Aspects of behavioural genetics in cattle 2nd communication

作者：Brade Wilfried^*; Brade Edwin

来源：Berichte uber Landwirtschaft, 2017, 95(1).

A selection for behavioural traits has been practised since man tamed the aurochs. Compared with other areas of breeding (evaluation and selection with regard to milk yield traits, conformation traits etc.), however, only relatively little work is done on behavioural genetics in cattle.
The reason for this is: behavioural traits are often difficult to measure accurately and the associated observed values often do not follow a normal distribution. In addition, cattle are kept in herds which are structured by the owner of the livestock, and thus learning from members of the herd regularly has an effect on the genetic components.
The present study aims to provide an overview of more recent findings on the behavioural genetics of cattle. The focus is primarily on genetic aspects of feeding, reproductive and social behaviour, and on temperament. In selected functional cycles, behavioural changes can be supported by a further increase in the yield of highly productive cows. When all other variables are constant, the increased energy needs and nutritional requirements of the high-yield cows lead to the high-yield animals taking comparatively longer to feed than lower-yield animals. Thus, the high-yield cow has less time to rest. This conflict situation is likely to be exacerbated by a further intensive selection for a higher milk yield. Thus, the daily amount of time available for particular behaviours at a stock level (high-yield dairy cows) could be a valuable management tool in the future for detecting the risk of a 'fatigue syndrome' and thus for assessing the well-being of high-yield dairy cows in practice.
Livestock management systems always represent a compromise between different requirements. Animal welfare, and thus the well-being of the animals, is becoming increasingly important for the acceptance of livestock farming in society. The consumer must recognise that animal-friendly livestock management methods cannot be had at "zero cost". The creation of transparency and thus the verifiability of the livestock management act as a guide for the consumer.
The establishment of a consensus between the farmer, the vet and the consumer about the livestock management method to be applied demonstrably leads to a stabilisation of the market share and the standing of the farmers who use animal-friendly livestock management systems.

• 出版日期2017-5