Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals

Edited by
  • Temple Grandin, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, U.S.A.
  • Mark Deesing, Livestock Behavior & Facilities Design Consultant Grandin Livestock Handling Systems, Inc. Fort Collins, CO USA

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 often 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.

Audience
Researchers in animal behavior; ethology; genetics; veterinary science; evolutionary, behavioral and ecological biology and ecology; as well as advanced undergraduate / graduate students in these areas

Hardbound, 400 Pages

Published: September 2013

Imprint: Academic Press

ISBN: 978-0-12-394586-0

Reviews

  • "In light of the ongoing debate on 'nature versus nurture' as determinants of behavior, it is somewhat surprising that this is the first book devoted to the role genetics plays in domestic animal behavior. ...this topic has not previously been given the in-depth treatment it receives here. Editor Grandin's stated objective is 'to illustrate that principles discovered by behavioral genetics researchers have practical applications in agricultural and companion animals.' Of particular interest is the final chapter, 'Genetics and Animal Welfare,' which examines the often damaging effects of our efforts to select for certain traits and suggests criteria for determining the ethical limit for genetic selection. A fine work, highly readable and well documented. Extensive bibiographies. Recommended for all academic libraries."
    --CHOICE

Contents

  • Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals, 2e

    Temple Grandin, editor

    Chapter 1. Behavioral Genetics and Animal Science
      Temple Grandin & Mark Deesing

     
    Chapter 2. Behavioral Genetics and the Process of Animal Domestication
      Per Jensen

     
    Chapter 3. Fear and Fearfulness in Determining Behavior
      Alain Boissy

     

    Chapter 4. Genetics and Behavior during Handling, Restraint and Herding

    Temple Grandin & Mark Deesing

     

    Chapter 5. Maternal and Reproductive Behavior of Livestock

      Peter Chenoweth

     

    Chapter 6. Differences in the Behavior of Dog Breeds

      Kathryn Lord, Raymond Coppinger, and Lorna Coppinger

     

    Chapter 7. Genetic Effects on Horse Behavior

    Temple Grandin & Mark Deesing

     

    Chapter 8. Improving the Adaptability of Animals by Selection

      J.M. Faure & A.D. Mills

     

    Chapter 9. Genetics and the Behavior of Chickens: Welfare and Productivity

      William Muir & Heng wei Cheng

     

    Chapter 10. Continuation of the Russian Fox Experiments

      Anna V. Kukekova, Lyudmila N. Trut, Gregory M. Acland, & K. Gordon Lark

     

    Chapter 11. Behavior Genetics Important for Pig Welfare

      Lotta Rydhmer & Laurianne Canerio

     

    Chapter 12: Genetics and Animal Welfare

      Temple Grandin & Mark Deesing

     

     

     

Advertisement

advert image