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.

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 and quickly impact a breeders population by reducing transition cow disease incidence in the initial population and in progeny.

An abnormality detecting system includes a first identification unit configured to identify a state of an animal that is a monitoring target in each time range, based on time-series data from a motion sensor placed on a predetermined portion of the animal that is a monitoring target; a first calculation unit configured to calculate a transition probability from the state at a predetermined timing of each time range identified by the first identification unit to a next state; and a determining unit configured to determine that an abnormality of the animal that is a monitoring target is detected when a score calculated based on the transition probability to the next state satisfies a predetermined condition.

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.

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 and quickly impact a breeders population by reducing transition cow disease incidence in the initial population and in progeny.

The present disclosure relates to methods for making genetic edits in vitro in a non-human vertebrate cell or embryo at a plurality of target chromosomal DNA sites. Methods for making a non-human animal having multiplex genetic edits at a plurality of target chromosomal DNA sites and making a non-human vertebrate animal chimeric for host cells and donor cells are also considered.

Semen and sperm cell processing and preservation systems, and methods of producing a mammal and methods of producing mammalian embryos are disclosed. The present invention is directed to sperm cell preservation, fertilization, and insemination, maintaining or enhancing sperm quality and addressing one or more sperm cell characteristics, such as viability, motility, functionality, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates. Further, sperm cell characteristics may be addressed within the context of various collection, handling, separation, storage, transportation, usage, fertilization, or insemination techniques.

Disclosed herein are chimeric mammals, such as a chimeric mammal comprising cells derived from at least a first mammal and a second mammal, wherein the cells from the first mammal comprise a genetic modification at one or more loci and the cells from the second mammal form at least one organ or tissue, wherein the first and second mammals are different species.

A human artificial chromosome vector comprising a gene encoding a human antibody heavy chain, a gene encoding a human antibody light chain, and a gene encoding an IgM heavy chain constant region derived from a nonhuman animal.

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.