Abstracted/indexed

Water-holding capacity (WHC) is a meat quality trait that affects economic outcomes caused by the tissue fluid loss and weight loss. The present study indicates that the mutation c.-379T>G in the UBXN1 promoter is associated with promoter activity, UBXN1 mRNA level, and WHC. Therefore, it potentially contributes to WHC improvement by regulating the degradation of myofibrillar proteins. It is a promising marker for selection of pork quality and increases economic benefits of the pork industry.

We analyzed the genetic structure of the casein cluster in eight selection lines of the Holstein Friesian, German Simmental and German Black Pied cattle breeds based on casein genotypes in milk. Temporal changes in allele distributions indicated decreasing genetic diversity at the casein loci, explaining the moderate level of genetic differentiation among selection lines. The variability of the casein should be exploited in the future using breeding programs to select genetic lines.

This research aimed to determine the effects of body weight, the body condition score (BCS), body measurements, birth type, birth weight and sex on the gestational length in sheep. The lowest and highest gestational lengths were found to be 148.90 and 151.41 d respectively. It is thought that the use of the BCS, which is easily applied by the breeder, will have a positive effect on determining the bodily reserves of sheep and the reproductive efficiency as well as on obtaining healthy lambs.

The objective was to find whether cow growth, milk performance, and behaviour are affected by rearing conditions until weaning after a milk-fed period of 84 d. Holstein heifers were assigned to one of three treatments: SM, pen with mother to 21st day, then group pen; SN, with own mother, then in pen with nursing cow; H, in hutch from 2nd to 56th day. The SN group tended to have the highest production of milk for 305 d and crossed the maze the fastest.