Quantitative genetic analyses for dairy cow behavior traits and traits reflecting human-animal-technic interactions

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SantosLaura_2018_04_26.pdf (1.77 MB)

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2017

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http://dx.doi.org/10.22029/jlupub-16733

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to carry out a quantitative genetic analysis for traits reflecting dairy cow behavior, as well as for traits reflecting animal-technic and human- animal interactions. In the first research study (Chapter 3), (co)variance components were estimated on the basis of already recorded traits from routine performance testing and voluntary cow traffic. The focus of the analysis was on average milk flow (AMF), since this trait partly reflects the human-animal-relationship in the milking parlor and also stress responses at a hormonal level. Due to the moderate heritabilities, we propose to systematically integrate the AMF trait into total breeding values for dairy cattle and to specific select towards AMF. Based on antagonistic relationships between AMF and milk content, as well as between AMF and udder health, no trait maximization, but a trait optimization with an intermediate optimum for this trait would be desirable. In a second scientific study (Chapter 4), the impact of the milking technique on the individual animal and the reaction of the animal on the technique were investigated. With the use of objectively recorded and longitudinal data from automatic milking systems (AMS), auxiliary traits that reflect animal behavior in the milking system were defined, free from subjective impressions of classifiers. On grounds of the results of this study, there is an apparent possibility to breed cows for AMS systems based on AMS data, though it is imperative to have further validation based on larger datasets.In Chapter 5, genetic (co)variance components were estimated for behavioral traits intended to assess dairy cow´s responsiveness towards humans. A moderate heritability was estimated for the avoidance distance (AD). The positive estimated breeding value (EBV) correlation between AD and SCS reinforced the concept that breeding towards less fearful animals would have a positive impact on the animals´ health. Although behavior traits depend, to a large extent, on the environment and management factors, the genetic component seems to play an important role. These results support the idea of including behavior traits that reflect the human-animal-relationship into breeding strategies.A general discussion about the results and the applied statistical models from the previous chapters are given in Chapter 6. Additionally, some concerns and outlooks regarding behavior traits and traits reflecting human-animal-interactions and their inclusion in animal breeding strategies are discussed.

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