A genetically modified livestock animal, and methods of making and using the same, the animal comprising a genetic modification to disrupt a target gene selectively involved in gametogenesis, wherein the disruption of the target gene prevents formation of functional gametes of the animal. Animals that create progeny with donor genetics, and methods of making and using the same. Cells, and methods of making and using the cells, with a genetic modification to disrupt a target gene selectively involved in gametogenesis.

The invention encompasses methods for increasing genetic progress in livestock, and for genetic dissemination, including the use of amniocentesis to obtain fetal amniocytes for use in genomic evaluation and cloning.

Methods, uses, and compositions for manipulating genomic DNA. Some of the embodiments of the invention provide for making a founder animal that is completely free of all unplanned genetic modifications. Some embodiments are directed to removing genetic faults in established breeds without making other alterations to the genome. Other embodiments are directed to particular tools or processes such as TALENs or CRISPR with a preferred truncation. One embodiment involves introducing a targeted targeting endonuclease system and a HDR template into a cell (optionally with a mismatch in the binding of the targeting endonuclease and the targeted site). Another embodiment includes processes of making a genetically modified livestock animal comprising a genome that comprises inactivation of a neuroendocrine gene selective for sexual maturation, with the inactivation of the gene preventing the animal from becoming sexually mature. One embodiment includes compositions and methods for making livestock with a polled allele, including migrating a polled allele into a bovine species without changing other genes or chromosomal portions.

The subject invention provides materials and method for making a recessive gene dominant. This is accomplished by interfering with the natural mechanisms that inhibit expression of the recessive gene and/or by interfering with the expression of the naturally dominant gene. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the subject invention comprises both reducing inhibition of expression of the recessive gene and increasing inhibition of the dominant gene.

The present disclosure provides a genomic selection (GS) breeding chip of Huaxi cattle and use thereof, and relates to the technical field of molecular breeding. The present disclosure provides a molecular marker combination for whole-genome genotyping of Huaxi cattle, where a genotyping object involves 112,177 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 3 Indels, including seven marker panels in total. In the present disclosure, a genome-wide breeding chip constructed with the molecular marker combination has functional relevance, pertinence and effectiveness, innovation, comprehensiveness, practicality, and cost-effectiveness. This breeding chip also shows uniform distribution of chromosomes in the whole-genome, high coverage, and moderate throughput of markers. This breeding chip has desirable compatibility with existing commercial chips and high cost performance.

Applicants have identified that three critical phenotypic/genetic measures are highly correlated with transition period health and may be used in selection and breeding protocols and/or in combination with traditional breeding and marker assisted selection methods to improve predictability of transition period health. According to the invention genetic evaluations for mastitis, ketosis, and metritis have been found to be highly predictive of overall transition health. The genetic evaluations are produced by directly measuring thousands of clinical cases of mastitis, ketosis, and metritis in ancestors of a particular animal and using this data in selection. Applicant's selection criteria can quickly impact a breeders population by reducing transition cow disease incidence in the initial population and in progeny.

Disclosed herein are genomically modified livestock animals and methods to provide them that express the SLICK phenotype. The animals disclosed herein express a truncated allele for the prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene. When expressed, the livestock animals produce a PRLR that is missing up to the terminal 148 amino acid (aa) residues of the protein all ranges and values within the explicitly stated range are contemplated: e.g., from 148 to 69. Animals expressing SLICK have superior thermoregulatory ability compared to non-slick animals and experience a less drastic depression in milk yield during the summer.

An apparatus and methods for detection of estrus and optimal time for embryo transfer or artificial insemination in animals. An arched polycarbonate housing is attached to an animal. A circuit board is disposed within the housing. A rechargeable battery mounted on the circuit board provides power to the apparatus. A switch mounted on the circuit board is actuated when a breeding behavior occurs. A controller mounted on the circuit board detects actuations of the switch to generate data indicative of breeding behavior. A transmitter transmits data indicative of breeding behavior to a remote receiver

A method of inhibiting the growth of a horn or a horn bud in a livestock animal including the steps of applying a cryogenic fluid around the base of the horn or on the horn bud using an apparatus; such that the cryogenic fluid contacts the base of the horn and epidermal skin layers that surrounds the horn or horn bud and induces a freeze in said layers to inhibit or prevent any further growth of the horn or horn bud.

Single nucleotide polymorphic sites of the bovine MAP1B, PPP1R11, and DDX4 genes are associated with improved bull fertility as measured by e.g. sire conception rates. Nucleic acid molecules, arrays, kits, methods of genotyping and marker-assisted bovine breeding methods based on these SNPs are disclosed.