Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3117
Date of Award
6-2025
Degree Name
MS in Agriculture - Animal Science
Department/Program
Animal Science
College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Advisor
Mohammed Abo-Ismail
Advisor Department
Animal Science
Advisor College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Abstract
While milk production is a direct product of fertility, the two are negatively correlated. As reproductive inefficiency is a top cause of economic loss for the dairy industry, it is imperative to gain an understanding of molecular mechanisms controlling fertility traits in dairy cattle. This allows producers to select for high fertility while still maintaining a high milk yield. The goal of the first study was to identify significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes, and biological pathways. The study revealed ten significant SNPs, six genes, and several biological pathways including the regulation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway (P < 0.02), secondary metabolic process (P < 9.5e-05), and cGMP metabolic process (P < 7.8e-04). The objectives of the second study were to identify significant metabolites, biological processes and potential biomarkers. As a result, nine metabolites, four biological pathways, including purine metabolism, valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation, and two potential biomarkers were determined. These biological mechanisms and candidate biomarkers may be used as management and selection tools to improve reproductive efficiency in dairy operations.