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.

Compositions and methods are provided for making rat pluripotent and totipotent cells, including rat embryonic stem (ES) cells. Compositions and methods for improving efficiency or frequency of germline transmission of genetic modifications in rats are provided. Such methods and compositions comprise an in vitro culture comprising a feeder cell layer and a population of rat ES cells or a rat ES cell line, wherein the in vitro culture conditions maintain pluripotency of the ES cell and comprises a media having mouse leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) or an active variant or fragment thereof. Various methods of establishing such rat ES cell lines are further provided. Methods of selecting genetically modified rat ES cells are also provided, along with various methods to generate a transgenic rat from the genetically modified rat ES cells provided herein. Various kits and articles of manufacture are further provided.

Compositions and methods are provided for making rat pluripotent and totipotent cells, including rat embryonic stem (ES) cells. Compositions and methods for improving efficiency or frequency of germline transmission of genetic modifications in rats are provided. Such methods and compositions comprise an in vitro culture comprising a feeder cell layer and a population of rat ES cells or a rat ES cell line, wherein the in vitro culture conditions maintain pluripotency of the ES cell and comprises a media having mouse leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) or an active variant or fragment thereof. Various methods of establishing such rat ES cell lines are further provided. Methods of selecting genetically modified rat ES cells are also provided, along with various methods to generate a transgenic rat from the genetically modified rat ES cells provided herein. Various kits and articles of manufacture are further provided.

An American cockroach processing equipment for household food waste includes: a sorting apparatus, configured to perform solid-liquid separation of kitchen waste; a feeding and breeding apparatus, configured to receive solid waste separated by the sorting apparatus, and use the solid waste for cockroach breeding; and a waste liquid treatment apparatus, configured to receive waste liquid separated by the sorting apparatus, and preferably configured to use the waste liquid for detergent production. The equipment can first perform solid-liquid separation of kitchen waste, and then use the separated solid waste to breed the cockroaches that are used to produce high-grade protein feeds and pharmaceutical raw materials, therefore better economic benefits are achieved and the waste is effectively reused.

Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

Method and kits for diagnosing propensity to non-contact cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in a dog are described. The method includes isolating genomic DNA from a dog and then analyzing the genomic DNA from step for a single nucleotide polymorphism occurring in selected loci that have been determined to be associated with the CCLR phenotype via a genome-wide association study.

Genetic tests, such as whole genome analysis (WGA), have been employed to identify genetically superior embryos. The disclosed methods extend in vitro culture time of embryos while awaiting results of genetic tests being performed on a portion of the same embryos. The disclosed methods also help expand the number of cells in each embryo before implantation in the recipient.

Genetic tests, such as whole genome analysis (WGA), have been employed to identify genetically superior embryos. The disclosed methods extend in vitro culture time of embryos while awaiting results of genetic tests being performed on a portion of the same embryos. The disclosed methods also help expand the number of cells in each embryo before implantation in the recipient.

The present invention generally relates to methods of identifying whether or not an animal carries a biological marker linked to animal productivity, more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods of identifying whether or not an animal carries a biological marker having a deleterious effect on animal productivity. The invention also relates to methods for selecting or rejecting one or more animals, cells or embryos, animal evaluation, breeding animals, and herd formation. The invention also relates to biological markers suitable for use in such methods. In particular, the present invention relates to genetic variations which disrupt the PLCD4 gene.