Methods of detecting neuroaxonal dystrophy associated with vitamin E deficiency in a non-human subject are provided. Methods of detecting an equine neuroaxonal dystrophy (eNAD)/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) (eNAD/EDM) disorder in an equine subject, including the presence or the absence of such a disorder, are provided. The subject methods may involve identifying an elevated rate of alpha-tocopherol metabolism in the subject. Methods of treating non-human subjects for neuroaxonal associated with vitamin E deficiency, including eNAD/EDM disorders, are provided as well. Also provided are methods of screening a non-human subject for breeding and/or breeding such non-human subjects, wherein the methods involve detecting the presence or absence of a neuroaxonal dystrophy associated with vitamin E deficiency, including an eNAD/EDM disorder, in the subject. Kits, reagents and/or devices for use in performing the herein described methods are also provided.

Described herein are methods and compositions for modulating bovine birth rate by following a breeding scheme based on the presence of the trio haplotype, which is strongly linked to the propensity to give birth to multiple calves in one event.

Described herein are methods and compositions for modulating bovine birth rate by following a breeding scheme based on the presence of the trio haplotype, which is strongly linked to the propensity to give birth to multiple calves in one event.

The invention provides a selecting method for domestic rabbits with a agouti/Belgian hair color based on homozygous genotype selection. The purification method is applicable to purification of various domestic rabbits with the agouti/Belgian hair color. The method includes the following steps: firstly, selecting the domestic rabbits with a hair color phenotype which is the agouti/Belgian hair color; then detecting an ASIP gene, a MC1R gene and a TYR gene at the same time by utilizing a first primer set, a second primer set and a third primer set; screening the domestic rabbits with genotypes of AA (corresponding to the ASIP gene), EE (corresponding to the MC1R gene) and CC (corresponding to the TYR gene). The domestic rabbits with the genotype of AAEECC, which are obtained by the screening method of the invention, are agouti/Belgian hair color homozygotes and the recessive white gene is eliminated.

The invention provides a selecting method for domestic rabbits with a agouti/Belgian hair color based on homozygous genotype selection. The purification method is applicable to purification of various domestic rabbits with the agouti/Belgian hair color. The method includes the following steps: firstly, selecting the domestic rabbits with a hair color phenotype which is the agouti/Belgian hair color; then detecting an ASIP gene, a MC1R gene and a TYR gene at the same time by utilizing a first primer set, a second primer set and a third primer set; screening the domestic rabbits with genotypes of AA (corresponding to the ASIP gene), EE (corresponding to the MC1R gene) and CC (corresponding to the TYR gene). The domestic rabbits with the genotype of AAEECC, which are obtained by the screening method of the invention, are agouti/Belgian hair color homozygotes and the recessive white gene is eliminated.

Fish embryos may be successfully vaccinated or therapeutically treated if the therapeutic agent is injected into the yolk sac. Therapeutic agents may be directly injected or released from microspheres and enter the circulation and tissues. Injection into the yolk sac, combined with the use of carriers, allows for a continued, controlled release of therapeutic agents and processing of antigens. Fish vaccination or therapeutic treatment, selecting fish embryos post fertilization at the one-cell to eyed egg stage of development, and injecting the yolk sac with carriers associated with an antigen(s) or therapeutic agent(s), may be fully automated.

Fish embryos may be successfully vaccinated or therapeutically treated if the therapeutic agent is injected into the yolk sac. Therapeutic agents may be directly injected or released from microspheres and enter the circulation and tissues. Injection into the yolk sac, combined with the use of carriers, allows for a continued, controlled release of therapeutic agents and processing of antigens. Fish vaccination or therapeutic treatment, selecting fish embryos post fertilization at the one-cell to eyed egg stage of development, and injecting the yolk sac with carriers associated with an antigen(s) or therapeutic agent(s), may be fully automated.

A veterinary incubator is disclosed, that features a modular hygienic design ceramic infrared based veterinary incubator that fully disassembles for disinfection. The invention heats a puppy more deeply and can be tailored to the specific condition of the puppy, allowing for better processing of colostrum and food—leading to a better weight gain, a stronger immune system and eyes opening sooner that competitive products with puppies from the same litter. The invention can be fully disassembled with 100% user replaceable modular components to allow for more effective disinfecting and elimination of service calls. The invention created a microenvironment that compliments a small animal's ability to seek our warmer and cooler parts of their environment to regulate body temperature and can be adjusted to allow for only good choices based upon the small animal's condition.

A veterinary incubator is disclosed, that features a modular hygienic design ceramic infrared based veterinary incubator that fully disassembles for disinfection. The invention heats a puppy more deeply and can be tailored to the specific condition of the puppy, allowing for better processing of colostrum and food—leading to a better weight gain, a stronger immune system and eyes opening sooner that competitive products with puppies from the same litter. The invention can be fully disassembled with 100% user replaceable modular components to allow for more effective disinfecting and elimination of service calls. The invention created a microenvironment that compliments a small animal's ability to seek our warmer and cooler parts of their environment to regulate body temperature and can be adjusted to allow for only good choices based upon the small animal's condition.

Method for selecting mammalian cells having a genetically-desirable trait, the method comprising culturing an embryo in vitro, dividing the cells from the embryo into aliquots, subjecting the cells from at least one of the aliquots to a genetic analysis, and, based on the results of such analysis, selecting an aliquot of cells. Method for selecting mammalian cells having a genetically-desirable trait, the method comprising culturing an embryo in vitro, transferring the cultured embryo into a recipient female, collecting the embryo, dividing the cells from the embryo into aliquots, subjecting the cells from at least one of the aliquots to a genetic analysis, and, based on the results of such analysis, selecting an aliquot of cells. Method for selecting a mammalian embryo having a genetically-desirable trait, the method comprising removing one or more cells from each of a plurality of embryos, culturing the cells, subjecting the cultured cells to a genetic analysis, and, based on the results of such analysis, selecting an embryo.