Abstract: Methods for managing animals can involve identifying a trait by analyzing a biological sample and determining a physical characteristic of a bovine subject using imaging. A method can include obtaining a targeted trait genetic value and determining a targeted trait value for a bovine subject using imaging. A method can include obtaining genetic information determined by identifying, in a biological sample from the first bovine subject, at least one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). An animal can be managed based on information that has been identified and/or obtained.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods to discover and use single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for identifying breed, or line and breed, or line composition of a bovine subject. The present invention further provides specific nucleic acid sequences, SNPs, and SNP patterns that can be used for identifying breed or breed combinations for Angus, Holstein, Limousin, Brahman, Hereford, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais and Beefmaster breeds. These patterns can be utilized to manage animals in a feedlot to obtain optimum performance based on known characteristics of specific breeds and identify animals for breeding in selection programs. In another aspect, these patterns can be used to ensure labeling on breed specific branded products.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for managing bovine subjects in order to maximize their individual potential performance and edible meat value, and to maximize profits obtained in marketing the bovine subjects. The methods and systems draw an inference of a trait of a bovine subject by determining the nucleotide occurrence of at least one bovine SNP that is identified herein as being associated with the trait. The inference is used in methods of the present invention to establish the economic value of a bovine subject, to improve profits related to selling beef from a bovine subject; to manage bovine subjects, to sort bovine subjects; to improve the genetics of a bovine population by selecting and breeding of bovine subjects, to clone a bovine subject with a specific trait, to track meat or another commercial product of a bovine subject; and to diagnose a health condition of a bovine subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing non-beef livestock subjects in order to maximize their individual potential performance and the value of a product from the non-beef livestock subjects, and to maximize profits obtained in marketing the non-beef livestock subjects. The methods and systems draw an inference of a trait of a non-beef livestock subject by determining the nucleotide occurrence of at least one non-beef livestock SNP that is determined to be associated with the trait.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing non-beef livestock subjects in order to maximize their individual potential performance and the value of a product from the non-beef livestock subjects, and to maximize profits obtained in marketing the non-beef livestock subjects. The methods and systems draw an inference of a trait of a non-beef livestock subject by determining the nucleotide occurrence of at least one non-beef livestock SNP that is determined to be associated with the trait.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for managing bovine subjects in order to maximize their individual potential performance and edible meat value, and to maximize profits obtained in marketing the bovine subjects. The methods and systems draw an inference of a trait of a bovine subject by determining the nucleotide occurrence of at least one bovine SNP that is identified herein as being associated with the trait. The inference is used in methods of the present invention to establish the economic value of a bovine subject, to improve profits related to selling beef from a bovine subject; to manage bovine subjects, to sort bovine subjects; to improve the genetics of a bovine population by selecting and breeding of bovine subjects, to clone a bovine subject with a specific trait, to track meat or another commercial product of a bovine subject; and to diagnose a health condition of a bovine subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods to discover and use single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for identifying breed, or line and breed, or line composition of a bovine subject. The present invention further provides specific nucleic acid sequences, SNPs, and SNP patterns that can be used for identifying breed or breed combinations for Angus, Holstein, Limousin, Brahman, Hereford, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais and Beefmaster breeds. These patterns can be utilized to manage animals in a feedlot to obtain optimum performance based on known characteristics of specific breeds and identify animals for breeding in selection programs. In another aspect, these patterns can be used to ensure labeling on breed specific branded products.

Abstract: Isolated GDF-9 regulatory sequences are disclosed, as well as methods of using the sequences to modulate tissue-specific expression of genes. The GDF-9 regulatory sequences include, for example, enhancer and promoter elements that naturally drive transcription of GDF-9 in specific tissues. The GDF-9 regulatory sequences can be derived from the untranscribed upstream (e.g., first 10 kilobases) and downstream regions, and transcribed, untranslated regions of a GDF-9 gene.

Abstract: Isolated GDF-9 regulatory sequences are disclosed, as well as methods of using the sequences to modulate tissue-specific expression of genes. The GDF-9 regulatory sequences include, for example, enhancer and promoter elements that naturally drive transcription of GDF-9 in specific tissues. The GDF-9 regulatory sequences can be derived from the untranscribed upstream (e.g., first 10 kilobases) and downstream regions, and transcribed, untranslated regions of a GDF-9 gene.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing companion animal subjects in order to maximize their individual health and potential performance and to maximize profits obtained in breeding and marketing the companion animal subjects. The methods and systems draw an inference of a phenotype for a genetic trait of a companion animal subject by determining the nucleotide occurrence of at least one companion animal SNP that is determined to be associated with the phenotype. The methods and systems described can be utilized to identify individual animals, determine or verify parentage of a single dog from any breed if the putative parent(s) are also available for testing, and are associated with, and predictive of, canine breeds. The inference is used in some aspects to diagnose a health condition or predisposition of a companion animal subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing non-beef livestock subjects in order to maximize their individual potential performance and the value of a product from the non-beef livestock subjects, and to maximize profits obtained in marketing the non-beef livestock subjects. The methods and systems draw an inference of a trait of a non-beef livestock subject by determining the nucleotide occurrence of at least one non-beef livestock SNP that is determined to be associated with the trait.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for tracking animals. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of tracking an animal that includes assigning an animal identification to a first animal, collecting a biological sample from the first animal and associating the first animal with each premises at which the first animal is located. The invention further provides an identification device that includes a tag portion and a sample portion. The tag portion can be configured to be attached to animal in any method known in the art. The sample portion can be detachably coupled to the tag portion and can include a biological collector that can collect a biological sample from the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to determine gender of a canine subject, that include contacting a nucleic acid sample from the canine subject with at least one probe or primer specific for canine amelogenin, and using the binding of the at least one probe or primer to detect a difference between the canine amelogenin gene on the Y chromosome and the canine amelogenin gene on the X chromosome, thereby determining gender of the canine subject. In certain aspects, gender of the canine subject is determined by contacting the nucleic acid sample with a primer pair that generate different sized amplification products depending on whether an X chromosome or a Y chromosome copy of the canine amelogenin gene is amplified.

Abstract: GDF promoters (e.g., GDF-8 promoters) are described. Also described are methods of using the GDF promoters to regulate tissue-specific gene expression, and to identify compounds which regulate GDF expression.