1
|
Lasserre B, Ducreux B, Chassier M, Joly L, Cacheux P, Le Morzadec T, Dayde-Fonda S, Gilbert C. Testing and characterization of herding dogs' behaviors. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae157. [PMID: 38902885 PMCID: PMC11222981 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Breeding for phenotype in herding dogs (HDs) mainly relies on their performance in national field trial competitions, which has been shown to be inadequate for identifying HDs suited for real livestock farming conditions. In this study, a different field trial with a new scoring system consisting of 28 items to consider was designed to assess young HDs, the results of which culminated in a statement of adequate phenotype (AP) or non-adequate phenotype (NAP). An AP HD was defined as being able: to control the direction of a flock, to keep it grouped close to a handler when needed, to confront animals it is dealing with in a respectful manner, and able to create movement of the flock without excessive disturbance, threatening or attacking it through chasing, or uncontrolled biting. This innovative trial is composed of a pre-test (PT) and a test (T) phase. To evaluate its efficiency in detecting AP/NAP, 460 French Border Collies aged between 8 and 24 mo, underwent the trial. Its average duration (PT + T) was 3 min and 16 s (SD = 26 s). According to experts' assessments (Gold Standard), 16.5% of tested HD reached an AP score, and the Idele scoring system correctly identified 93.3% of them (sensitivity). Specificity and accuracy values were of 96.1% and 95.7%, respectively (P value < 0.0004). Recursive feature elimination identified 25 of the 118 features (categories of items) from the scoring system as significant predictors of AP/NAP. An AP HD was statistically defined as a dog who completed the PT and T phases, showed keenness, correct position in relation to the handler, and absence of prey drive. Four environmental effects significantly influenced AP/NAP: the field trial session, the owner's experience with HDs, the conditions of the HD's first contact with livestock, and the type of livestock with which the HD is accustomed to working (P-values <0.0005, <0.05, <0.05, and <0.007, respectively). Inter-evaluator agreement was substantial (0.70). The field trial proved to be a short, easily implemented, standardized, reproducible method for detecting AP/NAP. Hence, the field trial and its scoring system could provide a basis for a breeding program based on phenotype pending additional testing of HDs and genetic analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Lasserre
- Department of Genetics, Institut de l’Elevage, Lyon 69007, France
| | - Barbara Ducreux
- Department of Genetics, Institut de l’Elevage, Lyon 69007, France
| | | | - Louise Joly
- Department of Genetics, Institut de l’Elevage, Lyon 69007, France
| | - Pascal Cacheux
- Department of Genetics, Institut de l’Elevage, Lyon 69007, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sarviaho K, Uimari P. Heritability of the elk hunting traits in the Finnish Jämthund population. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2023.2168742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katri Sarviaho
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Uimari
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pallotti S, Riganelli S, Antonini S, Valbonesi A, Renieri C. Estimates of non-genetic effects for measures of hunting performance in short-haired and rough-haired Italian hound. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2020.1748526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pallotti
- Scuola di Scienze del Farmaco e dei Prodotti della Salute, Università di Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Stefania Riganelli
- Scuola di Scienze del Farmaco e dei Prodotti della Salute, Università di Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Stefano Antonini
- Scuola di Scienze del Farmaco e dei Prodotti della Salute, Università di Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Alessandro Valbonesi
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Carlo Renieri
- Scuola di Scienze del Farmaco e dei Prodotti della Salute, Università di Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wetten M, Aasmundstad T, Vangen O. Genetic analyses of hunting traits in leashed and non-leashed test systems in Norwegian Elkhound. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2018.1493137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - T. Aasmundstad
- NORSVIN, Hamar, Norway
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
| | - O. Vangen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Population structure, inbreeding trend and their association with hip and elbow dysplasia in dogs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s1357729800058197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe aims of this study were to examine population structure and inbreeding trend in six dog breeds in Finland and to assess the inbreeding depression for hip and elbow dysplasia. Data consisted of 289 569 dogs, of which 36 924 dogs also had a record for hip and/or elbow dysplasia screening. From the early 1980s onwards, inbreeding trends were decreasing in the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever, the Rough Collie and the Rottweiler, probably as a result of importations of dogs, and somewhat increasing in the Finnish Hound and the German Shepherd. When analysed per generation, observed mean inbreeding coefficients were higher than the expected ones in each breed, indicating that breeders have not actively avoided inbreeding. As a class effect, the inbreeding level was significant only for hip dysplasia in the Labrador Retriever and the German Shepherd breeds. As a regression, inbreeding level of a dog had only a minor effect on both of the dysplasias. Hip dysplasia in the Labrador Retriever appeared to be more influenced by longer term aggregation of homozygosity (long-term inbreeding) in animals than by shorter-term inbreeding. When analysed from two data sets with a minimum of five and two ancestral generations for each dog in the data, a statistically significant association between hip dysplasia and inbreeding for the Labrador Retriever could be detected only in the former data set.
Collapse
|
6
|
Storteig Horn S, Steinheim G, Fjerdingby Olsen H, Gjerjordet HF, Klemetsdal G. Genetic analyses of herding traits in the Border Collie using sheepdog trial data. J Anim Breed Genet 2016; 134:144-151. [PMID: 27488613 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12234] [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: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of the data provided from sheepdog trials in Norway, estimate heritabilities, repeatabilities and genetic correlations for the traits included in the trial and make recommendations on how sheepdog trials best can be utilized in the breeding of Border Collies in Norway. The analyses were based on test results from sheepdog trials carried out in Norway from 1993 to 2012. A total of 45 732 records from 3841 Border Collies were available, but after quality assurance only a third was left. The results demonstrated little information in the data. Heritabilities varied between 0.010 and 0.056 with standard errors ranging from 0.010 to 0.023, while repeatabilities ranged from 0.041 to 0.286. There is a need to assure the quality of data to improve the information in the test results. We recommend adding new traits based on the Herding Trait Characterization scheme evaluated in Sweden, and on traits from the predatory motor pattern, regarded as common for all dogs. These new traits may be scored across the elements that make up the current trial system, which should be kept in place to stimulate participation in the genetic evaluation scheme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Storteig Horn
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - G Steinheim
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - H Fjerdingby Olsen
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - H F Gjerjordet
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - G Klemetsdal
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Riganelli S, Antonini S, Gubbiotti M, De Cosmo A, Valbonesi A, Renieri C. Non-genetic factors affecting hunting ability in Italian Maremma scent hound. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2016.1204254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Riganelli
- Scuola del Farmaco e dei Prodotti della Salute, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Stefano Antonini
- Scuola del Farmaco e dei Prodotti della Salute, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Attilio De Cosmo
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Valbonesi
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Carlo Renieri
- Scuola del Farmaco e dei Prodotti della Salute, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
Overall KL, Tiira K, Broach D, Bryant D. Genetics and behavior: a guide for practitioners. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2014; 44:483-505. [PMID: 24766696 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Phenotyping behavior is difficult, partly because behavior is almost always influenced by environment. Using objective terms/criteria to evaluate behaviors is best; the more objective the assessment, the more likely underlying genetic patterns will be identified. Behavioral pathologies, and highly desirable behavioral characteristics/traits, are likely complex, meaning that multiple genes are probably involved, and therefore simple genetic tests are less possible. Breeds can be improved using traditional quantitative genetic methods; unfortunately, this also creates the possibility of inadvertently selecting for covarying undesirable behaviors. Patterns of behaviors within families and breed lines are still the best guidelines for genetic counseling in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katriina Tiira
- Canine Genomics Research Group, Research Program's Unit, Molecular Neurology, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Desiree Broach
- JBSA-Lackland, 1219 Knight Street, San Antonio, TX 78236, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
van Rooy D, Arnott ER, Early JB, McGreevy P, Wade CM. Holding back the genes: limitations of research into canine behavioural genetics. Canine Genet Epidemiol 2014; 1:7. [PMID: 26401324 PMCID: PMC4579367 DOI: 10.1186/2052-6687-1-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine behaviours that are both desirable and undesirable to owners have a demonstrable genetic component. Some behaviours are breed-specific, such as the livestock guarding by maremmas and flank sucking seen in Dobermanns. While the identification of genes responsible for common canine diseases is rapidly advancing, those genes underlying behaviours remain elusive. The challenges of accurately defining and measuring behavioural phenotypes remain an obstacle, and the use of variable phenotyping methods has prevented meta-analysis of behavioural studies. International standardised testing protocols and terminology in canine behavioural evaluations should facilitate selection against behavioural disorders in the modern dog and optimise breeding success and performance in working dogs. This review examines the common hurdles faced by researchers of behavioural genetics and the current state of knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane van Rooy
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Elizabeth R Arnott
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Jonathan B Early
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Paul McGreevy
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Claire M Wade
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Arvelius P, Klemetsdal G. How Swedish breeders can substantially increase the genetic gain for the English Setter's hunting traits. J Anim Breed Genet 2013; 130:142-53. [PMID: 23496015 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In both Sweden (Swe) and Norway (Nor), the English Setter is used for hunting. Similar field trials are arranged to give breeders information on the dogs' hunting abilities. Our main objective was to study if a joint Swe-Nor genetic evaluation can improve accuracy compared with estimation of breeding values on a national level only. Genetic parameters for six hunting traits were estimated in univariate (within country) and bivariate (across country, of equivalent traits between countries and joint pedigree) analyses utilizing 3620 Swe records from 685 dogs and 94,414 Nor records from 7175 dogs. A mixed linear animal model was used, including fixed effects of sex, type of trial, year, month and interaction between age and class of trial, and random effects of animal, permanent environment, judge and residual. Heritabilities ranged from 0.07 to 0.13 for Swe and from 0.08 to 0.18 for Nor. The accuracies were higher in the bivariate analyses, especially for dogs with Swe trial results with an average increase of 19%. If comparing selection based on a joint genetic evaluation over phenotypic results alone (which is today's method), the potential genetic gain in Swe was almost doubled. Our results suggest that a joint genetic evaluation is especially advantageous for a population with limited information, such as the English Setter population in Swe. However, it should also be beneficial for Norwegian breeders because it makes it easier for them to select Swedish dogs, potentially resulting in faster genetic gain and lowered inbreeding rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Arvelius
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Measuring herding behavior in Border collie—effect of protocol structure on usefulness for selection. J Vet Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
13
|
|
14
|
van Arendonk JAM, Liinamo AE. Animal breeding and genomics: Perspectives for dog breeding. Vet J 2005; 170:3-5. [PMID: 15982911 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
15
|
The effect of breeding schemes on the genetic response of canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, behaviour traits and appearance. Anim Welf 2005. [DOI: 10.1017/s0962728600029110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AbstractCurrent dog breeding programmes must be changed if genetic improvement in health and behaviour traits is to be achieved. A computer simulation programme was used to assess the possible genetic improvement in hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED) and behaviour (BE) traits in a dog population whilst simultaneously selecting for appearance (AP). The structure of the Finnish Rottweiler population was used in the simulation. Over a ten-year period (1989–1998), the realised genetic response to selection in the Finnish Rottweiler population was 0.03 genetic standard deviations (SD) for both HD and ED. The relative selection index weights were iterated in the simulation, accordingly, as 0.4 for both traits. In the current breeding strategies, AP dominates other traits. Present index weights for BE and AP were therefore assumed to be 0.5 and 2.0, respectively. With these assumed current index weights, using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) breeding values, neither an increase in the number of breeding candidates nor an increase in the number of screened relatives of the candidates resulted in further genetic response for HD, ED or BE. The desired genetic responses for HD, ED and BE over a period of 10 years could only be attained by changing the relative selection index weights dramatically in favour of these traits. As long as the index weights clearly favoured HD, ED and BE, the increase in the number of breeding candidates, ie in the number of screened dogs, resulted in a further response in these traits. To preserve desired behaviour and to improve health in dog breeds, systematic breeding programmes favouring these traits should be developed, and a greater number of dogs should be screened for health and behaviour. Breeders should stop breeding exhaustively for appearance and place more emphasis on health and behaviour traits.
Collapse
|
16
|
Lindberg S, Strandberg E, Swenson L. Genetic analysis of hunting behaviour in Swedish Flatcoated Retrievers. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2004.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
17
|
Brenøe UT, Larsgard AG, Johannessen KR, Uldal SH. Estimates of genetic parameters for hunting performance traits in three breeds of gun hunting dogs in Norway. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1591(02)00050-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
18
|
Some Practical Solutions to Welfare Problems in Dog Breeding. Anim Welf 1999. [DOI: 10.1017/s0962728600021965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThis paper reviews the history of the establishment of dog breeds, summarizes current health and resultant welfare problems and makes some positive suggestions for their resolution. Some breed standards and selection practices run counter to the welfare interests of dogs, to the extent that some breeds are characterized by traits that may be difficult to defend on welfare grounds. Meanwhile, little selection pressure seems to be exerted on some traits that would improve animal welfare and produce dogs better suited to modern society. Unfortunately, the incidence of certain inherited defects in some breeds is unacceptably high, while the number of registered animals of certain breeds within some countries is so low as to make it almost impossible for breeders to avoid mating close relatives. There are several constructive ways to overcome these challenges. Breed associations can ensure that reduction of welfare problems is one of their major aims; they can review breed standards; they can embrace modern technology for animal identification and pedigree checking; they can allow the introduction of ‘new ‘ genetic material into closed stud-books; and they can encourage collaboration with geneticists in identifying and using DNA markers for the control of inherited disorders. There should be a concerted effort to produce and evaluate as companion animals first-cross (F1) hybrids from matings between various pairs of breeds. Finally, geneticists must learn to communicate their science better and in a language that non-geneticists can understand.
Collapse
|