Incorrect positioning of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) can affect imputation accuracy and decrease the accuracy of genomic prediction. This study aimed to develop a method to identify the most likely genomic position of the misplaced SNPs which have low imputation accuracy by fitting a Spline curve using linkage disequilibrium (LD) information. The accuracy of the method was validated by correctly identifying the masked position of 2,560 out of 45,918 SNP with a 100% correlation between the original and estimated positions. Candidate SNPs with low imputation accuracy (< 0.5) were assumed to be incorrectly positioned on the genome assembly. The pair-wise LD between these SNPs and other SNPs on the genome was used to fit a Spline curve. The Spline peak was considered the most likely position for the candidate SNPs. This LD-based method assigned the new position for 92% of the SNPs with low imputation accuracy and improved the mean imputation accuracy of these repositioned SNPs from 0.21 to 0.97 in Australian Brahman cattle.

Methane emissions are being recorded in Merino sheep across Australia at a large scale. These records will form a reference population that will be used to estimate genomically predicted breeding values for methane for the sheep industry. This paper aims to determine the predictive ability of the current data to estimate methane rate (ml/min) EBVs using single step GBLUP. Phenotypic data was collected in research and commercial seedstock flocks using portable accumulation chambers. Accuracy of prediction was tested through cross validation, using individual flock data as independent test sets. Accuracy ranged from 0.02 and 0.42 for individual animal EBVs. The large range is likely due to variation in linkage with the reference population, environmental conditions prior to measurement, and some inconsistency of measuring protocol. Further work is needed to improve recording strategies and the size and diversity of the reference population.

Improving feed-use efficiency and reducing methane emissions in sheep are critical strategies for enhancing market access, profitability, and the long-term sustainability of the sheep industry. In this study, 758 lambs from Merino, Maternal and Shedding ewes mated artificially to Merino, Maternal, Terminal and Shedding sires were assessed for weight, growth, and methane production prior to slaughter across six kill groups (2 years x 3 ages). Weight and growth accounted for 72-89% of the observed variation in daily feed intake. No additional variation was explained by body composition or methane production, as measured in this study. Residual feed intake exhibited high variability across all breed types (sire means ranged from -0.17 to +0.18 kg/hd/day, SD=0.12), suggesting that genetic selection for feed efficiency and methane reduction is achievable for Terminal, Shedding, and Merino sheep. This research highlights the potential for genetic improvements in reducing methane emissions and enhancing feed efficiency in sheep, offering pathways to a more sustainable and profitable sheep industry.

Background: The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Taiwan continues to rise steadily, and hemodialysis is the primary treatment for these patients. More than 50% of patients on hemodialysis are over 65 years of age, indicative of an aging patient population. Changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, and social roles after commencing hemodialysis easily cause patients to feel uncertain, depressed, and/or lonely. However, a limited number of studies have examined the issue of loneliness among older adults on hemodialysis.

Purpose: This study was designed to better understand loneliness and its associated factors among older patients receiving hemodialysis.

Methods: A cross-sectional research design with convenience sampling was employed with a total of 146 patients. Eligible participants aged 65 years or older and receiving hemodialysis for more than 3 months were recruited from two hospitals in northern Taiwan. Structured questionnaires, including a demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Hemodialysis Patient Fatigue Scale, Social Support Scale, and UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3, were used to collect data.

Results: The mean loneliness score was 41.5 out of a maximum of 80. A significant positive relationship was found between fatigue and loneliness, and a significant negative relationship was found between social support and loneliness. Gender, fatigue, and social support were identified as predictors of loneliness.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The results indicate that older patients receiving hemodialysis have a moderate level of loneliness. Based on the identified predictors, nurses should pay particular attention to patients who are female, are experiencing a higher fatigue level, and/or have lower social support. Future studies may use these results to develop strategies for preventing and improving loneliness among older adults receiving hemodialysis.