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Alvarenga AB, Retallick KJ, Garcia A, Miller SP, Byrne A, Oliveira HR, Brito LF. Across-country genetic and genomic analyses of foot score traits in American and Australian Angus cattle. Genet Sel Evol 2023; 55:76. [PMID: 37919645 PMCID: PMC10621155 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-023-00850-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hoof structure and health are essential for the welfare and productivity of beef cattle. Therefore, we assessed the genetic and genomic background of foot score traits in American (US) and Australian (AU) Angus cattle and investigated the feasibility of performing genomic evaluations combining data for foot score traits recorded in US and AU Angus cattle. The traits evaluated were foot angle (FA) and claw set (CS). In total, 109,294 and ~ 1.12 million animals had phenotypic and genomic information, respectively. Four sets of analyses were performed: (1) genomic connectedness between US and AU Angus cattle populations and population structure, (2) estimation of genetic parameters, (3) single-step genomic prediction of breeding values, and (4) single-step genome-wide association studies for FA and CS. RESULTS There was no clear genetic differentiation between US and AU Angus populations. Similar heritability estimates (FA: 0.22-0.24 and CS: 0.22-0.27) and moderate-to-high genetic correlations between US and AU foot scores (FA: 0.61 and CS: 0.76) were obtained. A joint-genomic prediction using data from both populations outperformed within-country genomic evaluations. A genomic prediction model considering US and AU datasets as a single population performed similarly to the scenario accounting for genotype-by-environment interactions (i.e., multiple-trait model considering US and AU records as different traits), even though the genetic correlations between countries were lower than 0.80. Common significant genomic regions were observed between US and AU for FA and CS. Significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified on the Bos taurus (BTA) chromosomes BTA1, BTA5, BTA11, BTA13, BTA19, BTA20, and BTA23. The candidate genes identified were primarily from growth factor gene families, including FGF12 and GDF5, which were previously associated with bone structure and repair. CONCLUSIONS This study presents comprehensive population structure and genetic and genomic analyses of foot scores in US and AU Angus cattle populations, which are essential for optimizing the implementation of genomic selection for improved foot scores in Angus cattle breeding programs. We have also identified candidate genes associated with foot scores in the largest Angus cattle populations in the world and made recommendations for genomic evaluations for improved foot score traits in the US and AU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Alvarenga
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 South Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kelli J Retallick
- American Angus Association, Angus Genetics Inc., 3201 Frederick Avenue, Saint Joseph, MO, 64506, USA
| | - Andre Garcia
- American Angus Association, Angus Genetics Inc., 3201 Frederick Avenue, Saint Joseph, MO, 64506, USA
| | - Stephen P Miller
- American Angus Association, Angus Genetics Inc., 3201 Frederick Avenue, Saint Joseph, MO, 64506, USA
- AGBU, a Joint Venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Andrew Byrne
- Angus Australia, 86 Glen Innes Road, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - Hinayah R Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 South Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 South Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Sitz T, DelCurto-Wyffels H, Van Emon M, Wyffels S, Peterson J, Hamilton T, Retallick K, Tarpoff E, Garcia A, Kangas K, DelCurto T. Characterizing Foot and Leg Scores for Montana's Registered Angus Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2849. [PMID: 37760249 PMCID: PMC10525743 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182849] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize foot angle and claw set scores of Montana's (USA) registered Angus cattle using a total of 4723 cattle scored: 1475 yearling bulls, 992 yearling heifers, 1044 2- and 3-year-old cows, and 1212 cows ≥ 4 years old. Yearling bulls had a 0.12 and 0.20 greater mean foot angle and claw set score, respectively, compared to yearling heifers (p < 0.01). Foot angle and claw set scores increased (p < 0.01) with advancing cow age. The combined worst foot changed quadratically with age (p < 0.01) with the majority of problem feet in cows aged 2 to 3 years and older being hind feet issues. The proportion of foot angle and claw set scores not equal to 5 increased quadratically with age (p < 0.01), with heifers having the lowest proportion of scores not equal to 5 (15.8 and 31.7%, respectively) compared to cows aged 4 years and older. Sire lines had an effect on progeny claw set (p < 0.05) and foot angle scores (p < 0.05), as well as variation of progeny foot scores. These data could potentially be used to refine expected progeny difference models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylre Sitz
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (T.S.); (H.D.-W.); (M.V.E.); (S.W.); (J.P.); (T.H.)
| | - Hannah DelCurto-Wyffels
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (T.S.); (H.D.-W.); (M.V.E.); (S.W.); (J.P.); (T.H.)
| | - Megan Van Emon
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (T.S.); (H.D.-W.); (M.V.E.); (S.W.); (J.P.); (T.H.)
| | - Sam Wyffels
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (T.S.); (H.D.-W.); (M.V.E.); (S.W.); (J.P.); (T.H.)
| | - Jeremiah Peterson
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (T.S.); (H.D.-W.); (M.V.E.); (S.W.); (J.P.); (T.H.)
| | - Thomas Hamilton
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (T.S.); (H.D.-W.); (M.V.E.); (S.W.); (J.P.); (T.H.)
| | - Kelli Retallick
- American Angus Association, Saint Joseph, MO 64506, USA; (K.R.); (E.T.); (A.G.); (K.K.)
| | - Esther Tarpoff
- American Angus Association, Saint Joseph, MO 64506, USA; (K.R.); (E.T.); (A.G.); (K.K.)
| | - Andre Garcia
- American Angus Association, Saint Joseph, MO 64506, USA; (K.R.); (E.T.); (A.G.); (K.K.)
| | - Kurt Kangas
- American Angus Association, Saint Joseph, MO 64506, USA; (K.R.); (E.T.); (A.G.); (K.K.)
| | - Tim DelCurto
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (T.S.); (H.D.-W.); (M.V.E.); (S.W.); (J.P.); (T.H.)
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3
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Sitz T, DelCurto-Wyffels H, Van Emon M, Wyffels S, Retallick K, Tarpoff E, Kangas K, DelCurto T. Importance of Foot and Leg Structure for Beef Cattle in Forage-Based Production Systems. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030495. [PMID: 36766384 PMCID: PMC9913362 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the relationship of foot angle and claw set to beef cattle structural soundness will be critical to the selection of animals that fit forage-based production systems. In an effort to address concerns about foot and leg structure, the American Angus Association's foot angle and foot claw set expected progeny differences (EPD) were developed in 2019. As a result, these relatively new EPD and associated guidelines have limited phenotypic data submitted thus far. While ample research has evaluated lameness and foot issues in the dairy breeds, less is known about the factors that affect foot structure in beef cattle. This review focuses on beef cattle foot and leg structure, selection factors that may have led to increased problems with feet and legs, and the importance of foot and leg structure in forage-based grazing production systems. Specifically, the importance of locomotion and freedom of movement in extensive rangeland environments is discussed relative to the current literature. In addition, environmental factors that may influence foot and leg structure are addressed as well as heritability of various aspects of foot and leg traits. Where possible, information gaps and research needs are identified to enhance further investigation and the improvement of foot and leg selection tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylre Sitz
- Department of Animal Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | | | - Megan Van Emon
- Department of Animal Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Sam Wyffels
- Department of Animal Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | | | | | - Kurt Kangas
- American Angus Association, Saint Joseph, MO 64506, USA
| | - Tim DelCurto
- Department of Animal Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Correspondence:
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Mancin E, Mantovani R, Tuliozi B, Sartori C. Economic weights for restriction of selection index as optimal strategy for combining multiple traits. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9751-9762. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Saad HM, Enns RM, Thomas MG, Leachman LL, Speidel SE. Foot scores genetic parameters estimation in beef cattle. Transl Anim Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hamad M Saad
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Animal Production, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya
| | - R Mark Enns
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Milton G Thomas
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Lee L Leachman
- Leachman Cattle of Colorado, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA
| | - Scott E Speidel
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Giess LK, Jensen BR, Bormann JM, Rolf MM, Weaber RL. Genetic parameter estimates for feet and leg traits in Red Angus cattle. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6420723. [PMID: 34735572 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab256] [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: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for feet and leg traits, relationships within feet and leg traits, and relationships between feet and leg traits and production traits in Red Angus cattle. Subjective scores for 14 traits including body condition score (BCS), front hoof angle (FHA), front heel depth (FHD), front claw shape (FCS), rear hoof angle (RHA), rear heel depth (RHD), rear claw shape (RCS), size of hoof (SIZE), front side view (FSV), knee orientation (KNEE), front hoof orientation (FHO), rear side view (RSV), rear view (RV), and a composite score (COMP) were collected by trained evaluators on 1,720 Red Angus cattle. All traits except COMP were scored as intermediate optimum traits. Performance data, and EPD were obtained on all animals measured and a three-generation pedigree was obtained from the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) that contained 13,306 animals. Data were modeled using a linear bivariate animal model with random additive genetic and residual effects, and fixed effects of age and contemporary group (herd-year) implemented in ASREML 4.0. Heritability estimates of BCS, FHA, FHD, FCS, RHA, RHD, RCS, SIZE, FSV, KNEE, FHO, RSV, RV, and COMP were 0.11, 0.20, 0.17, 0.09, 0.19, 0.25, 0.17, 0.36, 0.16, 0.17, 0.17, 0.30, 0.14, and 0.12, respectively. These results demonstrate feet and leg traits are lowly to moderately heritable. Strong, positive genetic correlations were observed between FHA and FHD (0.89), FHA and RHA (0.88), FHD and RHA (0.85), FHA and RHD (0.85), FHD and RHD (0.94), and FHO and KNEE (0.95), indicating these traits were highly related to each other. Strong and negative genetic correlations were observed between KNEE and FSV (-0.59) and FHO and FSV (-0.75). The strongest Pearson correlation between front limb traits (FHA, FHD, FSV, FHO, KNEE, and COMP) and Stayability EPD (STAY) was FSV (r = 0.16) and for rear limb traits (RHA, RHD, RCS, RSV, RV, and COMP) and STAY was RCS (r = -0.12). This suggests cattle with more slope to the angle of the shoulder and cattle with less evidence of hoof curl may stay in the herd longer. Further investigation into the economic viability of feet and leg trait genetic prediction with a larger population of animals is required to help validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lane K Giess
- Department of Animal Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Brady R Jensen
- Department of Animal Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jennifer M Bormann
- Department of Animal Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Megan M Rolf
- Department of Animal Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Robert L Weaber
- Department of Animal Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Erasmus LM, van Marle-Köster E. Moving towards sustainable breeding objectives and cow welfare in dairy production: a South African perspective. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:470. [PMID: 34549341 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02914-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Genetic advancements have resulted in improved dairy production over many decades, due to the focus of breeding objectives on production as the driving force for genetic progress and overall farm profitability. Major advancements were made in the easy-to-measure traits with moderate to high heritability, which resulted in unintended consequences on herd fertility, health, and welfare of cows. In addition, climate change and animal welfare concerns demanded balanced breeding objectives and selection approaches for sustainable production-including health and longevity. The inclusion of genomic information into genetic evaluations has been proved to benefit traits associated with welfare and sustainable production. Cow welfare traits remain complex and suitable phenotypes are not always easy to measure or readily available for genetic evaluations. The challenge for improvement of cow welfare often lies within implementation of sensitive and measurable parameters. The aim of this review was to explore the reconsideration of breeding objectives in the dairy industry towards sustainable dairy production and cow welfare with reference to selection of dairy animals in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize-Mari Erasmus
- Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - E van Marle-Köster
- Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Cortes JA, Thomas A, Hendrick S, Janzen E, Pajor EA, Orsel K. Risk factors of digital dermatitis in feedlot cattle. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txab075. [PMID: 34278235 PMCID: PMC8280921 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab075] [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: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) has been reported in North American feedlots, although risk factors are not well characterized. Our objectives were to analyze: (1) foot and leg conformation and (2) pen hygiene, as potential variables that predispose feedlot cattle to DD. Production parameters in DD-affected cattle were compared with healthy cattle and with those diagnosed with more commonly known infectious lesion foot rot (FR). In total, 2,854 feedlot cattle in 11 pens in 2 feedlots were assessed (bi-weekly pen walks) throughout the feeding cycle. Pen condition was categorized as: “dry,” “mud present but has good bedding,” “more mud than bedding,” and “excessive mud.” Gait scoring was competed and cattle with abnormal gait or evident foot lesions (i.e., DD or FR) were restrained in a cattle chute for a close foot inspection (n=280), including scoring of foot angle and claw set and hind and side views of rear feet and legs. Cumulative incidence of DD (present or absent) and FR was 2.5% (71/2,854) and 11.6% (331/2,854), respectively. Foot and leg conformation was not significantly different between left and right sides or between cattle with (n=71) and without DD (n=209). Lameness was diagnosed in only 22% of cattle with DD. Cattle with DD gained 0.27 kg/d less compared with healthy cattle (mean ± SD: 1.29 ± 0.29 vs. 1.56 ± 0.27, P<0.05) and 0.4 kg/d less compared with FR (1.29 ± 0.29 vs. 1.69 ± 0.25). Presence of DD was not significantly different between pens with “dry” and “mud present but has good bedding,” but for pens with “more mud than bedding” or “excessive mud,” the risk of cattle having DD cases increased significantly [odds ratio (OR)=8.55, confidence interval (CI): 4.0–18.4 and OR=14.1, CI: 5.9–33.8, respectively]. In conclusion, it is important to keep good pen conditions to reduce the risk of DD, which can be managed through proper stocking density and strategic bedding, irrespective of foot and leg conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian A Cortes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Anice Thomas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | | | - Eugene Janzen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ed A Pajor
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Karin Orsel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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9
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Parameters and genetic associations of visual scores and weights in Hereford and Braford breeds. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Devani K, Valente TS, Crowley JJ, Orsel K. Development of optimal genetic evaluations for teat and udder structure in Canadian Angus cattle. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:4445-4452. [PMID: 31598680 PMCID: PMC6827401 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their heritability and influence on female productivity, there are currently no genetic evaluations for teat and udder structure in Canadian Angus cattle. The objective of this study was to develop optimal genetic evaluations for these traits in the Canadian Angus population. Guidelines recommended by Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) were used to score teat and udder structure in 1,735 Canadian Angus cows from 10 representative herds. Cows scored ranged in parity from 1 to 13; however, >70% of cows were parity ≤4. Scores ranged from 1 (large, bottle shaped) to 9 (very small) for teats and from 1 (very pendulous) to 9 (very tight) for udders. Consistent with parity distribution, >70% of teat and udder scores were ≥6. Teat and udder scores (TS9 and US9, respectively) were modeled using a multiple trait animal model with random effects of contemporary group (herd-year-season) and additive genetic effect, and fixed effects of breed, parity group, and days between calving and scoring. To test good versus poor structure, a binary classification of 1 or 2 (TS2, US2) [comprised of scores 1 to 5 = 1 (poor structure) and scores 6 to 9 = 2 (good structure)] was created. Further, to assess the impact of grouping less frequently observed poor scores, a 1 to 7 scale (TS7, US7) was created by combining teat and udder scores 1 to 3. Analyses for teat and udder scores on scales TS9, US9, TS7, US7, and TS2, US2 were compared. In addition, both threshold and linear animal models were used to estimate variance components for the traits. Data treatment and models were evaluated based on correlation of resulting estimated breeding value (EBV) with corrected phenotypes, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, average EBV accuracies (r), and deviance information criteria (DIC). TS9, US9 scales for teat and udder scores and linear models performed best. Estimates of heritability (SE) for teat and udder score were 0.32 (0.06) and 0.15 (0.04), respectively, indicating these traits were moderately heritable and that genetic improvement for teat and udder scores was possible. Estimates of phenotypic and genotypic correlations for teat and udder score were 0.46 (0.02) and 0.71 (0.09), respectively. Estimates of genotypic correlations with birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and yearling weight (YW), ranged from -0.04 (0.10) to -0.20 (0.12), verifying the importance of selecting for improved teat and udder score as individual traits, alongside performance traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Devani
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Tiago S Valente
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - John J Crowley
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- AbacusBio International Ltd, Roslin Innovation Centre, East Bush, Midlothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karin Orsel
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Walkom SF, Jeyaruban MG, Tier B, Johnston DJ. Genetic analysis of docility score of Australian Angus and Limousin cattle. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/an16240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The temperament of cattle is believed to affect the profitability of the herd through impacting production costs, meat quality, reproduction, maternal behaviour and the welfare of the animals and their handlers. As part of the national beef cattle genetic evaluation in Australia by BREEDPLAN, 50 935 Angus and 50 930 Limousin calves were scored by seedstock producers for temperament using docility score. Docility score is a subjective score of the animal’s response to being restrained and isolated within a crush, at weaning, and is scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 representing the quiet and 5 the extremely nervous or anxious calves. Genetic parameters for docility score were estimated using a threshold animal model with four thresholds (five categories) from a Bayesian analysis carried out using Gibbs sampling in THRGIBBS1F90 with post-Gibbs analysis in POSTGIBBSF90. The heritability of docility score on the observed scale was 0.21 and 0.39 in Angus and Limousin, respectively. Since the release of the docility breeding value to the Australian Limousin population there has been a favourable trend within the national herd towards more docile cattle. Weak but favourable genetic correlations between docility score and the production traits indicates that docility score is largely independent of these traits and that selection to improve temperament can occur without having an adverse effect on growth, fat, muscle and reproduction.
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12
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Vargas G, Neves HHR, Cardoso V, Munari DP, Carvalheiro R. Genetic analysis of feet and leg conformation traits in Nelore cattle. J Anim Sci 2017; 95:2379-2384. [PMID: 28727035 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016.1327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Feet and leg conformation scores are important traits in beef cattle because they encompass a wide range of locomotion disorders that can lead to productive and reproductive losses. Thus, the study of feet and legs in beef cattle is essential for evaluating possible responses to selection focusing on minimizing economic losses caused by the occurrence of feet and leg problems. The aim of this study was to estimate variance components for feet and leg conformation traits in Nelore cattle. The data set contained records of approximately 300,000 animals that were born between 2000 and 2013. These animals belonged to the commercial beef cattle breeding program of the CRV Lagoa (). Feet and legs were evaluated by assigning visual scores at 2 different time points: feet and leg evaluated as a binary trait (FL1), measured at yearling (about 550 d of age) to identify whether (or not) an animal has feet and leg defects, and feet and leg score (FL2), ranging from 1 (less desirable) to 5 (more desirable) was assigned to the top 20% of animals according to the selection index adopted by the beef cattle breeding program, which was measured 2 to 5 mo after the yearling evaluation. The FL1 and FL2 traits were analyzed together with yearling weight (YW). The (co)variance components and breeding values were estimated by Bayesian inference using 2-trait animal models. The posterior means (standard errors) of the heritabilities for FL1, FL2, and YW were 0.18 (0.04), 0.39 (0.07), and 0.47 (0.01), respectively. The results indicate that the incidence of feet and leg problems in this population might be reduced by selection. The genetic correlation between FL1 and FL2 (-0.47) was moderate and negative as expected because the classification score that holds up each trait has opposite numerical values. The genetic trends estimated for FL1 and FL2 (-0.042 and 0.021 genetic standard deviations per year, respectively) were favorable and they indicate that the independent culling strategy for feet and leg problems promotes favorable changes and contributes to the genetic progress of these traits in the population under study.
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13
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Vallée A, Breider I, van Arendonk JAM, Bovenhuis H. Genetic parameters for large-scale behavior traits and type traits in Charolais beef cows. J Anim Sci 2016; 93:4277-84. [PMID: 26440327 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-9292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, beef cattle breeding mainly focused on improving production and reproduction traits. Nowadays, there is a growing interest to include behavior and type traits in the breeding goal. There is an interest in behavior as it is associated with human safety and workability and in type traits as they might be associated with longevity of cows. The objective of the current study was to estimate the heritability for behavior and type traits in Charolais and to estimate the genetic correlations among these traits. Behavior traits, including aggressiveness at parturition, aggressiveness during gestation period, and maternal care, were scored by farmers using an on-farm recording system to enable large-scale collection of phenotypes. Type traits, including udder traits ( = 3), teat traits (3), feet and leg traits (5), and locomotion (1), were scored by 10 trained classifiers. Data was available on 6,649 cows in parity 1 to 12 and located in 380 herds. Results showed that differences between herds explained up to 23% of the total phenotypic variance in behavior traits. This might be due to differences in management or to consistent differences in scoring between farmers. Aggressiveness at parturition had higher heritability (0.19) and higher genetic coefficient of variation (CV = 11%) than aggressiveness during gestation ( = 0.06 and CV = 4%) and maternal care ( = 0.02 and CV = 2%). Heritabilities for udder traits (0.14 to 0.20) and teat traits (0.17 to 0.35) were higher than for feet and leg traits (0.02 to 0.19). Genetic coefficients of variation for udder and teat traits were also higher (up to 21%) than for feet and leg traits (up to 11%). Strong genetic correlations were found between behavior traits (with absolute values from 0.71 to 0.98). The genetic correlations indicate that it is difficulty to simultaneously improve maternal care and reduce aggressiveness. We concluded that there are good opportunities to implement selection for improved udder and teat traits and against aggressiveness at parturition using a simple on-farm recording system of behavior.
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