GNSS monitoring of temperament variations in cattle

Abstract

Research on the measurement of temperament in beef cattle is becoming increasingly popular. Phillips (2002) described temperament as "a major parameter in the 'personality' or mood of cattle in relation to their reaction to man". Some studies have shown that animals with 'poor' temperament have lower weight gain than calmer animals under both pasture and feedlot conditions. Furthermore, there is some evidence that 'good' temperament in cattle is genetically correlated with better meat quality (improved tenderness) and less carcass bruising. Temperament therefore, may have value as a predictor of growth and meat quality in beef cattle and could be integrated in the selection criteria for superior animals for breeding. However, while yard tests may predict temperament in cattle, a criticism of the tests is that they measure agitation and fear in response to human handling and yard experiences. One concern therefore, is that these temperament characteristics may not be relevant to production capability of cattle in the paddock. This experiment aimed to compare the effects of temperament, determined in yard tests, on cattle behaviour in the paddock. Behaviour was measured using two remote sensing devices (GNSS neck collars and a motion sensor attached to the rear leg) and direct observation. The effect of wearing the sensing devices on behaviour was assessed by comparing behaviour of animals with and without the devices over 6 weeks.