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da Silva WC, da Silva JAR, Martorano LG, da Silva ÉBR, Belo TS, Neves KAL, Camargo Júnior RNC, de Araújo CV, Vilela LGP, Joaquim LA, de Carvalho Rodrigues TCG, Lourenço-Júnior JDB. Characterization of the Temperament and Reactivity of Nelore Cattle ( Bos indicus) Associated with Behavior Scores during Corral Management in the Humid Tropics. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1769. [PMID: 38929388 PMCID: PMC11200586 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of the reactivity and distress of cattle during corral management, by means of subjective scores, aims at the standardization of behavioral indicators, through non-invasive methods, in addition to enabling the development of more appropriate management practices, thus promoting the comfort and well-being of these animals. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to characterize the temperament and distress of cattle managed in a corral using behavioral indicators during the rainiest period. For this, the experiment was conducted on a property located in the municipality of Mojuí dos Campos, during the rainiest quarter (February-April). Thus, 30 male cattle, not castrated, approximately 29 months of age, clinically healthy, and weighing 310 + 20 kg, were divided into three rearing systems: silvopastoral (SP), traditional (SS), and integrated (SI) systems. There were 10 animals per system. Physiological parameters were collected to evaluate rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR), as well as body surface temperature (BST), through thermal windows (head and flank infrared temperature and rump infrared temperature). To evaluate temperament and reactivity, scores indicative of corral behavior were used, namely escape speed (ES), tension score (SS_1), tension score (SS_2), reactivity scale (RS), movement score (MS), and temperament scale (TS). The results showed that there was a thermal amplitude of 5.9 °C on average and 8.6 °C at maximum when comparing the structure of the corral and the trees. In addition, the comparisons between the production systems for the behavioral variables did not differ at the 5% significance level, except for ES, where the traditional system differed from the integrated system and the silvopastoral system, showing intermediate average values for both. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the variables RT and RR (r = 0.72; p < 0.01), RR and SS_2 (r = 0.38; p = 0.04), flank infrared temperature and MS (r = 0.47; p = 0.01), rump infrared temperature and RS (r = 0.37; p = 0.04), SS_1 and RS (r = 0.41; p = 0.02), SS_1 and SS_2 (r = 0.39; p = 0.03), RS and SS_2 (r = 0.58; p = 0.00), RS and MS (r = 0.50; p = 0.01), RS and TS (r = 0.61; p = 0.00), SS_2 and MS (r = 0.51; p = 0.00), SS_2 and TS (r = 0.47; p = 0.01), and MS and TS (r = 0.44; p = 0.02), and a negative correlation between ES and TS (r = -0.42; p = 0.02). The rainy season had a major influence on the evaluation of temperature and distress levels during handling in the corral, as evidenced by the association between physiological and behavioral parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Welligton Conceição da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | | | | | - Éder Bruno Rebelo da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | - Tatiane Silva Belo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Center of the Amazon (UNAMA), Santarem 68010-200, Brazil;
| | - Kedson Alessandri Lobo Neves
- Institute of Engineering and Geosciences, Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Santarem 68040-255, Brazil;
| | - Raimundo Nonato Colares Camargo Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | - Cláudio Vieira de Araújo
- Institute of Animal Science, Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Santarem 68040-255, Brazil;
| | | | - Leonel António Joaquim
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | - Thomaz Cyro Guimarães de Carvalho Rodrigues
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | - José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
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2
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Stempiń W, Strychalski J. A Method for Assessing Dogs in a Test Evaluating Dogs' Suitability for Animal-Assisted Education. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1149. [PMID: 38672297 PMCID: PMC11047337 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In objective behavioral rating (BR), dogs are rated for behavior based on the observations made during a behavioral test. However, behavioral definitions can differ between raters, and the definitions proposed by artificial intelligence (AI) can help standardize the applied measures. The aim of this study was to propose a new approach for assessing dogs' suitability for animal-assisted education (AAE) with the use of the BR method and the definitions of dog behaviors proposed by AI. The analysis relied on video footage of 25 dogs that participated in tests assessing the animals' suitability for AAE. The dogs were rated by five independent observers. Inter-rater reliability was satisfactory in 7 out of 9 subtests (0.715-0.856) and low in the remaining 2 subtests (0.667 in Subtest 2 and 0.617 in Subtest 5). The results indicate that the BR method based on AI definitions produced satisfactory inter-rater reliability in a test evaluating dog behavior. A comparison of subtest scores in the BR method and the subjective rating method did not reveal significant differences. Thus, it can be concluded that the proposed approach gives promising outcomes and can be used to develop new tests for assessing dogs' suitability for AAE and, perhaps, other types of work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janusz Strychalski
- Department of Fur-Bearing Animal Breeding and Game Management, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
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Association between breeding bulls' reactivity to humans or handling and their daily behaviour and growth. Animal 2022; 16:100568. [PMID: 35759926 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In beef cattle, reactivity to humans or handling by humans is considered a safety issue for farmers and to impact on productivity. Several testing procedures, associated with potential risks for both humans and animals, have been developed, involving simple human approach, free animals individually handled, or restraint in handling facilities. We investigated how such tests may be related to each other and which dimensions they reveal. Of particular interest is the tolerance towards human approach or handling involving human or chute restraint, and whether they could be linked to the daily activity of animals and their growth, potentially enabling this activity to be used as a proxy for evaluating this reactivity to humans and handing. We observed 498 Limousin breeding bulls, of up to 14 months of age, at a bull testing station during standardised behavioural tests involving humans and handling: human approach at the feed barrier or out of the home pen during individual morphological evaluation, docility test where the experimenter attempts to maintain the bull in the corner of a test pen, and during restraint in a chute for weighing. Routinely collected on farm at approximately 8 months of age, bulls' reaction scores to human approach were also available. The animals wore MEDRIA collars with 3D-accelerometers that continually monitored their daily activities (ingestion, rumination, rest, etc.). Three 2-week periods spanning 4 months were analysed. We conducted a varimax-rotated principal component analysis (PCA) on behavioural tests: the first component (23.63% of the variability) summarised scores during restraint in the chute, and the second component (19.36% of the variability) summarised avoidance distance score at the feed barrier, score during morphological evaluation, and docility score. The daily activity of the bulls was consistent across the three 2-week periods that were analysed and was not related to the PCA dimensions (P > 0.1). Animals that could be approached at a closer distance reached a heavier weight at the age of 400 days (P < 0.001). In conclusion, within the limits of the test used, breeding bulls' reactivity to humans or handling comprised at least two dimensions: reactivity to human approach and reactivity to restraint (in the chute); which cannot be predicted from the animal's daily activity. A bull's acceptance of being approached by humans was positively related to its growth.
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Cruz V, Lima DDA, Diaz I, Curi R, Pereira G, Costa R, de Camargo G. Genetic parameters for hair whorl traits in horses. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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5
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Nakajima N, Mitsuishi H, Yayota M. Temperament Trait Changes in Japanese Black Cows Under Grazing and Confined Conditions. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:705764. [PMID: 34568474 PMCID: PMC8461330 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.705764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to reveal the effects of grazing on the temperament traits of cows. Nine Japanese Black cows [344 ± 32 kg body weight (BW), 7.7 ± 3.0 year of age], which had various experiences, such as tethering, handling, and grazing, were used in this experiment. Five of the nine cows were grazed for 3 months on a 1.8-ha field composed of a sown pasture with forestland. The remaining cows were fed in confinement. On days 38, 52, 72, and 86 after the start of grazing, the temperament traits observed in various situations, such as moving to the body weight scale, weighing, handling, moving to the stock for blood sampling, holding in the stock, and obtaining a blood sample, were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS: 1–10) or score (1–5). During weighing and handling, the intensity of resistance exhibited by the grazing cows, as evaluated by head movement, walking/stepping, tail flicking, rope tension, and overall movement, was lower than that exhibited by confined cows (P < 0.05). The resistance score exhibited by the grazing cows during blood sampling was also lower than that exhibited by confined cows (P < 0.01). These results suggest that grazing enhances docility in cows with various experiences in different situations encountered in daily management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Nakajima
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroki Mitsuishi
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masato Yayota
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Education and Research Center for Food Animal Health, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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Creamer M, Horback K. Researching Human-Cattle Interaction on Rangelands: Challenges and Potential Solutions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030725. [PMID: 33799955 PMCID: PMC8000822 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Research investigating the influence of human-animal interactions on beef cattle production and welfare often occurs during stress-inducing contexts, such as restraint and transport. Given that beef cattle which graze on expansive rangelands do not frequently interact with humans, assessment of animal response to humans may be inaccurate if they are only recorded during such stressful context. Future research aimed at identifying the causes and impacts of individual human–cattle relationships may consider conducting experiments while the cattle are in a low stress context, such as while ruminating, resting, or, grazing. By adapting methods used to research wildlife response to humans, researchers may be able to better understand how animal personality and previous experience can influence cattle production and welfare. Abstract Human-animal interaction (HAI) research spans across many scientific fields and animal taxa. For livestock species, HAI research tends to focus on animals that are managed in close proximity with humans such as poultry, dairy cattle, and swine. Given the nature of rangeland cattle production, HAI research with beef cattle often occurs in and around the processing environment. This high arousal context may skew behavioral and physiological responses by the animals due to the potentially negative interaction. The aim of this review is to describe cattle production on rangelands, examine the considerations and limitations of current HAI research used to evaluate interaction quality or traits of rangeland cattle, identify contexts in which rangeland cattle interact with humans, and provide recommendations for improving future HAI research with rangeland cattle. Current research delineating individual differences in response to humans by beef cattle occur during routine husbandry and management on rangelands (pragmatic) and in a research context (experimental). Human-cattle interactions can be distinguished based on the quality and goal of the interaction into four broad categories: human presence, human approach, human contact, and restraint. Limitations of HAI research with rangeland cattle are identified and reconciled by recommendations for HAI research that can take place outside of the processing environment (i.e., while cattle are ruminating, resting or grazing on rangelands).
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Yost JK, Yates JW, Davis MP, Wilson ME. The Stockman's Scorecard: quantitative evaluation of beef cattle stockmanship. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 4:txaa175. [PMID: 33409461 PMCID: PMC7759733 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An animal’s action, or inaction, is the direct result of a stockman’s action or inaction. The Stockman’s Scorecard is a novel observation instrument that has been proven to be a valid and reliable tool to measure the quality of beef cattle stockmanship. Specific handler actions have been weighted based on their perceived negative relationship to cattle stress from handling. The purpose of this article is to 1) document the initial use of the scorecard in a beef cattle feedlot setting and 2) provide further support to its validity by establishing an association with other quantitative and qualitative means of evaluating stockmanship. The Scorecard was used at 39 beef feedlots in Texas between March 2018 and April 2019. Eighty-four stockman were observed, and the average score received was 84.5 (SD = 14.73, range = 20 to 100). The most frequent mistakes observed were as follows: fills crowd pen/tub over half full (n = 39), slow to remove pressure (n = 29), uses unnecessary noise (n = 25), stands in front and taps rear (n = 24), and fails to regulate animal flow through a pinch point (n = 22). A strong negative association (ρ = −0.51) was found between the points deducted from the Noise and Physical Contact theme of the Scorecard and the number of animals touched with an electric prod from the BQA Feedyard Assessment. Moderate negative associations were found between the Scorecard final score and the number of animals that vocalize in the chute prior to procedures (ρ = −0.31). Those stockmen that scored above average on the Scorecard were qualitatively observed to be calm and quiet while working with the cattle (Kappa = 0.44). The qualitative disposition of cattle had little effect on the final score of stockmen using the Scorecard (Kappa = 0.17). The use of the Scorecard in a feedlot setting has demonstrated that as stockman scores decrease, there is an increase in the number of negative actions toward cattle and a negative behavioral response of the cattle themselves. Establishment of an association between a stockman’s score using the Stockman’s Scorecard and the animal-based observations from the BQA Feedyard Assessment further strengthens the validity of the Stockman’s Scorecard as a tool to measure the quality of beef cattle stockmanship. The Scorecard has application as a tool to identify specific stockmanship deficiencies in order to target stockmanship training.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Yost
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Jarred W Yates
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Matt P Davis
- Feedlot Services Division, Texas Cattlefeeders Association, Amarillo, TX
| | - Matthew E Wilson
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
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8
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Hamblen H, Hansen PJ, Zolini AM, Oltenacu PA, Mateescu RG. Thermoregulatory response of Brangus heifers to naturally occurring heat exposure on pasture. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:3131-3137. [PMID: 29860271 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress is a cause of major economic losses to cattle producers, especially in tropical and subtropical environments. The objectives of this study were to assess the phenotypic variability in core body temperature and sweating rate and to evaluate the effect of coat type, temperament, and BW on core body temperature and sweating rate in Brangus heifers. During August and September of 2016, 725 Brangus heifers were evaluated on pasture in four separate groups (n = 200, 189, 197, and 139). Environmental measurements of dry bulb temperature (Tdb) and relative humidity (RH) were measured every 15 min during the entire time of data collection and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was used to quantify heat-stress potential. Coat score, sweating rate, chute score, exit score, and live weight were recorded as the animals passed through the chute. Vaginal temperature was recorded every 5 min for five consecutive days. There was significant variation in vaginal temperature between heifers in the same environmental conditions (σ2u = 0.049), suggesting opportunities for selective improvements. A repeatability of 0.47 and 0.44 was estimated for sweating rate and vaginal temperature, respectively, suggesting that one measurement would be able to adequately describe the sweating capacity or ability to control the body temperature of an individual. Vaginal temperature increased as THI increased, with approximately 1 h lag time in the animal's response. Vaginal temperature (-0.047 °C, P = 0.015) and sweating rate were lower (-5.49 ± 2.12 g/(m2·h), P < 0.01) for heifers that demonstrated a calmer behavior in the chute. Animals with shorter, smoother hair coats had significantly lower vaginal temperatures when compared to animals with longer hair coats (P < 0.01). Also, heavier heifers in this study maintained lower (P < 0.0001) vaginal temperature than the lighter heifers. Our results showed that hair coat, temperament, and weight influenced vaginal temperature regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Hamblen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Adriana M Zolini
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Pascal A Oltenacu
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Raluca G Mateescu
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Stephansen R, Fogh A, Norberg E. Genetic parameters for handling and milking temperament in Danish first-parity Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:11033-11039. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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Destrez A, Haslin E, Boivin X. What stockperson behavior during weighing reveals about the relationship between humans and suckling beef cattle: A preliminary study. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Hirata M, Arimoto C. Novel object response in beef cattle grazing a pasture as a group. Behav Processes 2018; 157:315-319. [PMID: 30071245 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate how cattle (Bos taurus) respond to objects presented for the first time and repeatedly in a stimulus-rich environment where they can freely graze and interact with conspecifics. Twenty-five Japanese Black cows were subjected to three repeats of a novel object test in which animals stocked on a pasture as a group were exposed to the same and different objects across the test repeats. Responses of cows towards the objects were quantified by both approach (entering within a 0.5-m distance of the object) and contact (physical touch with the object) measures as occurrence (1 or 0) and number of reactions and latency to the first reaction. Cows were consistent in the approach to the first-time objects (repeatability = 0.39-0.62, Kendall's W = 0.58, P < 0.05), but not in the approach to the repeatedly presented objects or in the contact with both types of objects (P > 0.05). Individuals which consistently approached the novel objects could be regarded as highly exploratory and/or bold in personality. Future work should consider novel object response in cattle across a range of contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Hirata
- Department of Animal & Grassland Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.
| | - Chie Arimoto
- Department of Animal & Grassland Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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12
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Khan R, Guo H, Raza SHA, Rahman A, Ayaz M, Linsen Z. Halal slaughtering, welfare, and empathy in farm animals: a review. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1733-1738. [PMID: 29938377 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1644-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pre-slaughter and slaughter stressors are considered major concerns in animal welfare. Halal slaughtering method is considered one of the slaughtering stressors in livestock. This method seems to cause fear followed by stress in animals mainly due to inhuman handling. In this review, empathy and animal welfare are discussed in light of Islamic sharia and has further linked with animal's physiology and behavioral responses during slaughtering. Islam as a religion forbids slaughtering an animal in front of another animal as through optic, olfactory, and cochlear senses animals can perceive the stress state of conspecifics. This suggests and strengthens the hypothesis that animals being slaughtered in front of each other may produce stress in them. This argument further leads to a claim that animals can experience empathy of each other through olfaction of semiochemicals (stress pheromones) emitted from animals slaughtered in the stressful condition that can be detected by other animals in abattoirs. Hence, research is needed to find out these specific stress pheromones and legislation needs to be adopted in slaughterhouses to isolate the areas of butchery from slaughtering lines to ensure proper guidelines of Halal slaughtering in slaughterhouses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajwali Khan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, North West A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfang Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, North West A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza
- College of Animal Science and Technology, North West A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Abdur Rahman
- The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | | | - Zan Linsen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, North West A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China. .,National Beef Cattle Improvement Center of Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Mohamed RA, Abou-Ismail UA, Shukry M, Elmoslemany A, Abdel-Maged M. Effects of blindfolding and tail bending of Egyptian water buffaloes on their behavioural reactivity and physiological responses to pain induction. Vet Anim Sci 2018; 5:38-43. [PMID: 32734044 PMCID: PMC7386661 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This experiment was carried out to determine the effect of blindfold and tail bend during restraint of Egyptian buffaloes on behavioural reactivity and physiological responses to stressful handling procedures. Twenty-four buffalo bulls, naïve to the testing situation, were arbitrarily assigned to either blindfold (visual restriction) (BF), tail bending (physical control) (TB) or control (CT) (no visual restriction or physical control) treatment during restraint. For three minutes each, during veterinary procedures animals entered the squeeze chute and were subjected to testing trials. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and various behaviours of reactivity were recorded. Average HR and RR decreased in both TB and BF bulls but the reduction was greater in BF bulls. Use of the blindfold and tail bend decreased behavioural indicators of reactivity including: chest chute forcing, head move, kicking and struggling. The reduction was greater in BF bulls in the case of use of the chest chute and struggling. Both tail bend and blindfolded buffaloes decreased behavioural and physiological indicators of stress but BF appeared more beneficial, and may therefore be recommended to reduce stress accompanying routine veterinary examination of buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Mohamed
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, El-Giesh St. P.O. Box 33511, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - U A Abou-Ismail
- Department of Husbandry and Development of Animal Wealth, Mansoura University, Gomhoria St. P.O. Box 35516, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - M Shukry
- Department of Physiology, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - A Elmoslemany
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, El-Giesh St. P.O. Box 33511, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - M Abdel-Maged
- Department of Animal Medicine, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
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Destrez A, Haslin E, Elluin G, Gaillard C, Hostiou N, Dasse F, Zanella C, Boivin X. Evaluation of beef herd responses to unfamiliar humans and potential influencing factors: An exploratory survey on French farms. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Monk JE, Hine BC, Colditz IG, Lee C. A Novel Protocol to Assess Acclimation Rate in Bos taurus Heifers during Yard Weaning. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8040051. [PMID: 29614054 PMCID: PMC5946135 DOI: 10.3390/ani8040051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acclimation protocols for cattle are expected to have benefits for animal handling and production, but the rate at which cattle acclimate has not yet been studied. The current study describes a novel method for assessing the acclimation rate of cattle at a group level during yard weaning. A standardised measure of acclimation rate in cattle will allow further research to be undertaken to identify management practices and selection tools which enhance the capacity of cattle to acclimate to new environments. Abstract The speed with which animals acclimate to a new environment could be an important measure of ability to cope with management induced stress. This study developed a measure of acclimation rate in a group of 50 Bos taurus heifers during yard weaning over nine days. We recorded the time and order in which heifers moved through a novel funnel structure into a feeding yard daily. We hypothesised that addition of an obstacle at the entrance would increase the time it took heifers to move through the funnel, but that they would acclimate to the obstacle over a three-day period. The change in latency to move through could then be used as a measure of acclimation rate. We hypothesised that individuals which acclimated to obstacles at a faster rate might display favourable temperament as assessed by flight time. All heifers took longer to move through the funnel after a novel object was introduced, then latency decreased over the following two days while the object was present. This indicates the protocol could be useful for measuring acclimation rate at a group level. Individual acclimation rate variables, measured as change in times and orders of heifers between test days, did not appear to have any consistent relationships with flight time or weight change during or post-weaning (p > 0.05). We concluded that the protocol was inappropriate for assessing acclimation rate at an individual level, due to social effects while testing heifers as a group. Heifers which were consistently one of the first 20 to move through the funnel had a significantly greater average weight 5 and 10 months post-weaning (345 ± 9 kg and 518 ± 10 kg respectively) than heifers which were consistently one of the last 20 through the funnel (311 ± 8 kg and 484 ± 8 kg respectively; p < 0.001). This may indicate order of movement through the funnel was related to feeding motivation or another aspect of temperament not reflected by flight time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Monk
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, FD McMaster Laboratory Chiswick, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
| | - Brad C Hine
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, FD McMaster Laboratory Chiswick, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
| | - Ian G Colditz
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, FD McMaster Laboratory Chiswick, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
| | - Caroline Lee
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, FD McMaster Laboratory Chiswick, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
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Laurence M, Barnes A, Collins T, Hyndman T, Musk GC. Assessing and mitigating post-operative castration pain in Bos indicus cattle. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/an16210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cattle on pastoral land are subject to potentially painful husbandry procedures. In northern Australia, these practices generally occur once a year after the muster and the procedures are usually performed on animals older than 6 months of age. It is seldom that any pain mitigating medications are administered at this time and there is increasing concern that this perceived impost on the animal’s welfare will become more significant at both an economic and cultural level. There is a need to investigate the possibility of using simple, cost-effective, readily available medications, administered using relatively quick and easily taught techniques to increase the chance of industry adoption. This research used castration of 6–8-month-old Bos indicus calves as the test model because it is arguably one of the most common and most painful procedures endured by the animals. Forty-eight, 6–8-month-old Brahman bulls were surgically castrated after random assignment to six different treatment groups (n = 8): no castration Control (NC); castration (C); castration with post-operative meloxicam (CMpost-op); castration with lignocaine (CL); castration with lignocaine and post-operative meloxicam (CLMpost-op); castration with pre-operative meloxicam (CMpre-op). Serial measures of weight, blood cortisol concentrations, balk score, crush score, and daily activity (steps taken, number and duration of rest bouts) were taken. Linear mixed modelling was used to compare experimental groups. Bulls that were castrated and did not receive post-operative meloxicam (C and CL) had significantly lower average weights at all time points (Days 0–13, P < 0.001) of 170.9 kg and 168.6 kg, respectively, than those that did (CMpost-op and CLMpost-op) at 174.7 kg and 173.7 kg, respectively. When lignocaine was not administered before castration, Day 1 post-operative cortisol concentrations were significantly lower when post-operative meloxicam was provided than when it was not (CMpost-op: 47.2 nmol/L vs C: 65.5 nmol/L). When post-operative meloxicam was not given, animals that were given lignocaine before castration had significantly lower cortisol concentrations than those that received no lignocaine (CL: 52.7 nmol/L vs C: 65.5 nmol/L). Animals that were given pre-operative meloxicam had, on average, significantly lower Day 1 post-operative cortisol concentrations than animals that received no lignocaine or meloxicam (CMpre-op: 44.8 nmol/L vs C: 65.5 nmol/L). Analysis of Day 1 (the day following castration) data showed that animals that were given pre-operative meloxicam (CMpre-op) were significantly more active than animals in all other treatment groups (P = 0.038). It was concluded that 6–8-month old, Bos indicus bulls benefit from the administration of both lignocaine before surgery and peri-operative meloxicam. The analgesic methods used are readily adoptable by industry with respect to cost, efficiency and degree of technical skill required.
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Ebinghaus A, Ivemeyer S, Lauks V, Santos L, Brügemann K, König S, Knierim U. How to measure dairy cows’ responsiveness towards humans in breeding and welfare assessment? A comparison of selected behavioural measures and existing breeding traits. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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18
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Inter- and intra-observer reliability of different methods for recording temperament in beef and dairy calves. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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19
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dos Santos FC, Peixoto MGCD, Fonseca PADS, Pires MDFÁ, Ventura RV, Rosse IDC, Bruneli FAT, Machado MA, Carvalho MRS. Identification of Candidate Genes for Reactivity in Guzerat (Bos indicus) Cattle: A Genome-Wide Association Study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169163. [PMID: 28125592 PMCID: PMC5268462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperament is fundamental to animal production due to its direct influence on the animal-herdsman relationship. When compared to calm animals, the aggressive, anxious or fearful ones exhibit less weight gain, lower reproductive efficiency, decreased milk production and higher herd maintenance costs, all of which contribute to reduced profits. However, temperament is a trait that is complex and difficult to assess. Recently, a new quantitative system, REATEST®, for assessing reactivity, a phenotype of temperament, was developed. Herein, we describe the results of a Genome-wide association study for reactivity, assessed using REATEST® with a sample of 754 females from five dual-purpose (milk and meat production) Guzerat (Bos indicus) herds. Genotyping was performed using a 50k SNP chip and a two-step mixed model approach (Grammar-Gamma) with a one-by-one marker regression was used to identify QTLs. QTLs for reactivity were identified on chromosomes BTA1, BTA5, BTA14, and BTA25. Five intronic and two intergenic markers were significantly associated with reactivity. POU1F1, DRD3, VWA3A, ZBTB20, EPHA6, SNRPF and NTN4 were identified as candidate genes. Previous QTL reports for temperament traits, covering areas surrounding the SNPs/genes identified here, further corroborate these associations. The seven genes identified in the present study explain 20.5% of reactivity variance and give a better understanding of temperament biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Vieira Ventura
- Center for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
- Beef Improvement Opportunities, Guelph, Canada
| | - Izinara da Cruz. Rosse
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Proposal and Validation of a Scale of Composite Measure Reactivity Score to Characterize the Reactivity in Horses During Handling. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Friedrich J, Brand B, Graunke KL, Langbein J, Schwerin M, Ponsuksili S. Adrenocortical Expression Profiling of Cattle with Distinct Juvenile Temperament Types. Behav Genet 2016; 47:102-113. [PMID: 27586633 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-016-9816-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Temperament affects ease of handling, animal welfare, and economically important production traits in cattle. The use of gene expression profiles as molecular traits provides a novel means of gaining insight into behavioural genetics. In this study, differences in adrenocortical expression profiles between 60 F2 cows (Charolais × German Holstein) of distinct temperament types were analysed. The cows were assessed in a novel-human test at an age of 90 days. Most of the adrenal cortex transcripts which were differentially expressed (FDR <0.05) were found between temperament types of 'fearful/neophobic-alert' and all other temperament types. These transcripts belong to several biological functions like NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response, Glucocorticoid Receptor Signalling and Complement System. Overall, the present study provides new insight into transcriptional differences in the adrenal cortex between cows of distinct temperament types. Genetic regulations of such molecular traits facilitate uncovering positional and functional gene candidates for temperament type in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Friedrich
- Institute for Farm Animal Research and Technology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Bodo Brand
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Luise Graunke
- Institute for Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jan Langbein
- Institute for Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Manfred Schwerin
- Institute for Farm Animal Research and Technology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Siriluck Ponsuksili
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
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Hirata M, Kubo S, Taketomi I, Matsumoto Y. Responsiveness of beef cattle (Bos taurus) to human approach, novelty, social isolation, restraint and trade-offs between feeding and social companionship. Anim Sci J 2016; 87:1443-1452. [PMID: 26931311 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Hirata
- Faculty of Agriculture; University of Miyazaki; Miyazaki Japan
| | - Shotaro Kubo
- Faculty of Agriculture; University of Miyazaki; Miyazaki Japan
| | - Ikuko Taketomi
- Faculty of Agriculture; University of Miyazaki; Miyazaki Japan
| | - Yuka Matsumoto
- Faculty of Agriculture; University of Miyazaki; Miyazaki Japan
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How Farm Animals React and Perceive Stressful Situations Such As Handling, Restraint, and Transport. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:1233-51. [PMID: 26633523 PMCID: PMC4693213 DOI: 10.3390/ani5040409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
An animal that has been carefully acclimated to handling may willingly re-enter a restrainer. Another animal may have an intense agitated behavioral reaction or refuse to re-enter the handling facility. Physiological measures of stress such as cortisol may be very low in the animal that re-enters willingly and higher in animals that actively resist restraint. Carefully acclimating young animals to handling and restraint can help improve both productivity and welfare by reducing fear stress. Some of the topics covered in this review are: How an animal perceives handling and restraint, the detrimental effects of a sudden novel event, descriptions of temperament and aversion tests and the importance of good stockmanship.
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24
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Friedrich J, Brand B, Schwerin M. Genetics of cattle temperament and its impact on livestock production and breeding – a review. Arch Anim Breed 2015. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-58-13-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. Cattle temperament, which describes individual behaviour differences with regard to a stressor or environmental challenge, is known for its impact on working safety, adaptability to new housing conditions, animal productivity and for evaluation of animal welfare. However, successful use of temperament in animal breeding and husbandry to improve keeping conditions in general or animal welfare in particular, requires the availability of informative and reproducible phenotypes and knowledge about the genetic modulation of these traits. However, the knowledge about genetic influences on cattle temperament is still limited. In this review, an outline is given for the interdependence between production systems and temperament as well as for the phenotyping of cattle temperament based on both behaviour tests and observations of behaviour under production conditions. In addition, the use of temperament as a selection criterion is discussed.
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25
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Brajon S, Laforest JP, Bergeron R, Tallet C, Hötzel MJ, Devillers N. Persistency of the piglet's reactivity to the handler following a previous positive or negative experience. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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Frondelius L, Järvenranta K, Koponen T, Mononen J. The effects of body posture and temperament on heart rate variability in dairy cows. Physiol Behav 2014; 139:437-41. [PMID: 25481355 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Reactivity of cattle affects many aspects of animal production (e.g. reduced milk and meat production). Animals have individual differences in temperament and emotional reactivity, and these differences can affect how animals react to stressful and fear-eliciting events. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a good indicator of stress and balance of the autonomous nervous system, and low parasympathetic activity is connected with higher emotional reactivity. The study had two specific aims: (1) to compare HRV in dairy cows for standing and lying postures (no earlier results available), and (2) to assess whether dairy cows' emotional reactivity is connected to their HRV values. Eighteen dairy cows were subjected twice to a handling test (HT): morning (HT1) and afternoon (HT2), to evaluate emotional reactivity (avoidance score, AS). HRV was measured during HT (standing). HRV baseline values, both standing and lying down, were measured one week before HTs. HRV was analyzed with time and frequency domain analyses and with the Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA). Heart rate (HR), low-frequency/high-frequency band ratio (LH/HF), % determinism (%DET) and longest diagonal line segment in the recurrence plot (Lmax) were higher (p<0.05) while the cows were standing than when lying down, whereas the root mean square of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD) (p<0.05) and power of the high-frequency band (HF) (p<0.1) were higher while the animals were lying down. HR, the standard deviation of all interbeat intervals (SDNN), RMSSD, HF, power of the low-frequency band (LF), % recurrence (%REC), %DET, Shannon entropy (p<0.05), and HF (p<0.1) were higher during the handling test compared to standing baseline values. AS (i.e. tendency to avoid handling) correlated positively with SDNN (r=0.48, p<0.05), RMSSD (r=0.54, p<0.05), HF, RMSSD (r=0.46, p<0.1) and LF (r=0.57, p<0.05), and negatively with %DET (r=-0.53, p<0.05), entropy (r=-0.60, p<0.05) and Lmax (r=-0.55, p<0.05) in the baseline HRV measurements. AS correlated positively with SDNN (r=0.43, p<0.1) and HF (r=0.53, p<0.05) during HT. Some HRV parameters (HR, LF, %REC, %DET) indicated that the handling test may have caused stress to the experimental cows, although some HRV results (SDNN, RMSSD, HF, entropy) were controversial. The correlations between HRV variables and AS suggest that the emotional reactivity of the cow can be assessed from the baseline values of the HRV. It is debatable, however, whether the handling test used in the present study was a good method of causing mild stress in dairy cattle, since it may have even induced a positive emotional state. The posture of the cow affected HRV values as expected (based on results from other species), so that while standing a shift towards more sympathetic dominance was evident. Our results support the idea that linear (time and frequency domain) and non-linear (RQA) methods measuring HRV complement each other, but further research is needed for better understanding of the connection between temperament and HRV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilli Frondelius
- MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Animal Production Research, Halolantie 31 A, 71750 Maaninka, Finland.
| | - Kirsi Järvenranta
- MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Animal Production Research, Halolantie 31 A, 71750 Maaninka, Finland
| | - Taija Koponen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Biology, PL 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jaakko Mononen
- MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Animal Production Research, Halolantie 31 A, 71750 Maaninka, Finland; University of Eastern Finland, Department of Biology, PL 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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27
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Haskell MJ, Simm G, Turner SP. Genetic selection for temperament traits in dairy and beef cattle. Front Genet 2014; 5:368. [PMID: 25374582 PMCID: PMC4204639 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal temperament can be defined as a response to environmental or social stimuli. There are a number of temperament traits in cattle that contribute to their welfare, including their response to handling or milking, response to challenge such as human approach or intervention at calving, and response to conspecifics. In a number of these areas, the genetic basis of the trait has been studied. Heritabilities have been estimated and in some cases quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified. The variation is sometimes considerable and moderate heritabilities have been found for the major handling temperament traits, making them amenable to selection. Studies have also investigated the correlations between temperament and other traits, such as productivity and meat quality. Despite this, there are relatively few examples of temperament traits being used in selection programmes. Most often, animals are screened for aggression or excessive fear during handling or milking, with extreme animals being culled, or EBVs for temperament are estimated, but these traits are not commonly included routinely in selection indices, despite there being economic, welfare and human safety drivers for their. There may be a number of constraints and barriers. For some traits and breeds, there may be difficulties in collecting behavioral data on sufficiently large populations of animals to estimate genetic parameters. Most selection indices require estimates of economic values, and it is often difficult to assign an economic value to a temperament trait. The effects of selection primarily for productivity traits on temperament and welfare are discussed. Future opportunities include automated data collection methods and the wider use of genomic information in selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie J Haskell
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Group, Scotland's Rural College Edinburgh, UK
| | - Geoff Simm
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Group, Scotland's Rural College Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon P Turner
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Group, Scotland's Rural College Edinburgh, UK
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Graunke KL, Nürnberg G, Repsilber D, Puppe B, Langbein J. Describing temperament in an ungulate: a multidimensional approach. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74579. [PMID: 24040289 PMCID: PMC3769396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on animal temperament have often described temperament using a one-dimensional scale, whereas theoretical framework has recently suggested two or more dimensions using terms like “valence” or “arousal” to describe these dimensions. Yet, the valence or assessment of a situation is highly individual. The aim of this study was to provide support for the multidimensional framework with experimental data originating from an economically important species (Bos taurus). We tested 361 calves at 90 days post natum (dpn) in a novel-object test. Using a principal component analysis (PCA), we condensed numerous behaviours into fewer variables to describe temperament and correlated these variables with simultaneously measured heart rate variability (HRV) data. The PCA resulted in two behavioural dimensions (principal components, PC): novel-object-related (PC 1) and exploration-activity-related (PC 2). These PCs explained 58% of the variability in our data. The animals were distributed evenly within the two behavioural dimensions independent of their sex. Calves with different scores in these PCs differed significantly in HRV, and thus in the autonomous nervous system’s activity. Based on these combined behavioural and physiological data we described four distinct temperament types resulting from two behavioural dimensions: “neophobic/fearful – alert”, “interested – stressed”, “subdued/uninterested – calm”, and “neoophilic/outgoing – alert”. Additionally, 38 calves were tested at 90 and 197 dpn. Using the same PCA-model, they correlated significantly in PC 1 and tended to correlate in PC 2 between the two test ages. Of these calves, 42% expressed a similar behaviour pattern in both dimensions and 47% in one. No differences in temperament scores were found between sexes or breeds. In conclusion, we described distinct temperament types in calves based on behavioural and physiological measures emphasising the benefits of a multidimensional approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina L. Graunke
- Ethology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (AUF), PHENOMICS office, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Gerd Nürnberg
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Dirk Repsilber
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Birger Puppe
- Ethology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (AUF), Behavioural Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jan Langbein
- Ethology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
- * E-mail:
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29
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Turner SP, Jack MC, Lawrence AB. Precalving temperament and maternal defensiveness are independent traits but precalving fear may impact calf growth. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:4417-25. [PMID: 23825324 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human safety can be compromised by the response of beef cows to handling or when defending their calf. However, little is known about how precalving temperament, postcalving defensiveness, and maternal care are related. The impacts of cow temperament on calf neonatal vigor and ADG are also unknown. Data were collected on 2 farms (Farm 1, n = 143, 1 parity; Farm 2, n = 237, 2 parities). Temperament was recorded before calving when restrained in a crush (crush score), on exit from the crush (flight speed), and when isolated with a handler. Defensiveness was recorded within 4 d after calving during handling of the calf. Maternal interactions with the calf and calf vigor were recorded for 3 h after calving (Farm 1 only) and ADG was measured over 7 mo. Crush score and flight speed were repeatable within a parity (range in repeatability 0.33 to 0.49; P < 0.001). Crush score (0.50; P < 0.001) and defensiveness (up to 0.71; P < 0.001) were repeatable across parities. Temperament and defensiveness were unrelated on Farm 1; on Farm 2 a fearful crush score was associated with heightened defensiveness as measured by vigorous movement during calf handling (P < 0.001). Temperament and defensiveness were unrelated to calving ease or the amount of maternal behavior shown to the calf. At Farm 1, cows that exited the crush quickly had calves with a lighter birth weight (P = 0.023) and those that were agitated when isolated had calves with a decreased ADG (P = 0.017). Defensiveness was unrelated to ADG and neither temperament nor defensiveness affected calf vigor. Cow precalving temperament and postcalving defensiveness are repeatable but appear to be independent traits, neither of which is related to maternal interactions with the neonatal calf. Reducing precalving fearfulness should not affect postcalving behavior and changing postcalving defensiveness should not affect other maternal care traits. Fearful cows may produce calves with decreased birth weight and ADG, which, if confirmed, suggests that cow fearfulness may have wider economic implications than previously realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Turner
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Group, SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK.
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Hirata M, Taketomi I, Matsumoto Y, Kubo S. Trade-offs between feeding and social companionship in cattle: Intra-animal consistency over short and extended periods. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2013.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Wesley RL, Cibils AF, Mulliniks JT, Pollak ER, Petersen MK, Fredrickson EL. An assessment of behavioural syndromes in rangeland-raised beef cattle. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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33
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Mazurek M, McGee M, Minchin W, Crowe MA, Earley B. Is the avoidance distance test for the assessment of animals’ responsiveness to humans influenced by either the dominant or flightiest animal in the group? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Gibbons JM, Lawrence AB, Haskell MJ. Consistency of flight speed and response to restraint in a crush in dairy cattle. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Consistency and stability of behavioural fear responses of heifers to different fear-eliciting situations involving humans. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Mazurek M, Prendiville DJ, Crowe MA, Veissier I, Earley B. An on-farm investigation of beef suckler herds using an animal welfare index (AWI). BMC Vet Res 2010; 6:55. [PMID: 21144023 PMCID: PMC3022571 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-6-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beef suckler farms (194 farms throughout 13 counties) were assessed once with housed cattle and once with cattle at grass using an animal welfare index (AWI). Twenty-three of the 194 farms were revisited a year later and re-evaluated using the AWI and the Tier-Gerechtheits-Index 35L/2000 (TGI35L/2000). Thirty-three indicators were collected in five categories: locomotion (5 indicators); social interactions (between animals) (7), flooring (5), environment (7) and Stockpersonship (9). Three indicators relating to the size of the farm were also collected.Improving animal welfare is an increasingly important aspect of livestock production systems predominantly due to increased consumer concern about the source of animal products. The objectives were (i) to evaluate animal welfare of Irish beef suckler herds using an animal welfare index (AWI), (ii) to examine correlations between parameters, how they influence the AWI and investigate the applicability of the parameters used, (iii) to investigate the impact of the activity of the farmer (full-time or part-time), the interest of the farmer and the number of animals on the AWI. RESULTS The mean AWI was 65% and ranged from 54% to 83%. The grazing period represented 16.5% of the total points of the AWI. Seventy percent of the farms were rated as "Very Good" or "Excellent". There was no difference (P > 0.05) in AWI between full-time and part-time farmers. Part-time farmers had greater (P = 0.01) "social interactions": calving (P = 0.03) and weaning (P < 0.001) scores. Full-time farmers had cleaner animals (P = 0.03) and their animals had less lameness (P = 0.01). The number of animals on-farm and the interest of the Stockperson were negatively and positively correlated (P = 0.001), respectively, with the AWI. A hierarchical classification was performed to examine how the indicators influenced the AWI. CONCLUSION The AWI was easily applicable for an on-farm evaluation of welfare. The Stockpersonship was an important factor in determining the AWI (11% of the total variation) more specifically, the interest of the farmer. Part and full-time farming did not differ (P > 0.05) in AWI scores. This method could, with further development, be used in countries with both intensive and/or extensive production systems and would require substantially less resources than animal-based methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael Mazurek
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
- School of Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine and the Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Daniel J Prendiville
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Mark A Crowe
- School of Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine and the Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Isabelle Veissier
- URH-ACS, I.N.R.A., site de Theix, F-63122, St. Genès Champanelle, France
| | - Bernadette Earley
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
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Benhajali H, Boivin X, Sapa J, Pellegrini P, Boulesteix P, Lajudie P, Phocas F. Assessment of different on-farm measures of beef cattle temperament for use in genetic evaluation. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:3529-37. [PMID: 20693414 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-3132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to find a simple measure for calf temperament discrimination, which can be useful as a selection criterion for on-farm French beef cattle breeding schemes. Behavioral records were registered at an average age of 5 and 7 mo, respectively, for 1,282 and 1,440 Limousin calves born in 24 French farms between August 2007 and April 2008. Measures were repeated for 810 calves at the 2 ages. The test procedure consisted of individually restraining the calves in a chute, then exposing them to a stationary human situated in front of the chute for 10 s. For every calf and each period of the test, the number of rush movements and the total number of movements were scored by visual appraisal using a continuous scale ranging from 0 (no movements) to 60 (continuous movements). Initial scores were also transformed to categorical scores and analyzed. Genetic correlation across ages were very high for all the traits (above 0.84 ± 0.20) suggesting that these traits are governed by the same pool of genes at the 2 ages. The corresponding phenotypic correlations were about 0.3 for all the measures. Heritabilities were moderate for all measures (from 0.11 to 0.31) with the total number of movements during weighing measured at 7 mo being the greatest. All the measures were highly correlated (from 0.73 ± 0.26 to 0.99 ± 0.02). Genetic correlation across sexes was not statistically different from 1. However, traits measured during weighing showed different genetic variance estimates for females and males. Similar results were obtained for the transformed categorical scores. According to these results, the total number of movements during weighing seems to be the most promising trait for on-farm genetic evaluation of French beef cattle temperament.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Benhajali
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UR1213 Unité de Recherche sur les Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
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Lynch EM, Earley B, McGee M, Doyle S. Characterisation of physiological and immunological responses in beef cows to abrupt weaning and subsequent housing. BMC Vet Res 2010; 6:37. [PMID: 20646268 PMCID: PMC2917423 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-6-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weaning involves the permanent separation of the calf from the dam and has been shown to be stressful for both. The objectives of this study were to characterise the effect of i) abrupt weaning and ii) subsequent housing on the extended physiological and immunological responses of beef cows. At weaning (day (d) 0, mean age of calf (s.d.) 212 (24.5) d), cows were abruptly separated from their calves and returned to the grazing area. After 35 d at pasture, cows were housed in a slatted floor shed and offered grass silage ad libitum plus a mineral-vitamin supplement daily. Rectal body temperature was recorded and blood samples were obtained on i) d 0 (weaning), 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and subsequently on ii) d 0 (housing), 2, 7, 14 and 21 for physiological, haematological and immunological measurements. RESULTS Post-weaning, concentration of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone were unchanged (P > 0.05). Rectal body temperature, neutrophil number and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio increased (P < 0.01) on d 2 compared with pre-weaning baseline. Lymphocyte and neutrophil number decreased (P < 0.05) on d 2 to 7 and d 7 to 21, respectively, compared with pre-weaning baseline. Interferon-gamma production decreased (P < 0.05) on d 2 compared with pre-weaning baseline. An increase (P < 0.05) in acute phase proteins, fibrinogen and haptoglobin was evident on d 2 to 35 compared with pre-weaning baseline. Concentration of glucose increased on d 2 to 28, whereas non-esterified fatty acid decreased on d 2 to 35 compared with pre-weaning baseline. Post-housing, concentrations of cortisol, rectal body temperature, total leukocyte number, and glucose were unchanged (P > 0.05). On d 2 post-housing, neutrophil number and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio increased (P < 0.05), whereas lymphocyte number and concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone, fibrinogen and non-esterified fatty acid decreased (P < 0.05) compared with pre-housing baseline. Concentration of haptoglobin increased (P < 0.05) on d 14 to 21 post-housing. CONCLUSIONS A transitory increase in neutrophil number and decrease in lymphocyte number, increased neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio coupled with decreased interferon-gamma production, and increased concentration of acute phase proteins indicate a stress response in cows post-weaning, whereas post-housing, changes were less marked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilish M Lynch
- Animal and Bioscience Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
- Department of Biology and National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Bernadette Earley
- Animal and Bioscience Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Mark McGee
- Livestock Systems Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology and National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Characterising the emotional reactivity of cows to understand and predict their stress reactions to the slaughter procedure. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2010.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Hoppe S, Brandt HR, König S, Erhardt G, Gauly M. Temperament traits of beef calves measured under field conditions and their relationships to performance. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:1982-9. [PMID: 20154170 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2008-1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 3,050 German Angus (Aberdeen Angus x German dual-purpose breeds), Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, and German Simmental calves were used to examine temperament traits of beef cattle using 2 different test procedures. The chute test and the flight-speed test have been validated in terms of routine on-farm applicability. Behavior tests were performed in 2006 and 2007 on 24 commercial beef cattle farms located in the northern and eastern part of Germany. A single, trained observer assigned subjective scores to characterize the behavior of each animal during restraint in the head gate (calm, restless shifting, squirming, vigorous movement, violent struggling) and when leaving the chute (walk, trot, run, jumping out of the chute). Breed was a significant source of variation in chute scores and flight-speed scores (P < 0.001). Charolais and Limousin cattle had the greatest scores in both traits, whereas Herefords had the least (P < 0.001) chute scores. German Angus and Hereford calves had the least (P < 0.001) flight-speeds, indicating that these breeds have a more favorable temperament. Temperament scores differed significantly between male and female calves (P < 0.01), with females scoring better for both traits. Average daily BW gains of the calves were significantly influenced by effects of breed (P < 0.001) and sex (P < 0.001) of the calves. Heritabilities were estimated for chute- and flight-speed scores of beef cattle. They were least for chute score and flight-speed score of Limousin cattle with values of 0.11. In contrast, greatest heritabilities were 0.33 for chute score and 0.36 for flight-speed score of Hereford cattle. Genetic correlations were estimated among both temperament traits, with values between 0.57 and 0.98. Chute scores and visual flight-speed scores were negatively correlated with daily BW gain of the calves in most breeds. The results presented in this paper indicate that on-farm evaluation of beef cattle temperament is possible, either using the chute test or the flight-speed test. Genetic selection seems to be promising to improve temperament traits of beef cattle without decreasing production traits like ADG of the calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hoppe
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Georg August University, Albrecht Thaer Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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41
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Inter-observer and test-retest reliability of on-farm behavioural observations in veal calves. Anim Welf 2009. [DOI: 10.1017/s0962728600000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate inter-observer and test-retest reliability of different behavioural observations to be used in an on-farm, animal welfare monitoring system for veal calves. Twenty-three veal calf farms, varying in size, housing system, feeding regime and age of the calves were visited twice with two observers, simultaneously. Behavioural tests were conducted in eight pens per farm, measuring the response of calves to: a human entering the barn; a novel object; a passive, unfamiliar person; disturbance in the pen and an active approach by an unfamiliar and a familiar person. Furthermore, behaviour was recorded 20 min before and 20 min after feeding in eight other pens per farm. For all behavioural tests, inter-observer reliability was very high. Farm effects and test-retest reliabilities were high and significant for all behavioural tests, except for the test measuring response to disturbance in the pen. Although the active approach test with the familiar person was reliable, it was not feasible in practice due to the availability of the farmer. Since the active approach test with the unfamiliar person gave similar results, this test was recommended for an on-farm animal welfare monitoring system. For most behavioural elements recorded around feeding, farms differed significantly and interobserver and test-retest reliabilities were high as well as being significant. The behavioural tests with entering the barn, novel object and unfamiliar person, and the behavioural observations before and after feeding were feasible and distinctive and reliable enough to be performed on-farm. These methods are promising tools to use as a monitor of animal welfare in veal calves.
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The effect of early human contact and the separation method from the dam on responses of beef calves to humans. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2009.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Gibbons J, Lawrence A, Haskell M. Responsiveness of dairy cows to human approach and novel stimuli. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Reactivity to humans: A temperament trait of horses which is stable across time and situations. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Olmos G, Turner SP. The relationships between temperament during routine handling tasks, weight gain and facial hair whorl position in frequently handled beef cattle. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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46
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The qualitative assessment of responsiveness to environmental challenge in horses and ponies. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Lansade L, Bouissou MF, Erhard HW. Reactivity to isolation and association with conspecifics: A temperament trait stable across time and situations. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Ishiwata T, Kilgour RJ, Uetake K, Eguchi Y, Tanaka T. Choice of attractive conditions by beef cattle in a Y-maze just after release from restraint. J Anim Sci 2007; 85:1080-5. [PMID: 17121976 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2006-405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To provide useful information on how to moderate posthandling stress, the attractiveness of different conditions to beef cattle just after release from restraint was determined. Angus heifers were individually allowed to enter a choice area after 2 min of restraint in a squeeze chute and to choose between 2 pens. After the heifer had chosen a pen, it could freely access both test pens and the choice area for a further 5 min. In Exp. 1, each heifer was given 1 of the following choices: a pen with 3 familiar heifers (PEERS) vs. a pen with a pile of hay on a metal rack (FOOD; n = 34); PEERS vs. the bare pen (BARE; n = 34); and FOOD vs. BARE (n = 35). When the choice combination was PEERS vs. BARE, more heifers chose PEERS (P < 0.05). When the choice combination was PEERS vs. FOOD, more heifers than expected tended to choose PEERS (P < 0.10), whereas FOOD and BARE did not differ. The latency to choose either pen was shorter if PEERS was 1 of the 2 choices (P < 0.01). After choosing, more heifers entered the PEERS pen than the FOOD (P < 0.05) or BARE (P < 0.01) pens. In Exp. 2, another 86 heifers were given 1 of the following choices: a pen with a familiar handler standing inside (STI) vs. a pen with a novel object (NO; n = 29); a pen with the handler standing outside the pen (STO) vs. NO (n = 29); a pen in which the handler was sitting inside (SI) vs. NO (n = 28). Fewer heifers chose the pen with the human (STI, STO, and SI; all P < 0.01). Except for the choice of STO vs. NO, the number of heifers that had voluntarily chosen either pen was larger than expected (STI and SI; both P < 0.01). The number of times in which the NO pen was entered was greater than the STI and STO (P < 0.01), although the number of times in which the SI and NO pens were entered was not different. More heifers avoided the human, particularly a standing human. In conclusion, just after handling with restraint, returning cattle to the group of peers and not approaching the cattle needlessly should moderate their stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ishiwata
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara 229-8501, Japan
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Beckman DW, Enns RM, Speidel SE, Brigham BW, Garrick DJ. Maternal effects on docility in Limousin cattle1. J Anim Sci 2007; 85:650-7. [PMID: 17040937 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2006-450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to quantify the role of maternal effects on docility in Limousin cattle. Docility scores were obtained at weaning while animals were restrained in a squeeze chute. Scores 1 through 6 represented a docile to aggressive temperament, respectively, and were provided by the North American Limousin Foundation. Observations with unknown age of dam, contemporary groups containing less than 10 observations, contemporary groups with no variation, and single-sire contemporary groups were removed, leaving 21,932 observations. A 2-generation pedigree file compiled from animals with observations contained 49,459 animals. Fixed effects were weaning contemporary group and age of dam (2, > or =3 yr). Six animal models encompassed combinations of random factors: direct genetic, maternal genetic, and maternal permanent environmental effects. The model D was the most basic, containing direct genetic and residual effects, and it resembled the method currently used by the North American Limousin Foundation for genetic evaluation of docility. Maternal genetic or permanent environmental effects were separately added to the model D, denoted as models DM and DC, respectively. Model DMC contained all random factors. Models DM-Zero and DMC-Zero were equivalent to models DM and DMC, respectively, but with zero direct-maternal genetic covariance. Direct heritability estimates were moderate for all models (0.29 +/- 0.02 to 0.38 +/- 0.03). Maternal heritability estimates were low, ranging from 0.01 +/- 0.01 (DM-Zero) to 0.05 +/- 0.02 (DM). Negative direct-maternal genetic correlations of -0.41 +/- 0.09 and -0.55 +/- 0.09 were estimated for models DM and DMC, respectively. The proportion of phenotypic variance accounted for by maternal permanent environmental effects was 0.03 +/- 0.01, 0.04 +/- 0.01, and 0.02 +/- 0.01 for models DC, DMC, and DMC-Zero, respectively. Likelihood ratio tests indicated that model DMC best fit the data. Although maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects were significant, they accounted for only 8% (model DMC) of the phenotypic variance, and a Spearman rank correlation of 0.99 between models D and DMC showed sires did not rank differently with or without inclusion of these effects. Given these results, inclusion of maternal effects to the genetic evaluation of docility in Limousin cattle does not seem warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Beckman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1171, USA
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Waiblinger S, Boivin X, Pedersen V, Tosi MV, Janczak AM, Visser EK, Jones RB. Assessing the human–animal relationship in farmed species: A critical review. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2006.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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