Temperament Affects Rangeland Use Patterns and Reproductive Performance of Beef Cows

Abstract

On the Ground • The American beef industry is paying more attention to cattle temperament, but studies examining relationships between temperaments and grazing behavior or animal performance on rangelands are limited. • We studied range beef cow temperaments using the behavioral syndromes framework. Cows classified into behavioral type groups on the basis of a suite of correlated behaviors showed contrasting rangeland use patterns and different reproductive efficiency. These differences resulted in temperament-related culling rates over time. • We argue that the behavioral syndromes conceptual framework could be a valuable tool to advance current understanding about how cattle temperaments are related to grazing patterns and animal performance on rangeland.

The Use of Traditional Fear Tests to Evaluate Different Emotional Circuits in Cattle

“…. Cows that spent more time exploring and explored a larger portion of the range (e.g., stronger activation of SEEKING) ate quicker while in confinement, had calves with heavier weaning weights, higher cortisol concentrations during confinement, and shorter postpartum intervals to estrus 29 . Therefore, the SEEKING system can have production and welfare implications.…”

My Reflections on Understanding Animal Emotions for Improving the Life of Animals in Zoos

“…Both the animal's genetics and his or her previous experiences have an effect on behavior (Grandin, 1997;Grandin & Shively, 2015). Research with global positioning system collars has shown that some cattle are more active grazers and will walk farther than others (Goodman, Cibils, & Weley, et al, 2016). Researchers called them "go getters" and "laid-back" types of grazing patterns (Goodman et al, 2016).…”

“…Research with global positioning system collars has shown that some cattle are more active grazers and will walk farther than others (Goodman, Cibils, & Weley, et al, 2016). Researchers called them "go getters" and "laid-back" types of grazing patterns (Goodman et al, 2016). It is likely that the "go getters" are high in the seek emotion.…”

Drivers of grazing livestock efficiency: how physiology, metabolism, experience and adaptability influence productivity

“…These authors reported that cows belonging to the 'go-getter' behavioral type weaned a heavier calf, achieved BW nadir after calving 25 d sooner, and had a resumption of estrus 18 d sooner than their 'laid back' counterparts. Over a 7 yr period, Goodman et al (2016) retrospectively analyzed culling rates of the two behavioral types and reported that the population of the herd at the Corona Range and Livestock Research Center shifted toward a population composed of 'go-getters' (Fig. 1).…”

“…Cumulative culling rate for range beef cows at the Corona Range and Livestock Research Center, Corona, NM classified into two behavioral types, 'go-getters' or 'laid back'. Adapted fromGoodman et al (2016).…”