Merit Index Research Articles

Breeding for organic dairy farming: what types of cows are needed?

Organic farming is believed by many to be an environmentally friendly production system that promotes the use of local forage while strongly limiting the input of chemicals, including allopathic treatments. As organic dairy farming has grown, farmers have realised that many available conventional breeds of cow are not well adapted to the new situations and that more 'robust' cows, able to function well in the constraining organic environment, are needed to yield acceptable longevity and productivity. In this review paper, the current breed diversity in organic dairy farming is analysed with the aim of identifying the types of cow that would best fulfil organic breeding goals. Unlike the conventional sector, organic dairy farming is very heterogeneous and no single type of cow can adapt well to all scenarios. There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of existing breeds (rustic Holstein-Friesian, other rustic breeds and crosses), and strong genotype × environment interactions demand different strategies for very diverse situations. Organic dairy farms producing milk for systems that recompense milk volume would benefit from using higher milk yielding cows, and rustic Holstein-Friesian cows may be the best option in such cases. Although most Holstein-Friesian cows are currently selected for use in conventional systems, this situation could be reversed by the implementation of an organic merit index that includes organic breeding goals. Farms producing milk either for systems that recompense milk solids or for transformation into dairy products would benefit from using breeds other than Holstein-Friesian or their crosses. Organic farmers who focus on rural tourism, farm schools or other businesses in which marketing strategies must be taken into account could benefit from using local breeds (when possible) or other rustic breeds that are highly valued by consumers.

Milk production of Holstein-Friesian cows of divergent Economic Breeding Index evaluated under seasonal pasture-based management

The objective of this study was to validate the effect of genetic improvement using the Irish genetic merit index, the Economic Breeding Index (EBI), on total lactation performance and lactation profiles for milk yield, milk solids yield (fat plus protein; kg), and milk fat, protein, and lactose content within 3 pasture-based feeding treatments (FT) and to investigate whether an interaction exists between genetic group (GG) of Holstein-Friesian and pasture-based FT. The 2 GG were (1) extremely high EBI representative of the top 5% nationally (referred to as the elite group) and (2) representative of the national average EBI (referred to as the NA group). Cows from each GG were randomly allocated each year to 1 of 3 pasture-based FT: control, lower grass allowance, and high concentrate. The effects of GG, FT, year, parity, and the interaction between GG and FT adjusted for calving day of year on milk and milk solids (fat plus protein; kg) production across lactation were studied using mixed models. Cow was nested within GG to account for repeated cow records across years. The overall and stage of lactation-specific responses to concentrate supplementation (high concentrate vs. control) and reduced pasture allowance (lower grass allowance vs. control) were tested. Profiles of daily milk yield, milk solids yield, and milk fat, protein, and lactose content for each week of lactation for the elite and NA groups within each FT and for each parity group within the elite and NA groups were generated. Phenotypic performance was regressed against individual cow genetic potential based on predicted transmitting ability. The NA cows produced the highest milk yield. Milk fat and protein content was higher for the elite group and consequently yield of solids-corrected milk was similar, whereas yield of milk solids tended to be higher for the elite group compared with the NA group. Milk lactose content did not differ between GG. Responses to concentrate supplementation or reduced pasture allowance did not differ between GG. Milk production profiles illustrated that elite cows maintained higher production but with lower persistency than NA cows. Regression of phenotypic performance against predicted transmitting ability illustrated that performance was broadly in line with expectation. The results illustrate that the superiority of high-EBI cattle is consistent across diverse pasture-based FT. The results also highlight the success of the EBI to deliver production performance in line with the national breeding objective: lower milk volume with higher fat and protein content.

Critical assessment 31: on the modelling of tertiary creep in single-crystal superalloys

ABSTRACTModelling of tertiary creep in single-crystal superalloys – operative over the majority of the temperature/stress regime of relevance – is assessed. Traditional, empirical approaches are useful for the prediction of component life; a modern trend is for more physically faithful models which account for microstructure and alloy composition. Calculations are made using different methods, to identify advantages/disadvantages, in an effort to approach best practice. The predictions are tested against experimental data. The creep resistance can be estimated to within approximately one-half of a Larson–Miller parameter, from an input of alloy composition, deformation conditions, and estimates of microstructural parameters, rate laws (and parameters therein), and physical constants. Different merit indices are considered to identify the most appropriate for compositional optimisation.

Comparison of the Performance of the Grid- Connected Photovoltaic System Installed In the Brazilian Cities: Blumenau - SC and Curitiba- PR

ABSTRACT This is a study that contemplates the analysis of the main characteristics of 8 grid connected photovoltaic systems (GCPVS), 3 of which are located in the city of Curitiba-PR and 5 located in the city of Blumenau-SC. Data were collected on irradiation in the horizontal plane, generated energy and rainfall, being the first two to calculate the merit indexes, such as Yield, Performance Ratio and Capacity Factor - of those on grid connected Photovoltaic systems.

Determination of the Ideal Time for Cleaning of Photovoltaic Panels Aiming at Better Productivity - Case Study of the Implanted Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System at the Federal University of Technology of Paraná

Considering the development of new technologies in the electricity generation sector, such as solar photovoltaic energy, some studies are made necessary to obtain the best performance of these systems. This generation model consists of modules, which are exposed to adverse climatic conditions, they receive direct influence of the dirt, according to the environment from which they were installed, which directly influences the performance of the system since, due to the disposal of waste on the module, a smaller portion of the solar radiation can reach the photovoltaic cell effectively. The objective of this work is to determine the ideal time for cleaning photovoltaic panels, aiming at high system productivity, having as object of study the photovoltaic panels of the Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR) Campus Curitiba, installed in the Green Office (GO) and at Neoville´s headquarters. Within this objective, it was necessary to verify its merit indexes, parameters used to compare grid-connected photovoltaic systems. The study shows the importance of frequent cleaning of panels, especially when they are installed in urban areas and close to high traffic access roads.

Simulating consequences of choosing a breeding goal for organic dairy production

In Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, the Nordic Total Merit index is used as the breeding selection tool for both organic and conventional dairy farmers based on common economic models for conventional dairy farming. Organic farming is based on the principles of organic agriculture (POA) defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements. These principles are not set up with an economic point of view, and therefore it may be questionable to use a breeding goal (BG) for organic dairy production based on economic models. In addition to economics and the principles of organic agriculture, it is important to look at farmers' preferences for improving BG traits when setting up a BG for organic farming. The aim of this research was to set up, simulate, and compare long-term effects of different BG for organic and conventional dairy production systems based on economic models, farmers' preferences, and POA, with particular emphasis on disease resistance or on roughage consumption and feed efficiency. The BG based on economic models and on farmers' preferences were taken from previous studies. The other BG were desired gains indices, set up by means of a questionnaire about relatedness between the POA and BG traits. Each BG was simulated in the stochastic simulation program ADAM. The BG based on POA, with particular emphasis on disease resistance or on roughage consumption and feed efficiency, caused favorable genetic gain in all 12 traits included in this study compared with 6 traits for the other BG. The BG based on POA, with particular emphasis on disease resistance or on roughage consumption and feed efficiency, were very different from BG for organic and conventional production based on economic models and farmers' preferences in both simulated genetic change and correlations between BG. The BG that was created based on the principles of organic agriculture could be used as a specific index for organic dairy farming in Denmark, but this index was economically not very sustainable. Hence, an intermediate breeding goal could be developed by breeding companies to address both economics and the principles of organic agriculture.

Modified Bird swarm algorithm for edge detection in noisy images using fuzzy reasoning

ABSTRACTA new bio-inspired edge detection approach is proposed to deal with the noisy images using a combination of bird swarm algorithm (BSA) and fuzzy reasoning. BSA is based on the behaviour of the birds. The birds fly through each pixel while they forage for the food and detect the edge pixels and noisy pixels that fall in their path. The direction in which the birds fly is found using fuzzy rule-based system. The pixels are classified as edge and non-edge pixels using the concept of thresholding. The noisy pixels are removed by the birds using fuzzy impulse noise detection and reduction method. The technique has been evaluated on two standard image datasets for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The results clearly indicate significant improvement over the other bio-inspired approaches, namely, Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO), Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO), Bacterial Foraging Algorithm (BFO), Deep Learning approach, fuzzy with BFO for noisy images, Neuro-fuzzy approach and PSO particularly for images having impulse noise in terms of Entropy, Kappa Value, Pratt’s Figure of Merit (FoM) and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM). The proposed approach works well to detect the continuous, thin and smooth edges in the presence of 5–40% noise density.

Economic values for a total merit index of dairy goats in Austria

Summary When defining a total merit index, all economically important traits, both performance and functional traits shall be considered. Aside from breeding values, their reliabilities and all genetic relationships, the knowledge of the economic importance of all traits involved is required. In this study, economic values were derived for the most numerous dairy goat breed in Austria, the Saanen goat. Calculated marginal utilities are expressed per average ewe place and year. The calculations were based on a herd model including dairy production, rearing and fattening of goat kids. Economic values are calculated by multiplying the marginal utilities with the genetic standard deviations of the traits. The economic value is thus defined by the value of one unit of genetic superiority of a trait. In order to derive the economic value of one trait, a single parameter in the model was varied while keeping all other traits constant. The relative economic values (in %) for the trait complexes were as follows: dairy : functional : meat traits = 74 : 25 : 1, respectively. Within the dairy complex, milk carrier yield was the most important trait, while in the functional traits fertility, defined as conception rate, had the highest economic weight.

Variation in the actual preferences for AI bull traits among Finnish dairy herds.

Changing production circumstances, a wide range of traits and the international bull market enable dairy farmers to make increasingly specific choices concerning artificial insemination (AI) bulls. Finland is part of the joint Nordic dairy cattle breeding programme where in addition to yield, high emphasis is given to health, fertility, conformation and longevity. The aims of our study were (a) to investigate whether Finnish dairy farmers differ in their selection preferences for AI bull traits and can be clustered into herd groups, (b) to determine whether AI bull selection in different herd groups is in line with the Nordic Total Merit index (NTM) and (c) to analyse how the herd groups are related to herd characteristics. We used a statistical cluster analysis to analyse AI bull usage and to group herds according to each herd's bull selection profile determined by the traits' estimated breeding value (EBV) mean weighted by the number of inseminations for the various traits. We identified four herd groups in both Ayrshire (AY) and Holstein (HOL) breeds: Production, Fertility, All-rounders, and Conformation. The herds' bull selection profiles were mostly close to the NTM except in the Conformation herd groups where traits other than conformation were nearly neglected. This led to poorer expected genetic and economic outcomes than with the NTM selection. Conformation herds were a minority, but they were larger in herd size and investments had recently been made. The data suggest that either fine-tuning the weights in the NTM, forming alternative indices or developing a herd-specific total merit index (TMI) could fulfil the needs of very diverse herds.

The preparation and properties of novel structural damping composites reinforced by nitrile rubber coated 3‐D braided carbon fibers

Based on the important applications of structural damping composites in aerospace and automobile areas, novel structural‐damping composites reinforced by nitrile rubber coated 3‐D braided carbon fibers (RCF3D/epoxy) were successfully prepared through the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process in this work. The damping property of the composites was experimentally investigated using cantilever beam vibration test and dynamic mechanical analysis. The results exhibit that the damping loss factor of the composites obtained from cantilever beam vibration test increases by 120%, reaching 0.068 after nitrile rubber coating modification. At the frequency of 1 Hz at room temperature, the loss factor of RCF3D/epoxy is about five times as high as that of the original composites. Furthermore, the impact strength and transverse shear strength increase by 11 and 6.8%, respectively, although the flexural strength and modulus and the longitudinal shear strength decrease slightly. The product of elastic modulus and loss factor E*η as the maximum merit index reaches 2.17 GPa. The results mentioned above indicate that rubber coating modification proposed in this work is an effective way to optimize the damping property with a negligible influence on mechanical properties of the RCF3D/epoxy, which will be a promising strategy for obtaining structural‐damping composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E599–E608, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Value of the Dutch Holstein Friesian germplasm collection to increase genetic variability and improve genetic merit

National gene bank collections for Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cattle were set up in the 1990s. In this study, we assessed the value of bulls from the Dutch HF germplasm collection, also known as cryobank bulls, to increase genetic variability and improve genetic merit in the current bull population (bulls born in 2010-2015). Genetic variability was defined as 1 minus the mean genomic similarity (SIMSNP) or as 1 minus the mean pedigree-based kinship (fPED). Genetic merit was defined as the mean estimated breeding value for the total merit index or for 1 of 3 subindices (yield, fertility, and udder health). Using optimal contribution selection, we minimized relatedness (maximized variability) or maximized genetic merit at restricted levels of relatedness. We compared breeding schemes with only bulls from 2010 to 2015 with schemes in which cryobank bulls were also included. When we minimized relatedness, inclusion of genotyped cryobank bulls decreased mean SIMSNP by 0.7% and inclusion of both genotyped and nongenotyped cryobank bulls decreased mean fPED by 2.6% (in absolute terms). When we maximized merit at restricted levels of relatedness, inclusion of cryobank bulls provided additional merit at any level of mean SIMSNP or mean fPED except for the total merit index at high levels of mean SIMSNP. Additional merit from cryobank bulls depended on (1) the relative emphasis on genetic variability and (2) the selection criterion. Additional merit was higher when more emphasis was put on genetic variability. For fertility, for example, it was 1.74 SD at a mean SIMSNP restriction of 64.5% and 0.37 SD at a mean SIMSNP restriction of 67.5%. Additional merit was low to nonexistent for the total merit index and higher for the subindices, especially for fertility. At a mean SIMSNP of 64.5%, for example, it was 0.60 SD for the total merit index and 1.74 SD for fertility. In conclusion, Dutch HF cryobank bulls can be used to increase genetic variability and improve genetic merit in the current population, although their value is very limited when selecting for the current total merit index. Anticipating changes in the breeding goal in the future, the germplasm collection is a valuable resource for commercial breeding populations.

Genetic diversity and historic introgression in German Angler and Red Dual Purpose cattle and possibilities to reverse introgression

ABSTRACTRecovering native uniqueness has major importance for breeds with historic introgression. The aim of the study was to estimate population genetic parameters for two local red cattle breeds from Northern Germany and to study possibilities to reverse introgression. Genealogical information consisted of 90,783 individuals for German Angler and 187,255 individuals for Red Dual-Purpose cattle breed, with additional information on sex, born, breed, status, and conventional breeding values. It is concluded that the native genetic contribution could be included as an additional trait in the total merit index in order to recover a part of the native genetic background. Native contributions should be estimated in the long term from marker data in order to account for Mendelian sampling. The maintenance of a sufficient genetic diversity of native alleles can be achieved by an advanced OCS with appropriate constraints.

Luminescence, laser induced nonlinear optical and surface microscopic studies of potassium thiourea chloride crystal

The present communication is aimed to explore the optical properties of organometallic nonlinear optical potassium thiourea chloride (PTC) crystal by means of UV–vis, luminescence, Z-scan, laser damage threshold and etching studies. The PTC single crystal of optimum size (11 × 12 × 04) mm3 has been grown from solution by slow evaporation technique. The qualitative analysis of PTC crystal has been confirmed by means of energy dispersive spectroscopic technique. The UV–vis study has been carried out to assess the optical transparency of PTC crystal in visible region of interest. The photoluminescence study has been accomplished to ascertain the color centered photoluminescence emission nature of PTC crystal in optical spectrum. The laser damage threshold (LDT) value of PTC crystal has been determined by pulse multi shot method using the Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm and the LDT of PTC crystal is found to be in the range of MW/cm2. The microscopic studies were performed by means of etching analysis to discuss the growth habit and structural defects associated with PTC crystal surface. The third order nonlinear optical nature of PTC crystal has been investigated at 632.8 nm employing the He-Ne laser assisted Z-scan studies. The third order nonlinear optical parameters such as susceptibility (χ3), absorption coefficient (β), refractive index (n2) and figure of merit have been evaluated using the Z-scan transmittance data. The NLO device applications of PTC crystal have been discussed in light of observed results.

Estimation of relative economic weights and the marginal willingness to pay for breeding traits of Brown Swiss cattle using discrete choice experiments

Breeding traits are usually combined in a total merit index according to their economic weights to maximize genetic gain based on economic merit. However, this maximization may not always be the aim of the selection decisions by farm managers. A discrete choice experiment was used to evaluate the importance of traits in terms of the selection decisions of farm managers operating in different environments. Six trait complexes, the semen price, the interactions between these traits, and significant characteristics of the farms were included in a conditional logit model to estimate relative economic weights and the marginal willingness to pay for all traits. Milk value, conformation/udder, and fitness were the most important traits for the farmers, and significant interactions indicated that fitness is of greater importance on organically managed farms than on conventional farms. Farm managers with an advanced education placed more weight on the milk value trait than farm managers without advanced education. On conventional farms, managers weighted the traits milk value and conformation/udder highly. The conformation/udder and fitness trait complexes were important on organic farms. A new trait called perinatal sucking behavior of newborn calves should be included in the total merit index.

Parametric Analysis of Electrode Materials on Thermal Performance of Lithium-Ion Battery: A Material Selection Approach

Experimental studies in the battery thermal management have found that increased charging rates during battery cycling is the main reason behind the overheating of lithium-ion batteries. Many different electrode materials have been investigated for improving battery thermal performance and calendar life. The present work reports a way to parameterize and categorize electrode materials based on their thermal performance. A coupled thermo-chemical model was developed for deriving the heat generation by electrode particle of different materials. The heat generation associated with lithium-ion transport was computed from four possible mechanisms: polarization heating, entropic heating, joule heating and heating contribution from plastic deformation. The particle model was scaled to battery dimension to model thermal diffusion in the battery. The model was used to create a set of five material indexes that categorize the electrode materials based on their thermal performance under condition of excess loading. A parametric analysis was conducted to compare the thermal performance of six candidate electrode materials (for cathode and anode) using the merit indexes and the results were validated against past experimental data. The effect of variable charging rates on thermal generation was analyzed. Finally, the paper identified the material properties which affect the thermal performance of battery systems.

Replacement of NdFeB by Ferrite Magnets

The replacement of NdFeB magnets by ferrite magnets is discussed. For motors, remanence is relevant, implying in a volume three times that of NdFeB, when the relevant index of merit is remanence. However, if the relevant issue is the BHmax (maximum energy product), the volume for replacement should be ten times larger. The high resistivity of ferrites is a big advantage for motors. The temperature of operation is also relevant, because NdFeB magnets loss coercivity even with small increase of temperature. Different applications are discussed, as for instance, motors for electric cars and wind turbines. The choice of the proper volume depends on the evaluation of demagnetizing field in the condition of operation.

Genome-wide association studies for seven production traits highlight genomic regions useful to dissect dry-cured ham quality and production traits in Duroc heavy pigs

Protected designation of origin dry-cured hams are obtained from heavy pigs (slaughtered at about 160 kg of live weight). A specific breeding program designed to improve meat quality for this production has included as key traits the level of intermuscular fat between the leg muscles and ham weight loss during the seasoning period together with a balance between fat and lean cuts. In this study we carried out genome-wide association studies for seven traits used in the genetic merit of Italian Duroc heavy pigs, five related to meat and carcass quality traits (visible intermuscular fat, ham weight loss at first salting, backfat thickness, ham weight and lean cuts), and two related to performance and efficiency traits (average daily gain and feed : gain ratio). A total of 573 performance-tested pigs were genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip and genome-wide association analyses were carried out using the Bayes B approach with the 1 Mb window option of GenSel and random residuals for each of the seven traits. Detected windows were supported by independent single nucleotide polymorphism analyses with a linear mixed model (LMM) approach on the same animals for the same traits. A total of 30 windows identifying different quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected and among those, 27 were confirmed by LMM in one of these traits. Among the confirmed windows, three QTL were reported for visible intermuscular fat, seven for ham weight loss at first salting and five and four for backfat thickness and lean cut, respectively. A total of eight QTL were detected for the other production traits. No overlapping QTL were reported except for one window on porcine chromosome 10 between lean cuts and ham weight that contained the CACNB2 gene that has been already associated with loin marbling score in other Duroc pigs. Several regions contained genes that have been already associated with production traits in other pig breeds, including Duroc lines, related to fat deposition or muscle structure. This work reports, for the first time, genome-wide association study results for several traits in Italian Duroc heavy pigs. These results will be useful to dissect the genetic basis for dry-cured ham production traits that determine the total genetic merit index of Italian Duroc pigs.

Symposium review: Possibilities in an age of genomics: The future of selection indices

Selective breeding has been practiced since domestication, but early breeders commonly selected on appearance (e.g., coat color) rather than performance traits (e.g., milk yield). A breeding index converts information about several traits into a single number used for selection and to predict an animal's own performance. Calculation of selection indices is straightforward when phenotype and pedigree data are available. Prediction of economic values 3 to 10 yr in the future, when the offspring of matings planned using the index will be lactating, is more challenging. The first USDA selection index included only milk and fat yield, whereas the latest version of the lifetime net merit index includes 13 traits and composites (weighted averages of other additional traits). Selection indices are revised to reflect improved knowledge of biology, new sources of data, and changing economic conditions. Single-trait selection often suffers from antagonistic correlations with traits not in the selection objective. Multiple-trait selection avoids those problems at the cost of less-than-maximal progress for individual traits. How many and which traits to include is not simple to determine because traits are not independent. Many countries use indices that reflect the needs of different producers in different environments. Although the emphasis placed on trait groups differs, most indices include yield, fertility, health, and type traits. Addition of milk composition, feed intake, and other traits is possible, but they are more costly to collect and many are not yet directly rewarded in the marketplace, such as with incentives from milk processing plants. As the number of traits grows, custom selection indices can more closely match genotypes to the environments in which they will perform. Traditional selection required recording lots of cows across many farms, but genomic selection favors collecting more detailed information from cooperating farms. A similar strategy may be useful in less developed countries. Recording important new traits on a fraction of cows can quickly benefit the whole population through genomics.

Nonlinear optical and microscopic analysis of Cu2+ doped zinc thiourea chloride (ZTC) monocrystal

Organometallic crystals offer considerable nonlinear response therefore, present article focuses on bulk growth and investigation of Cu2+ ion doped zinc thiourea chloride (ZTC) crystal to explore its technological impetus for laser assisted nonlinear optical (NLO) device applications. The Cu2+ ion doped ZTC bulk single crystal of dimension 03×2.4×0.4 cm3 has been grown from pH controlled aqueous solution by employing slow solvent evaporation technique. The structural analysis has been performed by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The doping of Cu2+ ion in ZTC crystal matrix has been confirmed by means of energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) technique. The origin of nonlinear optical properties in Cu2+ ion doped ZTC crystal has been studied by employing the Kurtz-Perry test and Z-scan analysis. The remarkable enhancement in second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of Cu2+ ion doped ZTC crystal with reference to ZTC crystal has been determined. The He-Ne laser assisted Z-scan analysis has been performed to determine the third order nonlinear optical (TONLO) nature of grown crystal. The TONLO parameters such as susceptibility, absorption coefficient, refractive index and figure of merit of Cu-ZTC crystal have been evaluated using the Z-scan transmittance data. The laser damage threshold of grown crystal to high intensity of Nd:YAG laser is found to be 706.2MW/cm2. The hardness number, work hardening index, yield strength and elastic stiffness coefficient of grown crystal has been investigated under microhardness study. The etching study has been carried out to determine the growth likelihood, nature of etch pits and surface quality of grown crystal.

ANN meta-model assisted MOPSO application in an EPA-Tier 4 constrained emission-performance trade-off calibration problem of a hydrogen-diesel-EGR dual fuel operation

The present study provides a comprehensive perspective on the unique opportunities that present day artificial intelligence based meta-modelling strategies pose in internal combustion engine system identification paradigms, especially in its multi-objective calibration domains. The pertinence of the advantages of such AI based meta-modelling strategies and the potential of swarm optimization strategies have been rationalized with the chronological growth in the contemporary necessities of the diesel engine. The study clearly establishes the pivotal significance of perusing true multi-objective optimization strategies commensurate with the increasing need to address the emission-performance trade-off challenges of the diesel engines of the day. In order to highlight the credibility and scalability of such meta-model based multi-objective optimization opportunities in internal combustion engine domains, the present study presents a unique case study showing the distinct possibility of harnessing the synergistic potential of a computationally cost effective and commendably accurate meta-model based calibration endeavour in an existing diesel engine. The study was first-of-a-kind foray into the complexities of a hydrogen-diesel dual fuel operation under EGR application of varying thermal signatures along with the introduction of a trade-off merit index in the optimization workflow. The architecture was based on an ANN system identification platform wherein the MOPSO algorithm was employed to improve the emission-performance trade-off characteristics of the dual fuel operation. Further, in order to corroborate the contemporary relevance of the multi-objective optimization endeavour, additional constraints of the EPA Tier 4 diesel emission mandates were imposed to the case study. Validation of the optimization results indicated a 10.2%, 30.6%, 25.4% and 9.4% improvement in the performance-emission trade-off footprint when compared with the corresponding experimental dual fuel-EGR operations at 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% full load steps respectively.