Genetics And The Behavior Of Domestic Animals

Behavior is shaped by both genetics and experience--nature and nurture. This book synthesizes research from behavioral genetics and animal and veterinary science, bridging the gap between these fields. The objective is to show that principles of behavioral genetics have practical applications to agricultural and companion animals. The continuing domestication of animals is a complex process whose myriad impacts on animal behavior are commonly under-appreciated. Genetic factors play a significant role in both species-specific behaviors and behavioral differences exhibited by individuals in the same species. Leading authorities explore the impact of increased intensities of selection on domestic animal behavior. Rodents, cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, herding and guard dogs, and poultry are all included in these discussions of genetics and behavior, making this book useful to veterinarians, livestock producers, laboratory animal researchers and technicians, animal trainers and breeders, and any researcher interested in animal behavior. Includes four new chapters on dog and fox behavior, pig behavior, the effects of domestication and horse behavior Synthesizes research from behavioral genetics, animal science, and veterinary literature Broaches fields of behavior genetics and behavioral research Includes practical applications of principles discovered by behavioral genetics researchers Covers many species ranging from pigs, dogs, foxes, rodents, cattle, horses, and cats

Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals, Third Edition offers the latest and most valuable information on animal science and behavioral genetics, carrying on the book’s legacy since its original publication in 1998. This book synthesizes research from behavioral genetics and animal and veterinary science, bridging the gap between these fields. The objective is to show that principles of behavioral genetics have practical applications to agricultural and companion animals. The continuing domestication of animals is a complex process whose myriad impacts on animal behavior are commonly under-appreciated. Genetic factors play a significant role in both species-specific behaviors and behavioral differences exhibited by individuals in the same species. Leading authorities explore the impact of increased intensities of selection on domestic animal behavior. Rodents, cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, herding and guard dogs, and poultry are all included in these discussions of genetics and behavior, making this book useful to veterinarians, livestock producers, laboratory animal researchers and technicians, animal trainers and breeders, and any researcher interested in animal behavior. Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals, Third Edition is the most valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in animal and veterinary science, animal behavior, genetics, ethology, and similar fields. Advanced undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines will also benefit from the global expertise featured in this newest edition. Provides full and thorough updates to all chapters, ensuring dissemination of the latest data and research Synthesizes research from behavioral genetics, animal science, and veterinary literature Broaches fields of behavior genetics and behavioral research Includes practical applications of principles discovered by behavioral genetics researchers Covers many species ranging from pigs, dogs, foxes, rodents, cattle, horses, and cats

The partnership between humans and domestic animals is natural. The human brain is hard-wired to emotionally respond to animals. Beginning with the domestication of wolves, this chapter covers the process of domestication and reviews the early work of behaviorists and ethologists who refused to accept emotional states in animals. Modern behavior research employs methods developed by behaviorists and ethologists combined with neuroscience and genetics. Emotional systems in the brain drive behavior. Confusion between different emotional systems may explain conflicting findings in the behavior literature. Behavior in an open-field test may be motivated either by fear, separation distress, or novelty seeking. Each emotion is controlled by separate subcorticol systems. A novel open-field arena can frighten a prey species, but it may activate seeking in a predator. Genetics affects the strength of fear, novelty seeking, and separation distress. Behavior is shaped by a complex interaction between genetics and experience.

Different tests have been developed for evaluating the temperament of cattle, pigs, and sheep and some studies appear to have conflicting results. This may be due to confusion between the basic emotional systems of fear and separation distress (panic). Methods used for temperament tests can alter results such as how tightly an animal is restrained in a squeeze chute during temperament evaluation. Animals with a more reactive (fearful) temperament will exhibit greater agitated behavioral reactions when suddenly confronted with novel objects. Animals can be habituated to new things but learning is very specific. Habituation to one type of strange object may not transfer to other types of objects. Animals with smaller-diameter leg bones and slender bodies may be more reactive (fearful). Facial hair whorl position is related to a vigilant temperament and it may be more evident in populations with more diverse genetic backgrounds.

In this chapter, we begin by defining domestication as a genetic process, whereby animals change phenotypically and genetically as a response to living under human supervision. This has caused a convergent set of phenotypic modifications across numerous different species, through a combination of relaxed natural selection, increased human selection, and correlated responses. The genetic mechanisms underlying these processes are discussed in addition to genetic drift and inbreeding. The driving types of mutations are dealt with, as is the way in which genes are organized in the genome to give rise to a specific genetic architecture facilitating selection responses. The different methods used to discover genes and mutations are divided into either top-down approaches, where one starts with the phenotype and uses mapping methods to find the causative genes, or bottom-up, where the genetic polymorphism is the starting point and the phenotype the desired response variable. A number of examples of single genes and mutations that have been coupled to behavioral variation are given, among them genes showing pleiotropic effects on pigmentation, and genes involved in regulation of the effects of neuropeptides. Finally, the relatively novel area of behavioral epigenetics is examined, in particular with its possible relation to domestication effects.

In order to understand and manage animals in their natural or captive environments we must first understand why animals do what they do and recognize limitations in their ability to adapt to different environments. Drawing on the author's considerable experience in both teaching and research, this introductory-level textbook describes the basic principles underlying animal behavior and how those concepts can be used in managing the care of domestic and captive wild animals, covering four key themes: development of behavior, biological rhythms, social behavior and behavioral aspects of animal management. Extensively illustrated with many practical examples and over 150 photos and figures, the book will be essential reading for animal science and veterinary students.

The domestic dog has many phenotypic and behavioral forms. In this chapter we describe five different kinds of dogs and how each has been derived. We trace the background village dog adapting to the age of agriculture, with the coincident transformation of human behavior to permanent settlement. Over centuries, this village dog has changed, adapting to its different geographies and to local agricultural activities. In tandem, people began sorting through the village populations for dogs with appropriate behaviors, and these eventually became the founding stock for breeding programs. In recent centuries, samples of these working and hunting breeds have been collected by kennel clubs, and sexually isolated, becoming at best historic representations of the working or hunting breeds. More commonly they are used as pets, or household dogs, sometimes with sport competitions in the show or agility ringl

Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists, Sixth Edition is a fully updated revision of this popular, classic text offering a thorough understanding of the normal behavior of domestic animals. Provides a complete understanding of the normal behavior of domestic animals Covers dogs, cats, horses, pigs, sheep, cattle, and goats Describes all key aspects of animal behavior, with images to support the concepts Revised and updated to cover the latest thinking, with enhanced coverage of behavioral genetics, animal cognition, and learning Includes access to a companion website with review questions and answers and the figures from the book in PowerPoint