journal of Dairy Science 2011, 94, 1058 -1068.

AMA Style

S. Blottner, B.J. Heins, M. Wensch-Dorendorf, L.B. Hansen, H.H. Swalve. Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbreds compared with pure Holsteins for calving traits, body weight, backfat thickness, fertility, and body measurements. Journal of Dairy Science. 2011; 94 (2):1058-1068.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Blottner; B.J. Heins; M. Wensch-Dorendorf; L.B. Hansen; H.H. Swalve. 2011. "Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbreds compared with pure Holsteins for calving traits, body weight, backfat thickness, fertility, and body measurements." Journal of Dairy Science 94, no. 2: 1058-1068.