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.

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.

Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that exhibit a functional lack of one or more lncRNAs. Methods and compositions for disrupting, deleting, and/or replacing lncRNA-encoding sequences are provided. Genetically modified mice that age prematurely are provided. Also provided are cells, tissues and embryos that are genetically modified to comprise a loss-of-function of one or more lncRNAs.

Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that exhibit a functional lack of one or more lncRNAs. Methods and compositions for disrupting, deleting, and/or replacing lncRNA-encoding sequences are provided. Genetically modified mice that age prematurely are provided. Also provided are cells, tissues and embryos that are genetically modified to comprise a loss-of-function of one or more lncRNAs.

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.

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.

A Catheter for the transfer of human embryos including an outer catheter characterized by an integrated element of transverse folds in the shape of an “accordion” at a specific distance from its tip. When being compact, the element of transverse folds is 1 cm long while the distance of its center from the tip of the catheter is 5.5 cm but can vary +/−1 cm. The element of transverse folds has the ability to bend, expand, compress and generally be configured in the desired shape and angle by the operating clinician in order to facilitate its passage through the cervical channel. The shape and angle are capable of being re-configured by the operating clinician if deemed necessary. The element of transverse folds is also capable of automatically adjusting in shape and angle during its passage through the cervix, following the anatomy of the cervical channel.

A device for collecting uterine fluid is described which can be used in vivo in both animals and humans, without said use causing dilution of fluid components or damage to the endometrium.

A device for collecting uterine fluid is described which can be used in vivo in both animals and humans, without said use causing dilution of fluid components or damage to the endometrium.

The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.