Linear Traits Research Articles

Phenotypic variability and population structure analysis of Tanzanian free-range local chickens

BackgroundFree-range local chickens (FRLC) farming is an important activity in Tanzania, however, they have not been well-characterized. This study aimed to phenotypically characterize three Tanzanian FRLCs and to determine their population structure. A total of 389 mature breeder chickens (324 females and 65 males) from three popular Tanzanian FRLC ecotypes (Kuchi, Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe) were used for the phenotypic characterization. Progenies of these chickens were utilized to assess population structure. The ecotypes were collected from four geographical zones across Tanzania: Lake, Central, Northern and Coastal zones. Body weights and linear measurements were obtained from the mature breeders, including body, neck, shanks, wingspan, chest girth, and shank girth. Descriptive statistics were utilized to characterize the chickens. Correlations between the linear measurements and differences among the means of measured linear traits between ecotypes and between sexes were assessed. A total of 1399 progeny chicks were genotyped using a chicken 600 K high density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel for determination of population structure.ResultsThe means for most traits were significantly higher in Kuchi relative to Ching’wekwe and Morogoro-medium. However, shank length and shank girth were similar between Kuchi and Morogoro-medium females. All traits were correlated with the exception of shank girth in Morogoro-medium. Admixture analyses revealed that Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe clustered together as one population, separate from Kuchi.ConclusionsPhenotypic traits could be used to characterize FRLCs, however, there were variations in traits among individuals within ecotypes; therefore, complementary genomic methods should be considered to improve the characterization for selective breeding.

The effects of V2O5/K2O substitution on linear and nonlinear optical properties and the gamma ray shielding performance of TVK glasses

Nonlinear and linear optical traits of vanadio–tellurite glasses in the form 50TeO2-(50-x)V2O5-xK2O (where x = 0–20 mol% (abbreviated as TVK glasses) were investigated. Besides, gamma ray shielding parameters were assessed utilizing the FLUKA simulation code. Results revealed that the molar refraction (Rmolar) varied from 31.122 to 26.400 (cm3/mol), while molar polarizability (αmolar) varied from 12.350 × 10−24 to 10.476 × 10−24 cm3. The static dielectric constant (εstatic) was within 10.298–6.789. The optical electronegativity (χ*) varied from 0.319 to 0.626 for TVK glasses. The nonlinear refractive index (nOptical) diminished from 5.996 × 10−10 to 1.109 × 10−10 (esu), while the nonlinear optical susceptibility (χ3) diminished from 5.107 × 10−11 to 0.767 × 10−11 (esu) with the V2O5/K2O substitution in the glasses. Gamma ray attenuation coefficients such as μ and μ/ρ were calculated for six different photon energies in the range of 0.284–1.275 MeV. Both μ and μ/ρ were used to evaluate the transmission factors (HVL and MFP) and the effective atomic number (Zeff). The Zeff parameter was useful to give a full understanding of the gamma ray shielding performance of the TVK glasses under V2O5/K2O substitution. Finally, the parameters of gamma ray shielding were compared with ordinary and commercial shielding materials.

Optimization and Validation of a Linear Appraisal Scoring System for Milk Production-Linked Zoometric Traits in Murciano-Granadina Dairy Goats and Bucks

Implementing linear appraisal systems (LAS) may reduce time, personnel and resource costs when performing large-scale zoometric collection. However, optimizing complex zoometric variable panels and validating the resulting reduced outputs may still be necessary. The lack of cross-validation may result in the loss of accuracy and value of the practices implemented. Special attention should be paid when zoometric panels are connected to economically-relevant traits such as dairy performance. This methodological proposal aims to optimize and validate LAS in opposition to the traditional measuring protocols routinely implemented in Murciano-Granadina goats. The sample comprises 41,323 LAS and traditional measuring records from 22,727 herdbook-registered primipara does, 17,111 multipara does and 1485 bucks. Each record includes information on 17 linear traits for primipara/multipara does and 10 traits for bucks. All zoometric parameters are scored on a nine-point scale. Cronbach’s alpha values suggest a high internal consistency of the optimized variable panels. Model fit, variability explanation power and predictive power (mean square error (MSE), Akaike (AIC)/corrected Akaike (AICc) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC), respectively) suggest the model comprising zoometric LAS scores performs better than traditional zoometry. Optimized reduced models are able to capture variability for dairy-related zoometric traits without noticeable detrimental effects on model validity properties.

Bayesian estimation of genetic variance and response to selection on linear or ratio traits of feed efficiency in dairy cattle

This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters of the linear trait genetic residual feed intake (RFI) and the ratio traits feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) along with dry matter intake (DMI) and energy sink traits such as energy-corrected milk (ECM), body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and BW change (BWC) across different weeks in the first lactation of Danish Holstein cows. A second objective was to conduct a Bayesian analysis of direct and correlated superiority of the selected group when selecting on genetic RFI, FCR, or FCE. Feed intake and energy sink traits were recorded during wk 1 to 44 of lactation on 847 primiparous Danish Holstein cows. A Bayesian multivariate random regression animal model was used to analyze DMI, ECM, BW, and BCS in different weeks of lactation. Genetic RFI was obtained by conditioning DMI on ECM, BW, BCS, and BWC using genetic partial regression coefficients. The posterior distribution of the breeding values for FCR and FCE was derived from the posterior distribution of functions of "fixed" environmental effects and random additive genetic effects on DMI and ECM. Genetic superiority of the selected group was defined as the difference in additive genetic mean of the selected top individuals expected to be potential parents, and the total population after integrating genetic trends out of the posterior distribution of selection responses. Posterior means of heritability of genetic RFI ranged from 0.10 to 0.15, genetic variance of FCR and FCE ranged from 2.13 × 10-3 to 3.2 × 10-3 (kg2 DMI/kg2 ECM) and 6.11 × 10-3 to 2.4 × 10-2 (kg2 ECM/kg2 DMI), respectively. Selection against RFI showed a direct response of -1.01 to -2.23 kg/d RFI and correlated responses of -0.031 to -0.056 kg/kg for FCR, 0.104 to 0.160 kg/kg for FCE, and -0.316 to -1.057 kg/d for DMI in different weeks of lactation. Selection against RFI had no significant effect on production traits but selection for ratio traits reduced BW and BCS. Posterior means of genetic correlation between DMI and ratio traits were low. In conclusion, the Bayesian procedure allowed us to estimate genetic RFI without the need for separate multiple regression analysis and considered the non-normal posterior distribution of ratio traits. Selection against genetic RFI might be an effective means to improve feed efficiency compared with ratio traits for feed efficiency in dairy cattle.

Interspecific allometry for sexual shape dimorphism: Macroevolution of multivariate sexual phenotypes with application to Rensch's rule.

Allometric trends in the degree of sexual dimorphism with body size have long fascinated evolutionary biologists. Many male-biased clades display more prominent sexual dimorphism in larger taxa (Rensch's rule), with most examples documenting this pattern for body size dimorphism. Although sexual dimorphism in traits other than body size is equally functionally relevant, characterizing allometric patterns of sexual dimorphism in such traits is hampered by lack of an analytical framework that can accommodate multivariate phenotypes. In this article, we derive a multivariate equivalency for investigating trends in sexual dimorphism-relative to overall body size-across taxa and provide a generalized test to determine whether such allometric patterns correspond with Rensch's rule. For univariate linear traits such as body size, our approach yields equivalent results to those from standard procedures, but our test is also capable of detecting trends in multivariate datasets such as shape. Computer simulations reveal that the method displays appropriate statistical properties, and an empirical example in Mediterranean lizards provides the first demonstration of Rensch's rule in a multivariate phenotype (head shape). Our generalized procedure substantially extends the analytical toolkit for investigating macroevolutionary patterns of sexual dimorphism and seeking a better understanding of the processes that underliethem.

The life expectancy of ukrainian brown dairy breed cows depending on linear estimation of the udder morphological characteristics

The Estimation of dairy cattle cows by morphological characteristics of the udder is an important element in the system of linear classifi cation of dairy cattle. This is due to the existence of a correlation between the linear characteristics of the udder and indicators of milk productivity and longevity of cows. Studies on the impact of assessing the linear characteristics of the exterior on the life expectancy of dairy cows are motivated and relevant. The exterior type of fi rst-born cows was evaluated according to the method of linear classifi cation in the leading farms of Sumy region for breeding Ukrainian brown dairy breed. According to the descriptive method of the 9-point scale, the fi ve most important morphological features of the udder in terms of selection and technological signifi cance were studied. They are:an anterior attachment, posterior attachment height, central ligament, udder depth and anterior teat location. The signifi cant infl uence of udder morphological features on the life expectancy of cows was established. Each of the evaluated linear traits aff ects the life expectancy of a cow with diff erent relative variability of estimates within a particular sex. As for the evaluating of the anterior attachment of the udder, the diff erence between the cows, rated at 1 and 8 points, was 681 days (P <0.001). The diff erence between the low (1 point) score for the height of the attachment of the udder at the back and the highest (9 points) was 610 days (P <0.001). Animals (17.3%) with a grade for the condition of the central ligament of the udder below average (1–4 points) were used from 2436 to 2156 days. Meanwhile, cows with the highest score of 9 points diff ered in longevity – 2786 days, exceeding cows with scores of 1–4 points by 350–630 days (P <0.001). Cows with the highest udder relatively to the hocks, with a score of 8, have the diff erence in life expectancy 597 days (P <0.001), compared to animals with the most lowered udder. Cows with a score for the location of the front teats had 5 points and lived longer by 156–484 days (P <0.001), compared with cows with a score of 1–4 points. Key words: Ukrainian brown dairy breed, udder, linear type traits, life expectancy.

Physical Constraints on Epistasis.

Living systems evolve one mutation at a time, but a single mutation can alter the effect of subsequent mutations. The underlying mechanistic determinants of such epistasis are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the physical dynamics of a biological system can generically constrain epistasis. We analyze models and experimental data on proteins and regulatory networks. In each, we find that if the long-time physical dynamics is dominated by a slow, collective mode, then the dimensionality of mutational effects is reduced. Consequently, epistatic coefficients for different combinations of mutations are no longer independent, even if individually strong. Such epistasis can be summarized as resulting from a global nonlinearity applied to an underlying linear trait, that is, as global epistasis. This constraint, in turn, reduces the ruggedness of the sequence-to-function map. By providing a generic mechanistic origin for experimentally observed global epistasis, our work suggests that slow collective physical modes can make biological systems evolvable.

PHENOTYPIC CONSOLIDATION OF BROWN BREEDS COWS BY LINEAR TRAITS OF CONFORMATION TYPE

Breeding practice testifies that phenotypic and genetic specificity and an appropriate level of consolidation by leading economically useful traits are important characteristics and binding conditions for testing and subsequent genetic progress of breeds and their structural breeding units. Therefore, in the aspect of estimation of the conformation type of brown breeds in Sumy region – Lebedyn, Ukrainian brown dairy and brown Swiss, the level of phenotypic consolidation coefficients of firstborn cows, evaluated by the method of linear classification, was studied. Five farms of Sumy region were used as the basis of experiments: PJSC “Plemzavod “Mykhailivka” Lebedynsky, PAF “Kolos” and SE “Pobeda” of Bilopilsky and pedigree reproducers – AJSCCT “Zorya” Okhtyrsky and JSC “Mayak” of Trostyanets districts. The coefficients of phenotypic consolidation (K1 and K2) of breeding groups of animals on linear traits of conformation were determined by formulas proposed by Yu. P. Polupan (2005). Taking into account the importance of estimation of breeds of dairy cattle created in the process of interbreed combinations, in the aspect of studying the genetic progress and the desired level of their phenotypic consolidation, determining the degree of coefficients of phenotypic consolidation of cows of brown breeds in Sumy region by linear traits, that characterize the conformation type of animals, is motivated and relevant research. According to the group traits of 100-point linear classification system was revealed that the most consolidated by type were animals of brown Swiss breed by all group traits (K1 = 0.274–0.362; K2 = 0.262–0.369) and the final type assessment (K1 = 0.304; K2 = 0.322). The negative values of phenotypic consolidation coefficients indicated that the least consolidated by type were animals of the Swiss breed, especially on the group traits that characterize the dairy type (K1 = -0.012; K2 = -0.021), udder (K1 = -0.212; K2 = -0.231) and the final score (K1 = -0.028; K2 = -0.023). Animals of Ukrainian brown dairy breed were closer to the peers of brown Swiss cattle by both group traits (K1 = 0.202; K2 = 0.268) and by the final score (K1 = 0.219; K2 = 0.279). The consolidation coefficients of brown Swiss cows by group traits are (K1 = 0.274; K2 = 0.362), and by the final estimate (K1 = 0.304; K2 = 0.322). In a comparative analysis of the level of phenotypic consolidation coefficients of descriptive traits of the type was determined that of the evaluated breeds significant advantage by the phenotypic consolidation of these traits have animals of brown Swiss breed. The most consolidated firstborn cows of this breed for important descriptive traits of angularity (K1 = 0.362; K2 = 0.375), rear width (K1 = 0.293; K2 = 0.306, attachment of front (K1 = 0.289; K2 = 0.309) and rear ( K1 = 0.225; K2 = 0.229) udder parts, central ligament expression (K1 = 0.333; K2 = 0.371), udder depth (K1 = 0.296; K2 = 0.312), placement (K1 = 0.286; K2 = 0.303) and teats length (K1 = 0.321; K2 = 0.313) and locomotion (K1 = 0.304; K2 = 0.333). The determined hereditary influence of breed on the degree of phenotypic consolidation of the majority of linear traits testifies to the possibility of effective breeding of dairy cattle by type with intensive use of purebred sires of brown Swiss breed with high score by the linear classification of type of their daughters.

Heritability and Correlation of Linear Traits in Holstein Cows in Indonesia

Heritability and Correlation of Linear Traits in Holstein Cows in Indonesia

PHENOTYPIC CONSOLIDATION DAUGHTERS OF BULL-SIRES ESTIMATED BY THE METHOD OF LINEAR CLASSIFICA-TION

The aim of our research was to determine the degree of phenotypic consolidation coefficients of bull-sires daughters in the Sumy intra-breed type of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed, estimated by linear traits that characterize the conformation type of cows. The experimental base of research was information on the linear classification of first-calf cows of Sumy intra-breed type of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed in the PE "Burynske" breeding farm in Pidlisnivskyi department of Sumy district. The estimation of the first-calf cows by type was carried out using the method of linear classification by two systems: 9-point, with a linear description of 18 conformation traits and 100-point including four complexes of breeding traits that characterize: dairy type, body, limbs and udder. The coefficients of phenotypic consolidation (K1 and K2) cows of selection groups for linear traits of the conformation were determined according to formulas proposed by Yu. P. Polupan (2005). The level of phenotypic consolidation daughters of bull-sires estimated by group conformation traits indicated that regardless of the origin, phenotypic consolidation coefficients by overall type assessment had a positive value with a wide variability of coefficient K1 from 0.056 to 0.512 and coefficient K2 – from 0.065 to 0.505. Among all estimated by phenotypic consolidation bulls, less consolidated by group linear traits were found sires of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed – Motuzok and Front. Among sires of Holstein breed the best by group traits and overall assessment of the type were: V. Delight (K1 = 0.242-0.334; K2 = 0.247-0.349); D. Capris (K1 = 0.085-0.341; K2 = 0.089-0.348) and Hayes (K1 = 0.071-0.375; K2 = 0.082-0.370). From the sires of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed the Iceberg was the best (К1 = 0.059-0.478; К2 = 0.047-0.472). Magnitude of the degree phenotypic consolidation of descriptive traits of linear estimation daughters of bull-sires, regardless of origin, differed significantly by higher variability in comparison with group traits. Coefficients of phenotypic consolidation calculated by the formula K1, varied according to the bull-sires assessment from -0.434 (teats length of Iceberg daughters) to 0.504 (rump angle of Milliam daughters). The higher variability of phenotypic consolidation coefficients was revealed according to the formula K2, whose level varied from -0.571 (udder depth of Lyubimy's daughters) to 0.546 (angularity of Milliam daughters). By the coefficients of phenotypic consolidation of descriptive traits K1 and K2, there wasn't found no one bull-sire only with positive values. The most consolidated for overwhelming majority of descriptive traits were the bulls-sires of Holstein breed – Lauer, Toprate and Milliam. The highest consolidation of descriptive traits had all daughters of bulls by angularity with the highest number of positive values of coefficients. The presence of a genetic influence of bull-sires on the degree of phenotypic consolidation of the majority of linear traits of daughters with a significant advantage of Holstein producers was established.

Genomic Regions Associated With Skeletal Type Traits in Beef and Dairy Cattle Are Common to Regions Associated With Carcass Traits, Feed Intake and Calving Difficulty.

Linear type traits describing the skeletal characteristics of an animal are moderately to strongly genetically correlated with a range of other performance traits in cattle including feed intake, reproduction traits and carcass merit; thus, type traits could also provide useful insights into the morphological differences among animals underpinning phenotypic differences in these complex traits. The objective of the present study was to identify genomic regions associated with five subjectively scored skeletal linear traits, to determine if these associated regions are common in multiple beef and dairy breeds, and also to determine if these regions overlap with those proposed elsewhere to be associated with correlated performance traits. Analyses were carried out using linear mixed models on imputed whole genome sequence data separately in 1,444 Angus, 1,129 Hereford, 6,433 Charolais, 8,745 Limousin, 1,698 Simmental, and 4,494 Holstein-Friesian cattle, all scored for the linear type traits. There was, on average, 18 months difference in age at assessment of the beef versus the dairy animals. While the majority of the identified quantitative trait loci (QTL), and thus genes, were both trait-specific and breed-specific, a large-effect pleiotropic QTL on BTA6 containing the NCAPG and LCORL genes was associated with all skeletal traits in the Limousin population and with wither height in the Angus. Other than that, little overlap existed in detected QTLs for the skeletal type traits in the other breeds. Only two QTLs overlapped the beef and dairy breeds; both QTLs were located on BTA5 and were associated with height in both the Angus and the Holstein-Friesian, despite the difference in age at assessment. Several detected QTLs in the present study overlapped with QTLs documented elsewhere that are associated with carcass traits, feed intake, and calving difficulty. While most breeding programs select for the macro-traits like carcass weight, carcass conformation, and feed intake, the higher degree of granularity with selection on the individual linear type traits in a multi-trait index underpinning the macro-level goal traits, presents an opportunity to help resolve genetic antagonisms among morphological traits in the pursuit of the animal with optimum performance metrics.

Genetically Determined ABO Blood Group and its Associations With Health and Disease.

To determine the spectrum of phenotypes linked to the ABO blood group system, using genetic determinants of the ABO blood group system. Approach and Results: We assessed the risk of 41 health and disease outcomes, and 36 linear traits associated with the ABO blood group system in the UK Biobank cohort. A total of 406 755 unrelated individuals were included in this study. Blood groups A, B, and O were determined based on allele combinations of previously established single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs8176746, rs8176719 in the ABO gene. Group AB was excluded because of its relative small sample size. Overall, 187 387 (46%) were male with a mean (SD) age of 57±8.1 years and a median total exposure of 64 person-years (interquartile range, 57-70). Of 406 755 individuals, 182 621 (44.9%) participants had blood group O, 182 786 (44.9%) had blood group A, and 41 348 (10.2%) had blood group B. ABO blood groups were associated with 11 health and disease outcomes (P<2.19×10-4). ABO blood groups were primarily associated with cardiovascular outcomes. Compared with individuals with blood group O, blood groups A and B were associated with increased odds of up to 1.56 (95% CI, 1.43-1.69) for thromboembolic events and decreased odds for hypertension (0.94 [95% CI, 0.92-0.97]). The ABO blood group system is associated with several parameters of healthy aging and disease development. Knowledge of ABO blood groups might be of interest for more personalized approaches towards health maintenance and the prevention of diseases.

Phenotypic characteristics of linear traits of udder and angularity in Holstein-Friesian cows and their correlation with milk yield traits

Data set including 10860 primiparous Holstein-Friesian breed cows first calved in the period from 2011 to 2015, was used in determining phenotypic variability and correlation between the traits of milk yield and linearly estimated traits of udder and angularity. The average values obtained for type traits (angularity, fore udder attachment, front teats placement, teats length, udder depth and rear udder height) were 6.47; 5.74; 4.96; 5.20; 5.99 and 6.25, respectively. The values obtained for phenotypic correlations between linear type traits and traits of milk yield ranged from -0.042 (udder depth and milk yield) to 0.335 (fore udder attachment and protein yield). Positive phenotypic correlation (0.293) was recorded also between fore udder attachment and milk yield which is deemed the most important trait of milk yield while the lowest correlation between milk yields was determined in relation to udder depth (-0.033). The results obtained indicate a possibility of applying direct and indirect multiple traits selection which should be conducted within a national progeny-testing programme on Holstein-Friesian bulls by using the method of selection indexes.

Model-Based Analysis of Changes in the Morphological Characteristics of Moscow Students for the Last Two Decades

The aim of the paper is to develop a model of changes in morphological characteristics of young males and females body structure at the beginning of the 21st century. For this purpose the results of Moscow students’ annual screenings from 2000 to 2018 were analyzed (total number of 17–18-year-olds − 6,433 individuals). As a result, five factors describing the trends of changes were revealed and further analysis demonstrated variants of their values over time. An original model was developed, which reflected real morphological transformations in the body parameters of the young generation for the last 20 years. For both sex groups a trend towards macrosomia (gr. macros − big, soma- body) was revealed. For the boys some increase in linear traits was found with a decrease in muscularity. In girls, parabolic association between athletic characteristics and the year of investigation was found: the decrease in muscularity for the first decade, and its increase for the second one.

An Investigation of Polymorphism in &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;SMO&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;LMF&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;1 Genes and Their Association with Body Size in White Fulani and Muturu Cattle Breeds

Cattle production is integral to the people of Africa and her economy. To improve cattle productivity, there is a need to inculcate molecular marker-assisted selection into current breeding practices. In this study, we investigated, in White Fulani and Muturu cattle breeds, polymorphism of two candidate genes (Smoothened—SMO and Lipase Maturation Factor 1—LMF1) that have been reported to influence body size in cattle. The SMO gene encodes for the SMO (smoothened) receptor protein; a membrane signal transducer that plays a role in the control of bone formation and adipogenesis. LMF1 encodes for the LMF1 protein which regulates post-translational maturation of vascular lipases. Desired regions of the genes were amplified and genotyped by direct DNA sequencing or Polymerase chain reaction—Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. For association study, linear body measurements traits (BMTs) that can be used to predict body size were measured on each animal and values of BMTs measured were compared between both breeds. Very significant (P SMO while LMF1 was monomorphic at the expected (T > C) exon 4 mutation site. Association analysis revealed that polymorphism on G21234C, C22424T, T22939C and T23458G loci significantly affected BMTs (P SMO gene could be a useful candidate gene to facilitate marker assisted selection for body size while LMF1 is monomorphic in the cattle breeds.

Automatic Boundary Delineation of Agricultural Fields in Multi temporal Satellite Imagery with Segmentation

A right difference in agricultural areas is the primary necessity for any sector-primarily based implementation together with estimating agricultural subsidies. Improved decision remote sensing image currently offer higher useful geographic records to delineate regions; however, their automatic managing is tedious. Its miles therefore critical to increase strategies that permit this activity to be completed right away. In any such process, a novel approach named improving the Enhanced Gustafson-Kessel-Like clustering (EGKL) version explores the use of a pc-mastering device to define agrarian areas. The current method seems for limits as either segment corners or linear traits are adjoining regions of small variation all the time series. Nearby everyday deviations from all images a while are coupled, ensuing in a sequence of extended directional edge filters. Even though, in order beautify the excellent of boundary delineation, this advised paintings is merged with sequential features of small variability across the time collection, which includes the standard deviation (STD), Near-Infra Red (NIR) band, or an index along with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), or band ratios (particularly for hill us of a), or important component images. A photograph evaluation of the effects obtained with the aid of a methodology relevant to two fields of an excessive-resolution satellite image of the fractured agricultural landscape shows that it is helpful to apply the guide vector machines technique for such a task. Finally, the experimental results reveal that the proposed segmentation method is more efficient than the existing segmentation techniques in factors of each quantitative overall performance metrics and appropriateness for land-use classification.

A Wideband Subharmonic Mixer Incorporating Signal Interference Technique Based Isolation Circuit

A broadband (8.7 GHz – 11.5 GHz) performing passive sub-harmonic down-conversion mixer using signal interference technique (SIT) is demonstrated, designed and reported in this paper. The local oscillator (LO) frequency is half of the radio frequency (RF) for the 2xsub-harmonic mixer architecture; therefore, for the RF lying in the range 8.7 GHz to 11.5 GHz, required LO frequency range is 4.25 GHz to 5.65 GHz with 0.2 GHz fixed intermediate frequency (IF). With a broadband operation, designed prototype shows single sideband down-conversion loss in the range 9.6 dB – 12.6 dB. Moreover, large-signal testing infers an adequate linear trait of the proposed design, showing -3 dBm and 11.32 dBm for the 1 dB compression point and third order input intercept point, respectively.

Features of the conformation type of first-born cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White and Red-and-White Dairy breeds

Research of first-born cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White and Red-and-White Dairy breeds by linear traits was carried out. Research was conducted at the enterprises of the "Ukrlendfarminh" company: PE "Burynske" of Pidlisnivskoho Branch of Sumy District and LLC "Mlynivsky Complex" of Romny Branch of Sumy Region. According to the 100-point linear classification system, an interbreed difference was determined with the best indicators of animals of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed. The average scores of both breeds for the group traits and final assessment ranged from "good with plus" (80–84 scores). According to the estimation of group traits of dairy type, the predominance of animals of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed over Red-and-White was 1.3 scores (P &lt;0.001); according to assess the condition of limbs and hooves, the difference was in favor of cows of Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed with a difference of 1.3 scores (P &lt;0.001). The best developed udder was found in cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed, which outperformed the peers of Ukrainian Red-and-White one by 1.4 scores with high reliability (P &lt;0.001). As a result, the final score was higher in cows of Ukrainian black-and-White Dairy breed (83.0 scores) with a slight but significant superiority of peers Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed, which was 0.4 scores (P &lt;0.01). The developmental level of 18 descriptive traits of cows showed their considerable variability both within breeds and within each breed. In general, the evaluated animals of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed are characterized by well-pronounced height (6.3 scores), body depth (7.2 scores), angularity (6.8 scores), slope (5.1 scores) and rear width (6,5 scores), front udder parts attachment (6.5 scores), central ligament (6.4 scores) and udder depth (6.6 scores). The first-born cows of Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed have better developed chest in width (6.9 scores) and body depth (7.5 scores), stronger hooves (6.4 scores). The conformation of animals of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed had a good characteristic of descriptive traits that determined their milkiness and for Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed – strength. Key words: Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed, Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed, linear assessment, conformation, type, milk productivity.

Population-genetic parameters of the traits of the body structure of cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed

Researches of the linear traits of the body structure of cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed were conducted in the herd of the breeding plant of the Pidlisnivskoyi branch of PJSC «Rise-Maksymko» in Sumy region. The results of the correlated variability between conformation measurements and the value of animal milk yield in the age-related lactation dynamics were presented. Positive correlation coefficients were determined within the statistical significance between measurements and milk yield of first-born cows: height at withers (r=0,422) and sacrum (0,353), chest depth (r=0,362), width in pin (r=0,311), hip bone (0,271 ) and ischial humps (r=0.366); oblique body length (r=0,286) and rear (r=0,244); chest girth (r=0.391). With age ties are weakening. The degree of heritability measurements varies within the traits and age of cows. In the herd of the breeding farm revealed sufficient, reliable by Fisher's criterion, the level of inheritance coefficients, which will provide adequate efficiency of mass selection by height measurements at the withers (h2=0,347) and sacrum (h2=0,288), depth (h2=0,244) and chest girth (h2=0,348), rear width (h2=0,251‒0,264), oblique body length (h2=0,318) and rear part (h2=0,216), for which animals differed at the age of the first lactation. It was determined that the share of variability of measurements of the main traits of the body structure is caused by the heritability of improving breed (22.1‒36.4 %), parent breeding value of cows (16.1‒37.7 %), blood of father (10.9‒26, 6 %) and father line (8.6‒19.6 %). The positive correlation coefficients have been determined between the majority of body parts measurements and the value of milk yield, and the sufficient level of heritability in age-related lactation dynamics were the motivating factors for efficiency of selective breeding of dairy cattle breed by conformation. Power of influence of the breeding value of parent and his origin on the indicators of the conformation measurements of their offspring indicated the need to consider when selection of indicators of comprehensive assessment the breeding value of sires. Key words: Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed, cows, measurements, correlation, inheritance, power of influence, hope.

209 Genomic selection for multiple maternal and growth traits in large white pigs using Single-Step GBLUP

Abstract The objective of this study was to implement a multi-trait genomic evaluation for maternal and growth traits in a swine population. Phenotypes for preweaning mortality, litter size, weaning weight, and average daily gain were available for 282K Large White pigs. The pedigree included 314k individuals, of which 35,731 were genotyped for 45K SNPs. Variance components were estimated in a multi-trait animal model without genomic information by AIREMLF90. Genomic breeding values were estimated using the genomic information by single-step GBLUP. The algorithm for proven and young (APY) was used to reduce computing time. Genetic correlation between proportion and the total number of preweaning deaths was 0.95. A strong, positive genetic correlation was also observed between weaning weight and average daily gain (r = 0.94). Conversely, the genetic correlations between mortality and growth traits were negative, with an average of -0.7. To avoid computations by expensive threshold models, preweaning mortality was transformed from a binary trait to two linear dam traits: proportion and a total number of piglets dead before weaning. Because of the high genetic correlations within groups of traits, inclusion of only one growth and one mortality trait in the model decreases computing time and allows for the inclusion of other traits. Reduction in computing time for the evaluation using APY was up to 20x, and no differences in EPD ranking were observed. The algorithm for proven and young improves the efficiency of genomic evaluation in swine without harming the quality of predictions. For this population, a binary trait of mortality can be replaced by a linear trait of the dam, resulting in a similar ranking for the selection candidates.