Estimating genetic variability in temperamental traits in German Angus and Simmental cattle

Abstract

Behavioural traits related to temperament were studied and the genetic variability estimated in German Angus (Aberdeen Angus×German dual purpose breeds) and Simmental cattle. Temperament was defined as the behavioural response of the animal to handling. Five progeny groups of both breeds (Simmental cattle, n=206; German Angus cattle, n=249) were tested in 2 consecutive years, 2 and 3 weeks after weaning. The animals were tested individually with a combination of a non-restrained and a restrained test. Each animal was separated from a group of 10 (separation yard, 100 m 2) into a smaller area then confined in a corner of the restraint yard (25 m 2). Behaviour was recorded and temperament scores were given by three different observers. The parameters of separation time, time spent running, number of escapes, aggression, vocalisation and time spent in the corner directed by the handler were recorded. Analysis of variance was performed with a model including breed, year, handler and sex as fixed effects. The model for estimating heritability included the sire as a random effect and sex, year and handler as fixed effects. In both models a regression on the age of the calf was included. The estimated heritability (±S.E.) for the different characteristics of temperament were between 0.0 and 0.61 (±0.17) for German Angus and, 0.0 and 0.59 (±0.41) for Simmental cattle with highest values for temperament scores. These were negatively correlated with daily weight gain. Simmental cattle were more difficult to handle than German Angus when considering the different parameters. The estimated heritability of some behavioural traits open a way of selection for temperament in German Angus and Simmental cattle assuming the high standard errors of the estimated values were caused primarily by the limited number of animals.