Genetics of fear in ruminant livestock

Abstract

We provide first an overview of studies on ruminant livestock that emphasises an inter-individual variability and a relative intra-individual consistency in fear responsiveness. Then, we provide evidence that genetic factors underlie fear responsiveness. We discuss problems that may hinder the genetic evaluation and the application of fearfulness traits for genetic selection in livestock. These problems include the absence of validation in experimental designs, the complexity of fear-related responses, and the interaction between genetic factors and environmental influences that limit the consistency in fear-related responses. Some possible welfare consequences of current selection programs are also considered. Finally, we discuss the possibility for including fear criteria in current selection programs and consider how such approaches may have considerable promise in ruminant livestock. More particularly, we outline current knowledge about how genes control fearfulness. Even if fear-related responses in ruminant livestock are complex, the capacity to select on fear-related criteria or even perhaps on genes that confer fearfulness traits has the potential to significantly enhance our ability to optimise livestock for their production environment and reduce the potential for compromise to their welfare.