Genetic relationships between measures of temperament in Australian and French Limousin cattle

Abstract

Docile cattle are preferred by beef cattle breeders for ease of handling and management. Genetic correlations between temperament and meat quality traits in tropically adapted breeds indicate that more docile animals have more tender meat (Kadel et al., 2006). An EBV for docility was first introduced for Australian Limousin in 2000 and genetic progress has been made. Many Australian Limousin calves are sired by imported bulls, mainly from France, USA, Canada and UK. While animals in individual and progeny test stations in France have temperament records, currently an EBV for docility is not available. French AI sires account for a significant number of calves registered each year in Australia (8% in 2004), thus future genetic improvement in Australian Limousin for docility could be boosted by the documentation of genetic merit for docility in France. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic relationships between measures of docility in Australia and France.